Asthma can delay pregnancy and increase the need for fertility treatments in women, but well-controlled asthma does not reduce fertility rates or affect the success of fertility treatments. According to Gram Research analysis of current evidence, poor asthma control during pregnancy significantly increases risks for serious complications including high blood pressure, premature delivery, and fetal growth problems. Continuing asthma medications, including inhaled corticosteroids, throughout pregnancy is safe and protects both mother and baby.
A new review of research shows that asthma, a common lung condition affecting many women of childbearing age, can impact fertility and pregnancy in important ways. According to Gram Research analysis, women with poorly controlled asthma may take longer to get pregnant and are more likely to need fertility treatments. However, the good news is that when asthma is well-managed with proper medications, it doesn’t reduce a woman’s ability to have children. During pregnancy, controlling asthma becomes even more critical, as uncontrolled asthma increases risks for complications like high blood pressure and early delivery. The research emphasizes that the best approach is to optimize asthma control before trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy.
Key Statistics
A 2026 review of research on asthma and female reproductive health found that women with asthma experience longer times to conception and higher rates of infertility compared to women without asthma, though appropriate asthma control does not reduce overall fertility rates.
According to a 2026 review in Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, poor asthma control and asthma attacks during pregnancy are associated with increased risks of hypertensive disorders, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal morbidity.
A 2026 research review found that prenatal vitamin D supplementation showed a reduction in early childhood asthma or recurrent wheeze in pooled analyses of existing studies.
The 2026 review identified perimenstrual asthma, a distinct asthma pattern occurring around menstruation, as being associated with greater disease severity and increased healthcare utilization in women of reproductive age.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How asthma affects women’s ability to get pregnant, their fertility treatments, and their pregnancy outcomes and health
- Who participated: This was a review article that examined existing research on women of reproductive age (roughly ages 15 to 50) with asthma, rather than conducting a new study with participants
- Key finding: Women with uncontrolled asthma experience longer times to conception and higher rates of infertility, but well-controlled asthma does not reduce fertility or affect the success of fertility treatments
- What it means for you: If you have asthma and want to get pregnant, working with your doctor to keep your asthma well-controlled is the most important step you can take. Properly managed asthma should not prevent you from having children, but poor control can complicate both conception and pregnancy
The Research Details
This was a review article, meaning researchers examined and summarized findings from many existing studies rather than conducting their own new experiment. The authors looked at scientific evidence about how asthma and female reproductive health interact with each other. They focused on three main areas: how asthma affects fertility and the time it takes to get pregnant, how asthma impacts pregnancy and birth outcomes, and how certain supplements might help prevent asthma in children born to mothers with asthma.
The review also highlighted a specific type of asthma called perimenstrual asthma, which occurs around the time of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This type appears to be more severe and requires more healthcare visits than asthma that doesn’t follow a monthly pattern.
By reviewing all available research together, the authors could identify patterns and provide practical guidance for women with asthma who are planning to have children or are already pregnant.
Review articles are valuable because they bring together findings from many different studies to give a complete picture of what we know about a topic. In this case, understanding how asthma affects fertility and pregnancy is important because asthma is very common in women of childbearing age, yet many women and doctors may not realize the connection. By summarizing the evidence, this review helps doctors and patients make informed decisions about asthma management during this critical life stage.
This review was published in a respected medical journal focused on endocrinology and reproductive health, which suggests it was peer-reviewed by experts in the field. The authors examined current evidence and provided clear guidance based on what research shows. However, since this is a review rather than a new study, the strength of conclusions depends on the quality of the studies reviewed. The authors were careful to distinguish between what research clearly shows versus what needs more study, which is a sign of careful scientific work.
What the Results Show
The research shows that asthma affects fertility in measurable ways. Women with asthma take longer to become pregnant compared to women without asthma, and they have higher rates of infertility overall. Additionally, women with asthma use fertility treatments at higher rates than women without the condition. However, this doesn’t mean asthma prevents pregnancy: when asthma is properly controlled with medication, fertility rates return to normal, and fertility treatments work just as well as they do for women without asthma.
During pregnancy, asthma control becomes critically important. Poor asthma control and asthma attacks during pregnancy are linked to serious complications for both mother and baby. These complications include high blood pressure during pregnancy, premature delivery (babies born too early), babies that are smaller than expected at birth, and health problems in newborns. The good news is that continuing asthma medications during pregnancy, including inhaled corticosteroids (the standard treatment), is safe and actually protects both mother and baby.
The review also examined whether certain supplements might help. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy showed promise in reducing asthma and wheezing in young children born to mothers who took it. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) showed mixed results, and researchers are still studying whether they truly help.
