
Experiencing difficulty breathing in the first month of pregnancy can make you feel uncomfortable, tired, and exhausted. Although this condition may persist throughout the entire pregnancy, it is essentially harmless to both the mother and the fetus.
In the majority of instances, experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath during the initial three months of pregnancy is considered normal. Exceptions arise in cases where pregnant women have pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or other lung-related illnesses. For detailed information, our article will explore the reasons behind early pregnancy shortness of breath and provide strategies to enhance the comfort of expectant mothers in managing their respiratory challenges.
Why do pregnant women experience difficulty breathing in the first month?
Even though the fetus is not large enough in the first trimester to exert pressure on the mother’s lungs, you may still find it challenging to breathe. This condition is explained by the following reasons.
During the first trimester, the mother’s body typically produces a significant amount of the hormone progesterone to thicken the uterine lining. However, an excess of progesterone also affects the mother’s breathing rhythm. Progesterone causes you to inhale and exhale more, even when breathing normally. This increased respiratory rate can create a sensation of breathlessness for pregnant mothers.
Additionally, the respiratory system undergoes changes early in pregnancy. The lung capacity of the pregnant mother expands to facilitate the sharing of a large amount of oxygen-rich blood with the fetus. This expansion contributes to the feeling of breathlessness in the first month of pregnancy.
Is difficulty breathing in the first month of pregnancy considered a sign of conception?
Essentially, experiencing difficulty breathing is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy before you get results from a pregnancy test or ultrasound. In other words, shortness of breath can be a symptom of various other conditions. Therefore, if you feel short of breath, additional necessary tests should be conducted before jumping to the conclusion of pregnancy.
On the other hand, the phenomenon of difficulty breathing is only considered an early sign of pregnancy if accompanied by typical morning sickness symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, changes in appetite, heightened sense of smell, frequent urination, bloating, and constipation. However, early pregnancy symptoms can easily be confused with premenstrual symptoms or symptoms of some medical conditions. Hence, it is always advisable to take a pregnancy test for an accurate determination.

There are various reasons for experiencing shortness of breath in the first month of pregnancy.
What should you do if you experience difficulty breathing in the first month of pregnancy?
The sensation of difficulty breathing in the first month of pregnancy may persist and extend into the following trimesters. As the fetus develops, it requires more oxygen from your blood, causing pregnant mothers to need more oxygen and an increased respiratory rate compared to normal.
Moreover, as the size of the baby increases, your uterus will press on the diaphragm, putting pressure on the lungs. This can result in shallow breathing and difficulty breathing. Here are some tips and important considerations to alleviate discomfort if you experience difficulty breathing in the first month and throughout pregnancy:
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and quit smoking if applicable.
- Avoid contact with artificial fragrances, pollutants, allergens, and toxins from the environment.
- Maintain regular cleanliness in your home, preferably using an air purifier to reduce dust and mold.
- Ensure a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, and strive to maintain a reasonable weight.
- Avoid overexertion, listen to your body’s signals, and prioritize rest.
- Engage in moderate-intensity exercise suitable for each stage of pregnancy.
- Maintain the correct posture when sitting or standing to allow the lungs to expand, facilitating more comfortable breathing.
- Move at a slow pace when walking to allow the heart and lungs to operate more gently.
- Elevate yourself when sleeping by placing a pillow under the upper part of your back to reduce pressure from the uterus on the lungs. This is particularly helpful in the second and third trimesters.
- Sometimes raising both arms and placing them on top of your head can apply pressure to the ribcage and make breathing easier.
Read more: Is Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy Dangerous?
Breathing Difficulty in the First Month of Pregnancy – When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Experiencing difficulty breathing during pregnancy is normal and can be manageable. However, one should not be complacent if the shortness of breath becomes severe or occurs suddenly. Additionally, pregnant women should seek medical attention if they notice difficulty breathing accompanied by the following unusual symptoms:
- Rapid and strong heartbeat
- Chest tightness and wheezing
- Persistent coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Fever, chills
- Bluish tint on the skin, lips, fingertips, and toes
- Dizziness, fainting
- Aggravation of pre-existing asthma.
Any respiratory-related issues or illnesses can be more serious during pregnancy. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable due to difficulty breathing in the first month of pregnancy, it is advisable to seek medical attention early. A doctor can help identify the specific cause and recommend appropriate intervention.

John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.