Your lungs have to work much harder when you’re pregnant to meet your body's increased oxygen needs. To help you take in more air, your ribs flare out and your lung capacity increases dramatically. This can make you feel breathless, particularly from mid-pregnancy onwards.

In the last three months, most women find that they get breathless even during mild exertion. This happens because your enlarged uterus is pushing up against the base of your lungs. At the end of the pregnancy, breathing may get easier when your baby moves down into your pelvis ready to be born.

Women who are anaemic, or who are pregnant with more than one baby, may be particularly prone to breathlessness.

What can I do about it?

• Try and take things more slowly and avoid rushing around. (Yes, we know, easier said, than done!)
• Sleep propped up on several firm pillows if you get short of breath when you lie down.
• Practise deep breathing exercises, focusing on breathing out and letting your body relax.

Breathing alert

If you find that you’re feeling breathless even when resting, and/or it hurts to breathe at any time, consult your doctor urgently.

Revised by babyworld midwife, Hannah Hulme Hunter November 2000.