Congratulations!

By planning ahead and making changes now, you are more likely to have a healthy pregnancy. Good asthma control is always important. It is even more important during your pregnancy.

You and Your Provider

Asthma can threaten you and your baby if it is not under control. You are now breathing for two. Make regular visits to your provider for prenatal and asthma care. You and your provider can work together to develop an asthma action plan. This plan will help you manage asthma attacks during pregnancy.

Your Medicine

Discuss with your provider all the medicine you take. This might include, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins and herbs. Especially if you plan to breastfeed your baby, take only medicines your provider has approved.

What Makes Asthma Worse During Pregnancy

• Smoke from cigarettes and fireplaces
• Dust mites in the home
• Animal dander
• Cockroaches
• Pollen
• Mold and mildew
• Strong odors, such as paint, perfumes, and household cleaners
• Colds or the flu
• Exercise
• Mood swings
• Weather changes
• Acid reflux

There are also many hormonal changes during pregnancy. Each person acts differently to these changes. Your asthma may worsen, improve, or stay the same while you are pregnant.

Asthma Control during Labor and Delivery

It is important to continue your long-term control medicine during labor and delivery. Have your quick-relief medicine on hand. Keeping your asthma in control will lessen asthma problems during labor and delivery. Wheezing during labor and delivery is rare. If you choose to use Lamaze breathing methods, you should know that most women with asthma are able to perform these methods without difficulty.