Emphysema and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

When you have emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that damages the air sacs in your lungs, making it hard to breathe. Also known as COPD, it doesn’t go away when you get pregnant—but how you manage it can make all the difference. Pregnancy puts extra pressure on your lungs and heart. Your body needs more oxygen, your diaphragm gets pushed up by the growing baby, and breathing becomes harder—even for healthy women. If you already have emphysema, those changes don’t just make things uncomfortable—they can become dangerous if not handled right.

Women with emphysema are more likely to face complications like preterm labor, low birth weight, or preeclampsia. Your lung function may drop faster during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Oxygen levels can dip, and some medications you’ve been using might need adjusting. Not all inhalers or pills are safe when you’re expecting. For example, long-acting bronchodilators like salbutamol (found in Asthalin inhalers) are often considered low-risk, but others—like certain oral steroids—require close monitoring. Your doctor will need to track your respiratory health with regular lung tests, pulse oximetry, and maybe even fetal heart monitoring.

Many women with emphysema have healthy pregnancies—but only if they plan ahead. Quitting smoking is non-negotiable. Staying active with light exercise like walking helps keep your lungs working better. Pulmonary rehab programs tailored for pregnant women can teach breathing techniques that reduce shortness of breath. Nutrition matters too: being underweight or overweight makes breathing harder. You’ll also need to avoid infections like the flu or colds, which can trigger serious flare-ups. Vaccines, handwashing, and staying away from crowds aren’t just good advice—they’re lifesavers.

The posts below cover real-world cases, medication safety during pregnancy, and how other women managed their breathing while carrying a baby. You’ll find comparisons of inhalers, insights on oxygen therapy, and tips for working with your OB and pulmonologist as a team. Whether you’re planning a pregnancy or already in your third trimester, this collection gives you clear, practical steps—not guesses or fear.