If you have asthma, it is difficult to predict whether your asthma symptoms will change during pregnancy. Your symptoms may improve, stay the same, or get worse. Here are four things that will help you get through pregnancy and childbirth well.

Asthma in pregnancy

As soon as you know you are pregnant, it is a good idea to consult and seek advice from an asthma specialist. Some things change a bit when you are pregnant: for example, you are more likely to suffer from heartburn, which is a condition in which stomach acid rises up to the throat, which can make asthma worse. In general, however, you can continue to stick to the treatment agreed for asthma.

1) Seeking help with changes or seizures

However, if there are clear signs that something is changing, such as using more asthma medication than usual, you should talk to your doctor right away. This also applies if you cough more often and get bad breath, or feel tight in the chest. Such symptoms could be a sign that the asthma is getting worse and it may be necessary to review and perhaps change the medication dosage. Call your doctor or an ambulance immediately if the following applies:

• You do not have symptoms and the inhaler with you
• You feel worse after using the inhaler

2) Asthma treatments are safe in pregnancy

Most asthma medications are safe in pregnancy and if your asthma is well controlled there is little to no risk to you or your baby. You should continue to use prescribed asthma medications during pregnancy. Unless your asthma gets worse, your treatment can remain exactly as it was before.

Your symptoms may get worse if you stop taking the medication. This can pose a risk to your own health and increase the risk of your baby being low birth weight. It is safe to continue any asthma treatment while breastfeeding. Even when you’re busy with the baby, it’s important not to neglect your own health and keep your asthma under control!

3) Treatment details

There are a number of things you can do to help control your asthma during pregnancy:

• Use of a nebulizer, especially when you have a cough or cold: Discuss the details of using nebulizers during pregnancy with your doctor!
• Avoid smoking! Get tips on how to quit smoking during pregnancy.
• Avoid anything that triggers an allergic reaction, such as animal fur or certain foods.
• Combat hay fever with antihistamines: Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about which antihistamines are safe to take during pregnancy
• Avoid triggers of hay fever, such as mowing the lawn.
• Keep eating healthy.
• Ask your doctor if it makes sense to get vaccinated against the flu.
• Find out about a healthy diet during pregnancy and exercise during pregnancy.

4. Asthma attacks at birth are unlikely

It is very rare for a woman to have an asthma attack during childbirth. If you have asthma symptoms during labor, you can use your inhaler as usual.

Inform the midwife and hospital staff of any allergies you have! Even if you are well, it is very important for your health and that of the baby that you attend all check-up appointments. In the event of certain dangers, such as a rampant infection, the hospitals will ensure your safety during the appointments. Also, note other useful tips on pregnancy and the baby bump.