Asthma and pregnancy: keeping breathing controlled

Do not stop or reduce an asthma medicine solely because you are pregnant. A clinician can check your inhaler technique, treatment plan, triggers and symptom pattern, then adjust care when needed.

Asthma may improve, worsen or remain unchanged during pregnancy. Breathlessness can also occur as the pregnancy progresses, but wheezing, chest tightness, night waking or a persistent cough can indicate that asthma is not well controlled.

Reflux, respiratory infections, smoke, dust and allergens may aggravate breathing. Keeping a record of symptoms, reliever use and night waking helps the maternity and asthma teams recognise a change from your usual pattern.

Follow your written asthma action plan and take preventer and reliever medicines exactly as prescribed. Bring your inhalers to appointments so a clinician can check technique, and tell every healthcare professional caring for you about your asthma.

Reduce exposure to known triggers, avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, and seek advice early if a cold or allergy starts affecting your breathing. Discuss any over-the-counter medicine before taking it during pregnancy.

Contact your clinician promptly if symptoms are increasing, you wake at night, normal activity becomes harder, or your reliever is needed more often than your personal plan allows.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking in full sentences, blue or grey lips, faintness, confusion, marked chest tightness, or symptoms that do not improve after following the emergency steps in your asthma plan. Reduced or changed fetal movement also needs urgent maternity assessment.

Ask whether your current medicines and inhaler technique are appropriate, what changes should trigger a review, and exactly how to follow your action plan during a flare. You can also ask how asthma care will be coordinated during labour, birth and breastfeeding.