Healthy breathing is vital to a healthy pregnancy!
The checklists below will help maintain asthma control before pregnancy, during and post-partum.
Pre-pregnancy
During pregnancy
Postpartum
Pre-pregnancy
- Make a pre-conception appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your current level of asthma control and ask questions about continuing your current asthma medications once you’re pregnant. Come prepared by downloading our free Asthma Action Plan – this will let you leave with concrete steps to follow in case your asthma symptoms get worse.
- Review your inhaler technique. View our videos or get help from a Certified Respiratory Educator (it’s free!)
- If you smoke or vape, make a plan to quit now.
- Get your flu shot when it becomes available in your region. Infectious respiratory disease like the flu can be very dangerous for pregnant people. Getting the flu shot during pregnancy can also help to protect your newborn child.
- Plan to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccines are considered to be safe for pregnant women.
- Stay active. With well-controlled asthma, you can continue to exercise. Ask your asthma care provider for tips on staying active.
During pregnancy
- Meet with your healthcare provider to discuss your current level of asthma control and review your current medications. Until then, keep taking your medications as prescribed. If you don’t have an Asthma Action Plan yet, use this visit to create one.
- Check in with your healthcare provider throughout your pregnancy.
- Review your inhaler technique. View our videos, or get help from a Certified Respiratory Educator (it’s free!)
- If you still smoke or vape, talk to your pregnancy care provider about safe ways to quit.
- Get your flu shot when it becomes available in your region. Infectious respiratory disease like the flu can be very dangerous for pregnant people. Getting your flu shot while pregnant allows your baby to be born with some protection, too.
- Plan to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccines are considered to be safe for pregnant women
- Be extra mindful of your asthma triggers.
- Stay active. With well-controlled asthma, you can continue to exercise. Your healthcare provider can advise on the activity level best for you.
- As your due date nears, considering refilling your asthma prescriptions so you won’t run out during your first weeks home with your baby.
- Discuss your labour and delivery options with your healthcare provider, including the use of anaesthetics. Asthma flare-ups during labour are very rare, but still be sure to have your inhalers and other medication available in your hospital bag or home birth kit.
Postpartum
- Keep taking your medication as prescribed. Recovering from birth and caring for a newborn comes with new demands on your time and attention. Your usual routines can fade quickly. It’s crucial that you stay on top of your asthma care.
- Check in with your healthcare provider. After a while, you may find adjustments are needed on your Asthma Action Plan or that you’d like to review your current medication.
- Get your flu shot when it becomes available in your region. If you are breastfeeding, you’ll pass the benefits along to your baby, too.
- Plan to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
- For your health and your baby’s, stay smoke- and vape-free.
More information on pregnancy and asthma:
We're here to help!
If you have questions about managing your symptoms during all life’s stages, reach out to our Lung Health Line for free personalized assistance from a Certified Respiratory Educator. Chat online at lunghealth.ca or call toll-free 1-888-344-LUNG (5864).