Some women may notice changes in their breathing almost immediately, while others see differences during the second and third trimesters. The diaphragm, a muscular band of tissue that separates the heart and lungs from the belly, rises by as much as 4 centimeters during the first trimester of pregnancy.
While some women may not be aware of changes in how deeply they can breathe in, others may notice they cannot take full, deep breaths. As well as changes in the diaphragm, pregnant women often breathe faster due to increases in the hormone progesterone. While breathing faster does not necessarily cause shortness of breath, some women may notice changes in breathing patterns.
The growing uterus commonly contributes to shortness of breath in the second trimester. However, some changes in the way the heart functions can also cause breathlessness.
The heart has to pump harder to move this blood through the body and to the placenta. If a pregnant woman is experiencing severe shortness of breath, it is essential to speak to a doctor. While pregnancy changes can cause some breathlessness, other medical conditions can also contribute to the problem. These include:. Fortunately, there are several steps pregnant women can take to make breathing more comfortable, including:. While many women experience some shortness of breath during pregnancy, some symptoms require treatment.
If shortness of breath is especially bothersome or if someone experiences it for the first time, they should speak to a doctor.
The doctor may want to perform imaging tests, such as ultrasounds on the legs, to rule out a blood clot as a potential cause. What causes shortness of breath, and is this issue treatable at home? Read our cookies policy to find out more about our cookies and how we use them. Breathlessness or chest pain - Warning signs during pregnancy Contents Bleeding from the vagina Stomach pain Change in your baby's movements Severe headaches Distress and thoughts of self-harm Breathlessness or chest pain Leg pain and swollen calf.
Breathlessness is common during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester weeks 27 to Immediate action required: See your GP, obstetrician, midwife or emergency department immediately if:. Other causes of shortness of breath during pregnancy include: Anaemia Anaemia being low in iron can cause shortness of breath. Pre-eclampsia This could be a cause especially if you have some of the other symptoms of pre-eclampsia.
You may also have chest pain, particularly when you take a deep breath in or cough. You may also notice that your heart is beating faster than usual.
Asthma If you suffer from asthma, pregnancy may make your symptoms more severe. The surplus of the hormone progesterone during the first trimester has an effect on your breathing. More progesterone is produced in order to help build and sustain the uterine lining.
Progesterone also increases the amount of air you inhale and exhale while breathing normally. This is another factor that can cause shortness of breath. Feelings of breathlessness may be intensified if you have a heart or lung condition.
Shortness of breath can be due to other factors as well as hormonal changes that take place around ovulation and during the luteal phase second half of a normal menstrual cycle. After ovulation, progesterone levels increase to help build a healthy lining of the uterus. This helps to support a healthy pregnancy, but it happens regardless of whether you get pregnant during any given cycle.
These signs of early pregnancy include feeling tired, fatigued, or dizzy. You may have swollen or tender breasts, cramping, and light spotting before your period is due. You should always take a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.
As your pregnancy progresses, your baby will need more oxygen from your blood. This will cause you to require more oxygen and breathe more often.
Your expanding uterus will take up more room in your belly and push on other organs in your body. Around the 31st to 34th week of pregnancy, your uterus presses on your diaphragm, making it more difficult for your lungs to fully expand. This can cause shallow breathing and breathlessness. You may experience less shortness of breath during the last few weeks of pregnancy when your baby moves deeper into the pelvis to prepare for birth.
This eases some of the pressure on your lungs and diaphragm. There are several lifestyle changes and home treatments that may help reduce the discomfort of shortness of breath in early pregnancy and beyond.
Conditions that affect your breathing have the potential to worsen during pregnancy. If you have a condition that affects your breathing, such as asthma , be sure to talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if breathlessness becomes severe, happens suddenly, or affects your ability to function. Seek medical care if your shortness of breath is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:. Always talk to your doctor if anything concerns you during your pregnancy.
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