Shortness of breath is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester (weeks 28 to 40).
The size of your womb and the position of your baby can make it hard for your lungs to expand.
The extra weight of your baby can also make you feel short of breath. When this happens, stop what you are doing and breathe slowly. There is no risk to your baby.
As the baby moves lower in your pelvis towards the end of your pregnancy, this problem should ease.
Emergency action required: Go to the nearest emergency department or call 112 or 999 immediately if:
- your shortness of breath is sudden or severe
- you have shortness of breath and chest pain, heart palpitations or dizziness
- you have shortness of breath and bleeding from your vagina during your pregnancy or after the birth of your baby
Causes of shortness of breath during pregnancy
There are other causes of shortness of breath during pregnancy.
Anaemia
Anaemia (being low in iron) can cause shortness of breath.
Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a condition where your blood pressure rises during pregnancy or soon after birth.
This could cause shortness of breath.
Especially if you have other symptoms of pre-eclampsia, such as:
- a headache
- blurred vision
- upper tummy pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- swelling of your hands, feet, ankles, face or neck
If you have more than one of these symptoms, talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife.
Most people diagnosed with pre-eclampsia go on to have a healthy pregnancy. But if pre-eclampsia is not treated it can be dangerous and even fatal for you and your baby.
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition. It happens when a clot in your leg moves to your lungs. This clot is called deep vein thrombosis.
Emergency action required: Go to the nearest emergency department or call 112 or 999 immediately if:
- have sudden difficulty breathing
- have severe pain or tightness in your chest or upper back
- are coughing blood
These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in pregnancy
Asthma
Talk to your GP if you have asthma and are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
Pregnancy may make your symptoms more severe. If your asthma symptoms change, your GP may need to review your treatment.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP or GP practice nurse urgently if
you have asthma and you are:
- using your reliever inhaler more than usual
- coughing or wheezing more than usual, especially at night
- feeling short of breath
These are signs that your asthma needs to be checked. Your medicines may need to be changed.
If your asthma is not under control during pregnancy there is a risk of complications. These include pre-eclampsia or premature birth.
Lung infections (including flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia)
Always contact your GP if you have a cough that lasts more than 2 to 3 days. Simple infections can be more serious during pregnancy.
It is recommended to have the flu vaccine when you are pregnant. You may also need a COVID-19 vaccine - check with your midwife, obstetrician or GP.
