lung in pregnancy

Overview

Lung conditions during pregnancy are health problems that affect your breathing while you are pregnant. Some are minor, like feeling a bit breathless as your baby grows. Others can be serious, like pneumonia or a blood clot in the lungs. This article explains how to recognise symptoms, when to get help, and how to stay as well as possible.

Very common. Many pregnant women feel short of breath at some point. Some conditions, like asthma, affect about 1 in 12 pregnant women.

It can affect any pregnant woman, but women who already have asthma, who smoke, are overweight, or have had respiratory infections are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling short of breath, especially when active
• A mild cough
• Tiredness
• A feeling of tightness in the chest
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

Symptoms in children

• This condition affects you, not your child directly.
• If you notice your baby moving less than usual, contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pregnant women over 35 may have a higher chance of complications, but the usual symptoms are the same.
• If you are over 35 and feel unusually short of breath, mention it to your healthcare provider.

Causes

Main causes

• Pregnancy hormones can make you breathe faster and make you feel breathless.
• The growing uterus pushes up on the diaphragm, the muscle that helps you breathe.
• Infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, can inflame your airways.
• Asthma or other long-term lung diseases may flare up during pregnancy.
• In rare cases, a blood clot can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Risk factors

• Smoking or having smoked in the past
• Having asthma, COPD, or other lung disease
• Being overweight or obese
• Carrying twins or more
• Severe anaemia (low healthy red blood cells)
• Pre-eclampsia or other pregnancy-related conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you feel very short of breath and it is getting worse
• If you have chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or you are worried about your breathing
• If you have a high fever or are coughing up blood

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a cough that lasts more than a week
• If you feel breathless after light activity or at rest
• If you have wheezing or chest tightness
• If you are pregnant and have asthma, see your doctor regularly

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask what you are feeling, listen to your chest, and check the oxygen level in your blood. They may also check your baby's health.

Tests that may be done

• Pulse oximetry — a small sensor on your finger to measure oxygen
• Spirometry — you blow into a tube to see how well your lungs work
• Chest X-ray — only if needed; it is usually safe during pregnancy
• Blood tests — to check for infection, anemia, or blood clots
• Ultrasound — to check the baby's growth and heartbeat

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are quick and simple. The doctor will explain why they recommend each test. They will make sure the risks to you and your baby are as low as possible.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe your symptoms are. Your healthcare team will balance what is best for you and your baby. Many treatments that are used during pregnancy are safe, but never take any medicine without asking your doctor.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as you can and avoid heavy activity when breathless
• Drink plenty of water unless your doctor tells you not to
• Elevate your head with pillows to help breathing at night
• Avoid smoky, dusty, or polluted air
• Practice gentle, slow breathing exercises if it helps

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest treatments such as inhalers to open the airways, oxygen therapy, or medicines to treat an infection or reduce inflammation. If a blood clot is found, you may need medicine to thin your blood. The exact treatment will be explained to you by your specialist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. In an emergency, for example if a lung infection forms an abscess or there is severe bleeding, a procedure might be considered. Otherwise, most lung issues in pregnancy are managed with medicine and monitoring.

Living with this condition

Take things at your own pace. Listen to your body, and don't push yourself to do more than you can manage. Make sure your healthcare team knows about any breathing changes, and keep a note of any symptom you worry about.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
• Take part in antenatal classes to stay active if your doctor says it's okay
• Keep your vaccinations up to date
• Avoid close contact with people who have coughs or colds

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables to support your immune system. Light exercises such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can help, but only if your doctor agrees and you are not too breathless.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling anxious about your breathing is very common. It can make you feel stressed or worried about your baby. Speak openly about these feelings with your doctor or midwife. You do not have to go through it alone.

Prevention

Not all lung conditions can be prevented, but you can lower the risk by staying healthy. If you have asthma, keep it under control before and during pregnancy. Avoiding smoking and staying away from sick people are also important.

Vaccines

Ask your doctor or midwife about safe vaccines during pregnancy. These may include the flu vaccine and the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine. Vaccines are an important way to protect you and your baby from serious illness.

Screening programmes

Regular prenatal check-ups are a form of screening. Your blood pressure, urine, and weight will be monitored. These checks can help detect problems like pre-eclampsia early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Premature birth (when the baby is born early)
• Low birth weight
• Pre-eclampsia, which is high blood pressure that can affect the organs
• Severe breathing failure, where the mother needs urgent medical support

Long-term outlook

With proper care, the outlook for most women with lung conditions in pregnancy is very good. Many breathe better after giving birth. Getting help early and working with your healthcare team can keep you and your baby as safe as possible.

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