An important secondary finding involves perimenstrual asthma, a pattern where asthma symptoms worsen around the time of menstruation. This type of asthma tends to be more severe and causes women to seek medical care more often. Understanding this pattern can help women and doctors predict when symptoms might worsen and plan treatment accordingly. The review also emphasized that asthma is a bidirectional relationship with reproductive health, meaning asthma affects reproduction and reproductive changes can affect asthma, creating a complex interaction that requires careful management.
This review builds on decades of research showing that chronic diseases can affect fertility and pregnancy. What’s relatively newer is the recognition that asthma specifically has these effects and that they can be largely prevented through proper disease control. Previous research sometimes suggested asthma medications might harm fertility or pregnancy, but current evidence clearly shows that continuing asthma treatment is safer than stopping it. This represents an important shift in how doctors counsel women with asthma about family planning.
As a review article, this study’s conclusions are only as strong as the individual studies it examined. Some research areas still have gaps: for example, we don’t fully understand all the biological mechanisms explaining why asthma affects fertility, and more research is needed on omega-3 supplementation. The review also notes that most research has focused on women in developed countries, so findings may not apply equally to all populations. Additionally, because asthma severity varies greatly between individuals, the impact on any one woman’s fertility may differ from the general patterns described.
The Bottom Line
Women with asthma who want to get pregnant should work with their doctor to optimize asthma control before conception (strong evidence). Continue taking asthma medications throughout pregnancy as prescribed, including inhaled corticosteroids (strong evidence). Consider vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, as evidence suggests it may reduce asthma in children (moderate evidence). Discuss omega-3 supplementation with your doctor, as evidence is still mixed (weak to moderate evidence). Have regular asthma check-ups during pregnancy to catch and treat any worsening symptoms quickly (strong evidence).
Women of childbearing age with asthma should care about this research, especially those planning pregnancy or currently pregnant. Partners and family members should also understand that asthma control is important for reproductive health. Doctors who care for women with asthma should use this information to counsel patients about family planning. Women without asthma do not need to apply these findings, though they may find the information helpful for understanding friends or family members with asthma.
Optimizing asthma control before conception may take several weeks to a few months, depending on how well your current treatment is working. Once asthma is well-controlled, fertility should improve relatively quickly, though conception itself depends on many factors. During pregnancy, maintaining good asthma control should provide protection against complications throughout all nine months. Benefits of vitamin D supplementation for reducing childhood asthma appear in the first few years of a child’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can asthma prevent me from getting pregnant?
Asthma itself doesn’t prevent pregnancy, but uncontrolled asthma can delay conception and increase the need for fertility treatments. When asthma is well-managed with medication, fertility rates are normal and fertility treatments work just as effectively as for women without asthma.
Is it safe to take asthma medications while trying to conceive or during pregnancy?
Yes, continuing asthma medications during pregnancy is safe and strongly recommended. Inhaled corticosteroids and other guideline-directed asthma treatments protect both mother and baby. Stopping asthma medications poses greater risks than continuing them.
What are the risks of uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy?
Poor asthma control during pregnancy increases risks for high blood pressure, premature delivery, babies that are smaller than expected, and health problems in newborns. These risks can be largely prevented by maintaining good asthma control throughout pregnancy.
Does vitamin D help prevent asthma in babies born to mothers with asthma?
Research shows that prenatal vitamin D supplementation may reduce asthma and wheezing in young children born to mothers who took it during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor whether vitamin D supplementation is appropriate for you.
What is perimenstrual asthma and why does it matter?
Perimenstrual asthma is a pattern where asthma symptoms worsen around the time of menstruation. This type tends to be more severe and requires more medical care. Recognizing this pattern helps women and doctors predict symptom flares and adjust treatment accordingly.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath) and rescue inhaler use on a scale of 0 to 10, along with menstrual cycle dates. This helps identify patterns like perimenstrual asthma and shows whether your asthma control is improving or worsening over time.
- Set a daily reminder to take your asthma controller medication (usually an inhaled corticosteroid) at the same time each day, especially if you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant. Use the app to log when you take it so you can see your adherence pattern and discuss any missed doses with your doctor.
- Create a monthly report showing your asthma control score, medication adherence, and symptom patterns. Share this with your doctor at each visit, especially during pregnancy. If you notice your asthma worsening around your period, flag those dates so your doctor can adjust your treatment plan if needed.
This article summarizes research on asthma and female reproductive health but is not a substitute for medical advice. Women with asthma who are planning pregnancy, currently pregnant, or breastfeeding should discuss their asthma management with their healthcare provider before making any changes to their treatment. Do not stop taking asthma medications without consulting your doctor. Individual circumstances vary, and treatment recommendations should be personalized based on your specific health situation. If you experience severe asthma symptoms or pregnancy complications, seek immediate medical attention.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.