Difficulty Breathing With Dizziness and Weakness in Pregnant Women

Q: I’m 24 years old and currently 33 weeks pregnant with my second child. I have been experiencing shortness of breath, lightheadedness and  weakness, even after only standing for a short period of time. What could this be from?
-By: Natasha

Reply:

Have you got your iron levels checked up recently? This could be anemia, though the exact cause can be detected only after examination.

During pregnancy, many changes occur in a female body. As the fetus grows, your heart needs to supply blood to you and the fetus too. So the work of the heart is increased in terms of body volume to be supplied.

This leads to a reduction in blood pressure during first and second trimesters. Low blood pressure during these phases may give you a light headed or dizzy feeling.

However, as the pregnancy proceeds, blood pressure stabilizes to normal. This is achieved by the heart which now works more. If, however, you have a comprised heart (any underlying heart disease), blood pressure does not reach the normal level and you may feel dizzy in later pregnancy also.

Iron requirements of a woman increase with growing pregnancy. Iron (hemoglobin) content of blood is an evidence of its oxygen carrying capacity. Blood now has to supply more oxygen to a larger area, both to you and your baby. It is very important to take care of your iron levels.

There is another reason that contributes towards dyspnea or shortness of breath. With increasing fetal size, the diaphragm is pushed upward. This results in reduced space for lung expansion and hence difficulty in breathing.

Sometimes, blood sugar levels of the woman drop with increasing demands of the body during pregnancy. Low blood sugar may also give you these symptoms.

You may go for a check up to your doctor. Get your blood pressure, your iron (hemoglobin) levels and your blood sugar levels checked up. 

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.