WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Shortness of breath, a pregnancy symptom

Shortness of breath
This is when you feel out of breath or have trouble breathing, which can be caused by the growing uterus putting pressure on the diaphragm.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Shortness of breath during pregnancy is a common experience for many women, particularly as the uterus expands and puts pressure on the diaphragm.

Despite the discomfort, it's important to remember that this is a normal part of pregnancy for many women.
Prevent and care
It's important to manage shortness of breath to avoid discomfort and potential complications, such as low birth weight.
  • Maintain good posture to allow for optimal lung expansion. 
  • Practice slow and deep breathing techniques when needed. 
  • Engage in tailored prenatal exercises focusing on breathing efficiency.
Every person and every pregnancy is different, and shortness in breath can come on at varying times across the board. That said, he adds that it can occur as early as the first trimester.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
If you are experiencing shortness of breath during pregnancy, it is important to consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Top Asked Questions
Why do hormonal changes cause shortness of breath during pregnancy, and when is it most noticeable?

Hormonal changes, such as increased progesterone, affect lung function and are most noticeable in the later stages of pregnancy.

Can you recommend specific prenatal exercises to alleviate shortness of breath?

Tailored exercises like diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing can be effective in improving breathing efficiency during pregnancy.

When should I seek immediate medical attention for severe shortness of breath during pregnancy?

If shortness of breath is severe, persistent, and accompanied by chest pain, palpitations, or bluish skin color, seek immediate medical attention as it may indicate a more serious condition.

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B
Bri
30 Jan 2024

Hi yall I just found out I’m pregnant I’m actually very early in the pregnancy has anyone experienced shortness of breath it just feels like I can’t catch my breath?

2 comments
B
Breeane
I had the same thing! I mentioned it to the doctor and all she said was “hmm”. Lol. I found out at 3 weeks and 3 days and had it happening for probably about a week and it seems to be getting better now, I’m 5 weeks today
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sky
Yes it’s totally normal blood pumps twice as fast while pregnant
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kenzie
23 Sep 2023

I’m 19 weeks pregnant is it normal to have shortness of breath and for my heart to be racing

3 comments
R
Rachare
Hell yes especially if your small petite it's been uncomfortable to breath since 7wks lol all your organs making room for the baby the organs have to go somewhere like I know where my bladder is directly with each pregnancy the relief of peeing hurt for me at 5mo the doctor said I just had to wait for THEM to move I'm like wow
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rachare
I sleep on my back propt with pillows behind shoulders and head and prop my feet up with the fan on 🥰🥳
27 Mar 2024

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Y
Yasmine
4 Apr 2023

This shortness of breath is irritated me I can only be standing for 5 minutes n i can’t breathe 😫

3 comments
T
Tiffany
Me too! I was wondering if this is normal
27 Mar 2024

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Y
Yasmine
It is very normal
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nina
9 Feb 2023

Is anyone getting a very bad shortness of breath? Just by talking you get ahort of breath type of thing ! To the point that ppl can hear it?

14 comments
K
Kashmirs Mommy ❤️
Yessss! I have a heart murmur which I’m seeing specialist about cause my heartbeat is faster then normal
27 Mar 2024

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V
Valeria
I felt the same and had prenatal anemia you should get check out. Feeling much better with iron pills, hope everything is ok
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sheena
20 Nov 2022

Why am I having shortness of breath I didn’t go through this with my other two pregnancies

2 comments
S
Shauna
No pregnancy is the same
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmine
10 Oct 2022

Anybody else experiencing shortness of breath at 22 weeks? I’m just sitting and it seems hard 😩

10 comments
K
Karen
Yeeeesss! I thought it was only me being difficult
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmine
Omgeee I don’t like this. I’ve never had this problem in my other pregnancies🤦🏽‍♀️
27 Mar 2024

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N
Nicole
10 Oct 2022

I am 25 weeks 3 days has anyone experience shortness of breath feeling like you can't catch your breath

9 comments
N
Nicole
did you have to go to the doctor or er ? What did you do to help
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lala
No i actually told them but she told me its a pregnancy symptom that I would be feeling… i get out of breath so fast now , especially going up stairs lol
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
31 Jul 2022

26 weeks today and I be feeling like I am having shortness of breath…😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

16 comments
S
Sharnell
Are u okay mama?
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
I am just be having shortness of breath from time to time..but other then that I am good..how are u feeling
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dariela
11 Jul 2022

has anyone experienced shortness of breath and resting heart rate of 120-130?😳

2 comments
A
Alina
Yes but shortness of breath is common since your baby is moving up and pushing up against your lungs and also the extra blood in your body
27 Mar 2024

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L
Laurel
Shortness of breathe is normal but that resting heart rate is not! Mine is high stays over 100 but my doctor said it’s okay for now but if it gets to 120 or higher to make an appointment asap
27 Mar 2024

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A
Alana
13 May 2022

Hey mama’s I have been experiencing shortness of breath!!! I’m currently 17 weeks Is it normal??

5 comments
D
Destiny
I definitely have that but I usually get it right before I’m about to faint I already talk to my doctor about it and I’m getting blood work done soon but if you’re not thinking you should be OK just talk to your doctor about it
27 Mar 2024

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D
Destiny
I DK why that said if you’re not thinking I meant to say if you’re not Fainting
27 Mar 2024

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