breathing in pregnancy

Overview

Breathing changes are a normal part of pregnancy. Your body needs more oxygen to support your baby, and your growing womb pushes up against your diaphragm (the main muscle you use to breathe). This can make you feel short of breath, even when you are not doing much.

Yes. Most pregnant women notice some breathlessness, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It can happen during everyday activities like walking upstairs or talking while moving.

It can affect anyone during pregnancy, regardless of age or fitness. It is more noticeable if you are having twins, if you are anaemic (low in iron), or if you already have a lung condition such as asthma.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling short of breath when walking, climbing stairs, or exercising
• Feeling out of breath even when resting, especially in later pregnancy
• Faster breathing than usual
• A mild tightness in the chest
• Needing to take deep breaths often

Symptoms in older adults

• Older mothers or those with existing health conditions may notice symptoms sooner and should discuss them with their doctor.

Causes

Main causes

• Hormonal changes: your body produces hormones that make you breathe slightly deeper and faster to increase oxygen levels.
• Growing womb: as your baby grows, your womb pushes up under your lungs, giving your diaphragm less room to move.
• Increased blood volume: your body makes about 40–50% more blood during pregnancy, which also increases your breathing rate.

Risk factors

• Existing asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions
• Anaemia (low iron) or a low blood count
• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• Obesity
• Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
• Heart conditions or high blood pressure

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you develop sudden, severe breathlessness
• If you experience chest pain or cough up blood
• If your face or lips turn blue

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have concerns about your breathing at any point during pregnancy
• If you feel breathless while resting or with light activity most days
• If you have a persistent cough or are wheezing

Diagnosis

A doctor or midwife will ask about your symptoms and how breathless you feel. They will listen to your lungs and may check your heart rate and oxygen levels. Simple tests can usually rule out other causes.

Tests that may be done

• Pulse oximetry – a small sensor on your finger that checks oxygen levels
• Blood tests – to check for anaemia or other problems
• Lung function tests – breathing into a device to measure airflow
• Chest X-ray – only if the doctor thinks it is necessary and it is safe in pregnancy

What to expect at your appointment

Your healthcare provider will explain whether your breathlessness is normal for pregnancy or linked to another condition. They will give you advice on how to manage it and when to seek urgent help.

Treatment

For normal pregnancy breathlessness, no medicine is needed. The feeling often eases with rest and simple techniques. If there is an underlying cause, your doctor will treat that safely during pregnancy.

Self-care at home

• Slow down and take breaks when you feel breathless
• Sleep propped up with extra pillows so you are not lying flat
• Practice slow, relaxed breathing when you feel out of breath
• Stay active with gentle activities like walking or prenatal yoga
• Avoid heavy lifting and overexertion
• Stop smoking and avoid smoky places

Medical treatments

If your breathlessness is caused by an underlying condition such as asthma or anaemia, your doctor may prescribe treatments that are safe to use during pregnancy. Always take medicines exactly as advised by your healthcare team. Any inhalers, tablets, or other medicines will be chosen with pregnancy in mind.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for common pregnancy breathlessness. It is rarely needed and only for an underlying cause that cannot be managed otherwise.

Living with this condition

Listen to your body. Some days you will have more energy than others. Pace yourself, rest as needed, and do not compare yourself to other pregnant people.

Lifestyle tips

• Try to sleep on your side in later pregnancy, which helps your heart and lungs work efficiently
• Avoid lying flat on your back for long periods, as this can reduce blood flow and make breathing harder
• Maintain good posture to give your lungs more room
• Keep physical activity gentle and stop if you feel too breathless

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of iron-rich foods (like leafy greens and lean meats) can help prevent anaemia, which can cause breathlessness. Light exercise, such as walking or swimming, helps keep your lungs and heart healthy without putting too much strain on your body.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Breathlessness can make you feel anxious or scared, and worry can sometimes make it worse. If you are finding it hard to cope, talk to your midwife or doctor. If you are in crisis or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call your local emergency number or mental health crisis line right away.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent breathlessness in pregnancy, but staying healthy, attending your antenatal checks, and avoiding smoking can reduce your risk of problems that cause it.

Vaccines

Check with your healthcare provider about recommended vaccines during pregnancy, such as flu and whooping cough, which help protect your lungs and your baby's lungs.

Screening programmes

Routine antenatal blood tests can check for anaemia and other conditions. Your blood pressure is also checked at each appointment to look for signs of pre-eclampsia, which can cause breathlessness.

Complications

If left untreated

• While mild breathlessness is harmless, if an underlying condition is not treated, it could lead to low oxygen levels in the blood, which can affect you and your baby.
• Conditions like asthma, anaemia, or pre-eclampsia need proper management during pregnancy.

Long-term outlook

For the vast majority of women, breathlessness during pregnancy passes after the baby is born and causes no lasting problems. With proper support and check-ups, you and your baby can stay healthy.

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