Breathlessness is a side effect of pregnancy that commonly affects around 75% of pregnant women. This is caused by the hormone progesterone. This pregnancy hormone changes the way your body absorbs oxygen. Feeling breathless in the early stages of pregnancy even before your bump is visible is also likely to occur.

Later on in your pregnancy, as the uterus grows, your diaphragm will begin to compress your lungs, so the capacity you would normally have will be reduced. But it’s not all bad news. Around week 36 when the baby’s head is engaged, this will provide some relief, however this is usually the case if this is your first pregnancy.

Anaemia (iron deficiency) could also be the cause of being out of breath so please visit your local GP if you do experience symptoms of being breathless.