Which asthma inhaler is safe during pregnancy

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Asthma is a chronic lung condition. If you're pregnant, asthma can have an impact on your health and your baby's health. Find out what you need to know about asthma and pregnancy. If you're effectively treating your asthma and it's well-controlled during pregnancy, there's little or no risk of asthma-related complications. However, severe or poorly controlled asthma during pregnancy might increase the risk of various problems, including:. Asthma is classified into four general categories, from least to most severe.

While pregnancy can cause asthma to worsen, improve or remain unchanged, research suggests that asthma severity during pregnancy is related to asthma severity before pregnancy. Symptoms are more likely to worsen in people with severe asthma. If asthma gets better, the improvement is generally gradual as the pregnancy progresses.

If asthma worsens, the increase in symptoms is most noticeable during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Some women might experience worse asthma signs and symptoms early in pregnancy because they stop taking their medications after becoming pregnant. Any changes you make to your medication routine might also influence the severity of your asthma. Any medication you take during pregnancy can potentially have risks.

Some concerns have been raised about the use of systemic glucocorticoids — a type of steroid — during pregnancy. They have been linked with an increased risk of infant oral clefts, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birth weight and adrenal problems.

However, most asthma medications can be safely used during pregnancy. Also, it's safer to take asthma medications during pregnancy than it is to experience asthma symptoms or an asthma attack. If you're pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure it's safe for you to go to appointments. They will advise you what to do. Page last reviewed: 16 April Next review due: 16 April Home Pregnancy Pregnancy-related conditions Existing health conditions Back to Existing health conditions.

Asthma and pregnancy. How pregnancy affects asthma If you have asthma, it's hard to predict whether your asthma symptoms will be any different in pregnancy. Important See a GP, asthma nurse or specialist as soon as you know you're pregnant for advice on how to manage your asthma. It is crucial that you use your inhaled medicine correctly to get the full dosage and benefits from the medicine.

If you are using a metered dose inhaler, a spacer device is often recommended. This is very important with inhaled steroids. Ask your health care provider to watch your technique with the inhaled medicine to make sure you are using it correctly.

Read about the top 10 inhaler mistakes. The annual flu shot is recommended for pregnant women with asthma. It is given during the second or third trimester. Allergy shots should not be started during pregnancy. However, if you have been receiving allergy shots and have not shown any severe reactions, you may continue them at the same dose. Masks are required for all patients, visitors, employees and staff. Thank you. Make an Appointment. A pregnancy without medicine is not always possible or desirable.

By working closely with your doctor, you will be able to take the least medicine necessary for good asthma control.

The following list reviews medicines that are commonly used during pregnancy: Long-Term Control Medicines Long-term control medicines are used daily to maintain control of asthma and prevent asthma symptoms.