Albuterol and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know About Safety and Use

When you're pregnant and have asthma, albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist inhaler used to relieve sudden asthma symptoms. Also known as salbutamol, it's one of the most common rescue medications for breathing trouble. Many women panic when they find out they’re pregnant and realize they need to keep using it—but stopping isn’t the answer. Untreated asthma during pregnancy carries far greater risks to both mom and baby than using albuterol as directed. Studies from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the CDC show that well-controlled asthma leads to healthier outcomes, including normal birth weight and fewer preterm deliveries.

inhaled bronchodilators, medications delivered directly to the lungs through an inhaler to open airways like albuterol are preferred over pills or IVs during pregnancy because they minimize how much medicine enters your bloodstream—and even less reaches the fetus. The small amount that does cross the placenta hasn’t been linked to birth defects in large, long-term studies. What matters most is keeping your airways open. If you’re wheezing, coughing, or short of breath, your baby isn’t getting enough oxygen. That’s when albuterol becomes a lifesaver, not a risk. Many OB-GYNs and pulmonologists agree: if you were using albuterol before pregnancy, keep using it. If you’re newly diagnosed, starting it is safer than letting asthma flare up.

It’s not just about the inhaler itself. Managing asthma during pregnancy means watching triggers—like smoke, cold air, or allergens—and having a clear action plan. Some women worry about side effects like a racing heart or shaky hands, but those are temporary and far less dangerous than a severe asthma attack. Your doctor might also recommend a daily controller inhaler, like budesonide, if you’re having symptoms more than twice a week. But for sudden symptoms, albuterol remains the go-to. You don’t need to choose between your health and your baby’s. With the right plan, you can breathe easy—and so can your baby.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice on how to use albuterol safely during pregnancy, what to watch for, and how to avoid common mistakes that could put you or your baby at risk. These posts give you the facts—not fear—so you can make confident decisions.