Breathlessness in pregnancy is often normal when it builds up slowly as the baby grows, but breathlessness that starts suddenly, comes with chest pain or makes it hard to lie flat needs to be checked straight away. On smoky days, such as around Diwali in Chinchwad, PCMC, stay indoors when the air is poor and see a gynaecologist for any new or worsening breathlessness.
Gynaecology and maternity, Chetna Hospital, Chinchwad
This guide also covers what to do on smoky days, such as around Diwali.
The breath that runs out on the stairs
Climbing one flight of stairs and needing to stop. Feeling out of breath halfway through a sentence. Many pregnant women notice this and put it down to the pregnancy, and most of the time that is right. The harder question is how to tell the ordinary kind from the kind that needs a doctor the same day.
Why pregnancy leaves you short of breath
Tommy’s, the UK pregnancy charity, says it is normal to feel out of breath in pregnancy sometimes, especially as the baby grows bigger. It tends to start gradually, in early pregnancy or the second trimester (Tommy’s: Breathlessness in pregnancy). It should not be painful, it should not come on suddenly, and it should not come with wheezing or coughing.
Breathlessness can also be a sign of anaemia (low haemoglobin). Tiredness and shortness of breath are common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, and pregnancy is one of its common causes (NHS Wales: Anaemia, iron deficiency). Anaemia is common in pregnancy, and a simple blood test checks for it (East Kent Hospitals NHS: Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy). If you feel tired all the time as well, ask for a check. You can read more about pregnancy care at Chetna Hospital.
Normal or not: a side-by-side check
| Usually normal | Call your doctor the same day |
|---|---|
| Builds up slowly over weeks | Starts suddenly, or gets much worse in the third trimester |
| Settles when you sit and rest | Makes it hard to lie flat |
| No cough or wheeze | Comes with coughing or wheezing |
| Legs and ankles look as usual | Comes with swelling of both legs, feet or ankles |
The NHS adds that breathlessness that comes on suddenly, breathlessness when lying down, or breathlessness with chest pain or dizziness needs to be checked straight away (NHS: Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for).
Call 108 or 112, or go to the nearest hospital, if breathlessness comes with any kind of chest pain, if you feel faint or dizzy or pass out, if you cough up blood, if your heart is racing or pounding, if you have swelling in one leg, or if you feel you are gasping for air (Tommy’s).
Where Diwali smoke fits in
India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare names pregnant women as a vulnerable group in its advisory on air pollution, noting that exposure during pregnancy may have consequences for the child in the womb (MoHFW / NCDC: Advisory on air pollution and health). The same advisory gives practical steps that suit smoky days in the festive season:
- stay indoors on days when the air is poor, and skip morning and late-evening walks on those days
- avoid burning firecrackers
- do not burn incense or mosquito coils in closed rooms
- wet-mop the floors instead of dry sweeping
- for short trips outside, a properly worn N95 or N99 mask can help; cloth and paper masks do not
- see a doctor promptly for breathlessness, cough, chest discomfort or dizziness
If you have asthma or another breathing condition, do not stop any medicine on your own, and ask your doctor what to do on smoky days.
What happens when you come in
Your gynaecologist asks when the breathlessness started, whether it came on suddenly and whether it is worse when you lie flat. You may be asked about chest pain, dizziness or palpitations. Your pulse, breathing rate and oxygen level are checked, and your chest is listened to. An ECG (a heart tracing) is advised for every pregnant woman assessed for breathlessness, and more tests may be arranged if anything points to a heart or lung problem (Scottish Obstetric Cardiology Network, NHS Scotland: Breathlessness in pregnancy, triage and assessment).
For other festival-season questions, read period-delay tablets: when they are advised and when they are not.
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Consultation near you
The gynaecology and maternity department sees women at Room 8, First Floor, Plot No. GP 116, Sambhaji Nagar Road, near Rotary Club, G Block, MIDC, Chinchwad, Pune 411019 (Chetna Hospital). Women come from Chinchwad, Pimpri, Akurdi, Nigdi, Ravet, Wakad, Hinjewadi, Pimple Saudagar, Thergaon, Tathawade, Punawale, Moshi and Bhosari.
Read more about our gynaecology and maternity services, and why many women look for a lady gynaecologist in Pimpri Chinchwad.
Questions women ask about breathlessness in pregnancy
Is it normal to feel breathless in pregnancy?
Often, yes. Many women feel more out of breath as the baby grows, and it usually builds up slowly. It should not be painful or come on suddenly. Mention it to your gynaecologist at your next check-up, because breathlessness can also be a sign of anaemia.
When is breathlessness in pregnancy an emergency?
Call 108 or 112, or go to the nearest hospital, if breathlessness comes with chest pain, if you feel you are gasping for air, if you cough up blood, if you faint or your heart races, or if one leg is swollen. Breathlessness that starts suddenly, or that makes it hard to lie flat, needs to be checked straight away.
Can Diwali smoke affect a pregnant woman?
India’s Ministry of Health lists pregnant women as a vulnerable group for air pollution and says exposure in pregnancy may affect the baby. On smoky days, stay indoors, avoid burning firecrackers, and avoid incense or mosquito coils in closed rooms.
Should I wear a mask during Diwali if I am pregnant?
The Ministry of Health advisory says a properly worn N95 or N99 mask can help for short exposures outdoors, while paper masks, handkerchiefs and cloth are not effective. Staying indoors on smoky days is the first step. Ask your gynaecologist if you have asthma or find a mask hard to breathe through.
Where can you get breathlessness in pregnancy checked in Chinchwad?
The gynaecology and maternity department at Chetna Hospital sees pregnant women at Room 8, First Floor, Plot No. GP 116, Sambhaji Nagar Road, near Rotary Club, G Block, MIDC, Chinchwad, Pune 411019. Call or WhatsApp 91686 90447.
Have a question about your health? Talk to a gynaecologist.
Sources
- NHS. Pregnancy symptoms you need to get help for.
- Tommy’s. Breathlessness in pregnancy.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Centre for Disease Control. Advisory on air pollution and health.
- NHS Wales. Anaemia, iron deficiency.
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy.
- Scottish Obstetric Cardiology Network, NHS Scotland. Breathlessness in pregnancy and early postpartum: triage and assessment.
This article is general health information and does not replace a consultation. If you are pregnant and suddenly feel very breathless, call 108 or 112, or go to the nearest hospital.
How this article was prepared: Chetna Hospital’s content team wrote it with the help of AI writing tools and checked it against the sources listed. It is general health information, not personal medical advice.
