Is Wildfire smoke and poor air quality safe during pregnancy?
Limit smoke exposure: stay inside with an air cleaner, check AirNow, and wear a well-fitting N95 if you must go out.
What the sources say
CDC says people who are pregnant need to be especially careful about breathing wildfire smoke and should get medical help for new or worsening symptoms. Stay inside in a room closed off from outside air with a portable air cleaner or filter, avoid burning candles, incense, gas or wood indoors, and if you must go out wear a tightly fitting N95 or P100. CDC's travel guidance also suggests an N95 when smoke can't be avoided. CDC says mothers may continue to breastfeed after smoke exposure; shower promptly to remove smoke residue.
Also listed as
air pollution, air quality index, aqi, bad air quality, forest fire smoke, haze, smoke from wildfires, smoky air, wildfire smoke
Sources
- CDC: Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke
- CDC: Pregnant Travelers (Yellow Book)
- CDC: Other Environmental Exposures (Breastfeeding)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.