Is it normal to be out of breath during pregnancy

No, I don't have any of these symptoms. To continue reading this article, you must log in. Already a member? Login ». As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

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Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin. Caring for an aging parent? For example, in about 30 percent of women with asthma, their symptoms get worse during pregnancy, and severe bouts could be harmful to both you and your baby. Let your provider know if you feel short of breath because of a respiratory illness, like the flu. Pregnant women with respiratory illnesses often have more serious symptoms and are more likely to develop complications, such as pneumonia. That's why it's important to get a flu shot if you're pregnant during flu season.

Also, because of changes in the way your blood clots during pregnancy, you're at higher risk for developing a blood clot that goes to your lungs pulmonary embolism. This condition is rare but very serious. Call your provider right away or have someone else call if you have any of the following symptoms:. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.

When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals.

We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Guidelines for Perinatal Care. Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice bulletin Asthma in pregnancy. Influenza vaccination during pregnancy. Your Pregnancy and Childbirth Month to Month. If your shortness of breath has started suddenly, is severe, seems to be worsening, or is associated with pain, coughing, wheezing, or heart palpitations, let your doctor know.

These may be signs that something other than pregnancy alone is causing your shortness of breath. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. In the meantime, try to: Maintain good posture when you're sitting or standing slouching doesn't give your lungs enough room to expand when you breathe. Prop yourself up when sleeping by putting some pillows under the upper body in a semi-sitting position.