Breathlessness in Pregnancy 20 weeks and over
Getting out of breath is normal. It’s a natural response when you do something that requires physical effort and your body needs more oxygen and energy. For example, when you run for a bus. Getting out of breath when we exercise is a positive reaction and part of keeping our bodies fit and strong. Please tell your midwife or doctor if you get out of breath when you are sitting or standing still.
Breathlessness is common during pregnancy, particularly towards the end of your pregnancy. The size of your womb and the position of your baby can make it difficult for your lungs to fully expand. The extra weight you are carrying may also make you feel short of breath, especially when you exercise.
Anaemia
Anaemia (a low haemoglobin level) can cause shortness of breath. You are offered blood tests during pregnancy to look for anaemia. Let your midwife know if you are feeling breathless at your next appointment, some women may need iron tablets to improve their haemoglobin level.
Asthma
Sometimes pregnancy may make asthma symptoms worse. Talk to your GP urgently if you have a history of asthma and notice your shortness of breath is getting worse. Continue your current treatments including inhalers as these are all safe for pregnancy.
Nervousness and anxiety
Some women who are nervous or anxious may feel at times that their breathing is faster or more difficult. Sometimes this can be as severe as a panic attack, when you get a rush of intense mental and physical symptoms. It can start quickly and for no obvious reason.
A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing and can often include a feeling of breathlessness. Although panic attacks are frightening, they're not dangerous. An attack will not cause you any physical harm and will usually resolve within 5 to 20 minutes. If you are on treatment for anxiety discuss this with your midwife or GP. Most treatments, if needed can be continued through pregnancy. Click here for more information on maternal mental health
Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in your lung)
Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is rare, but pregnancy hormones do increase your risk (1 in 1000 pregnancies). Your own personal risk of developing a clot is assessed by your midwife throughout your pregnancy and after birth. You can reduce your risk by drinking enough fluids, staying mobile, stopping smoking, having a healthy weight. Please tell us about any travel plans or family history of blood clots
COVID-19
If you are experiencing breathlessness after testing positive for COVID-19 please refer to https://www.what0-18.nhs.uk/pregnant-women/concerns-during-pregnancy/covid-19-coronavirus-infection
Call 999 if you have any of the following:
Have a sudden onset of severe breathlessness
Feel breathless with chest pain or loss of consciousness
Feel breathless and have a racing heart at rest
Feel breathless and have a known severe heart or lung condition
Feel breathless with severe wheeze and known asthma, not responding to your usual inhaler medication
Contact your GP surgery today (or NHS111 out of hours) if you have any of the following:
Feel breathless
During the night when lying down
And have pain when taking a deep breath in or when you cough
And suffer with asthma
And have a chesty cough (you may cough up green or brown mucous), have a temperature 38°C (or over) or feel unwell
Your chesty cough lasts longer that 14 days
You feel mildly breathless when physically active or talking.
Your breathlessness improves after a few moments at rest.
You are able to carry on with your normal daily activities.
You have a cough, without a temperature and are feeling otherwise well.
Contact your GP surgery if you are still worried.
