Shortness of Breath In Pregnancy

Shortness of breath that comes and goes, whether you are resting or active, suggests certain possibilities, such as an anxiety or panic disorder or a blood clot that travels to the lung (called pulmonary embolism). Anxiety is much more common than a pulmonary embolism. But this can be a dangerous condition and pregnant women do have a higher than average risk of this problem.

Pulmonary embolism is usually accompanied by other symptoms than the ones present with plain shortness of breath. These other symptoms include:

- chest pain that hurts more with deep breaths

- a swollen and/or painful leg

- new lightheadedness.

Do you have any of these symptoms in addition to shortness of breath?

Yes, I do.

No, I don't.