HealthInfo Canterbury
Asthma in pregnancy
Mate huangō i te hapūtanga
Asthma can affect pregnant women in different ways. About a third of women with asthma get better during pregnancy, a third stay the same and a third get worse.
It's important to keep treating your asthma well while you're pregnant. This is the best way to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a good outcome for you and your baby. Asthma inhalers will not harm your baby and are safe to use while breastfeeding.
If you stop your treatment, your asthma could get worse. It could also increase the chances of your baby having a low birth weight.
Speak to your GP when you find out that you're pregnant or if you feel your asthma is getting worse. They will advise you on what to do and help you get the best treatment for your asthma.
Signs that your asthma may be getting worse include:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- a persistent dry cough
- tightness in your chest.
See Self-care with asthma to find out more about monitoring your asthma and what you can do to keep it under control. This includes having an asthma management plan and keeping a peak flow diary. It's very important not to smoke when you're pregnant, especially if you have asthma. For more information on stopping smoking, see How to become smokefree.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Asthma Foundation – Managing your asthma
This page includes information for pregnant women at the bottom of the page.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2021.
SourcesReview key: HIHCP-311277
