Guideline summary · Respiratory · 6 min read
Acute asthma in pregnancy
Treat the mother fully: it is the best treatment for the fetus.
Key points
- Assess severity: ability to speak, respiratory rate, pulse, peak flow and SpO₂.
- Give oxygen to keep SpO₂ at 94–98% (95% or higher in many obstetric protocols).
- Start an inhaled short-acting β₂-agonist, repeated or back-to-back as needed.
- Give systemic corticosteroids for moderate or severe attacks; they are safe in pregnancy.
- Monitor the fetus and continue maintenance controller therapy after the attack.
Summary based on BTS/SIGN British guideline on the management of asthma (2019) and GINA 2024. A study aid, not a substitute for the current guideline or local protocols.
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