Management of Respiratory Symptoms in Pregnant Women

Non-Pharmacological Management

Adequate hydration and nutrition should be maintained throughout pregnancy to support overall health and immune function 1

For short-term symptomatic relief of cough, peripheral cough suppressants like levodropropizine may be considered for short-term use, and ipratropium bromide is the only recommended inhaled anticholinergic agent for cough suppression 3
Albuterol is the preferred short-acting beta-agonist during pregnancy due to extensive safety data 4
Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred long-term control medications for asthma during pregnancy, with budesonide having the most safety data 2, 4, 5

Monthly evaluations of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function are recommended throughout pregnancy for women with chronic respiratory conditions 4, 5
Inadequate control of respiratory symptoms poses a greater risk to the fetus than the medications used to treat them 6, 4

If symptoms persist, for asthma symptoms, use albuterol as needed and consider inhaled corticosteroids for persistent symptoms 2, 4
Avoid oral decongestants, especially in the first trimester, due to potential associations with cardiac, ear, gut, and limb abnormalities 2

Withholding necessary respiratory medications due to pregnancy concerns, as uncontrolled respiratory symptoms pose greater risks to both mother and fetus 6, 2, 4