Pregnancy and Inhalers: Safe Asthma Management During Pregnancy

When you're pregnant and have asthma, your inhalers, portable devices that deliver medication directly to the lungs to control breathing problems. Also known as rescue or maintenance inhalers, they're often the difference between feeling fine and struggling to breathe. Many women worry that using them might harm their baby—but skipping them is far riskier. Uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy increases chances of preterm birth, low birth weight, and even preeclampsia. The truth? Most inhaled medications are safer for your baby than uncontrolled asthma.

The two main types of inhalers used in pregnancy are inhaled corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs that prevent airway swelling and are the first-line long-term control for asthma like budesonide, and short-acting beta-agonists, quick-relief medications that open airways during an asthma attack like albuterol. Studies show budesonide has the most data supporting its safety in pregnancy, and albuterol has been used for decades without evidence of harm. These aren’t guesses—they’re backed by decades of tracking outcomes in thousands of pregnant women.

What you should avoid? Oral steroids like prednisone unless absolutely necessary—they cross the placenta more easily and carry higher risks. Same goes for certain combination inhalers with long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) unless paired with a corticosteroid and prescribed by your doctor. Not all inhalers are created equal, and your provider can help you pick the one with the best safety profile for your stage of pregnancy.

It’s not just about the drug—it’s about control. If you’re coughing at night, waking up short of breath, or needing your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma isn’t under control. That’s when you need to talk to your doctor, not just tough it out. Many women think they should stop all meds during pregnancy, but that’s a myth. The goal isn’t to avoid medicine—it’s to use the right medicine safely.

And yes, you can still use your inhaler during labor and delivery. In fact, many hospitals encourage it. Stopping your asthma meds suddenly can trigger an attack that puts both you and your baby in danger. Your care team knows how to manage this—just make sure they know what you’re using.

If you’re worried about side effects, remember: the medication in your inhaler goes straight to your lungs. Very little enters your bloodstream, and even less reaches your baby. That’s why inhalers are preferred over pills or shots during pregnancy. It’s targeted, it’s low-dose, and it’s proven.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from women who’ve been there—what worked, what didn’t, and how to talk to your doctor without feeling dismissed. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to choose between your health and your baby’s. With the right info, you can breathe easy—literally.