Anjali Singh Anjali Singh Asked 8 months ago

When does shortness of breath start in pregnancy?

I just found out I'm pregnant and already feeling a bit breathless sometimes, especially after climbing stairs. Is this normal so early on? When does shortness of breath typically begin in pregnancy?

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5 answers

Radha Menon Radha Menon Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago
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Shortness of breath can actually start quite early, even in the first trimester, due to hormonal changes. It often gets more noticeable in the second and third trimesters as your uterus grows and puts pressure on your lungs. It's mostly normal, but do mention it to your doctor during check-ups.

Anil Reddy Anil Reddy Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

My wife experienced this a lot. The doctors at Apollo Hospital said it can start anytime, sometimes even from week 6-8 due to increased blood volume. But it's always best to ask your own Gynae directly, they can tell you if it's normal for you or if you need to be careful.

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Consult a pulmonologist

Pooja Singh Pooja Singh Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

It can be really scary when you feel short of breath, especially during pregnancy! I totally understand that anxiety. For many, it starts in the first trimester, and then again can feel worse in the third. Just know it's a common symptom, but definitely keep your doctor in the loop so they can reassure you.

Simran Kaur Simran Kaur Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

I've seen on my pregnancy tracker app that many women report shortness of breath as early as the first trimester, often around weeks 6-8. It's due to hormones affecting your respiratory system. It can also get more prominent in the third trimester. It's a common symptom but do mention it to your OBGYN.

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Ramesh Kumar Ramesh Kumar Joined May 2026 5 months ago

In pregnancy, with all the changes, it's important to monitor everything. Shortness of breath can begin in the first trimester itself. If you have gestational diabetes, or any other underlying conditions, it's even more crucial to discuss this symptom with your doctor. They can check if your blood sugar levels or anything else is contributing.

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