Question 1

pregnant with a really bad stuffy nose. very tired and just want to sleep. i read an article saying if you hold your breath for 30 sec your nose should clear up some. is this bad for the baby?

Accepted Answer

Myth/no: This practice has no basis in reality, but if you or they believe in it anything can have a placebo effect. Holding your breath for 30 seconds will have no effect on baby.

Question 2

is holding your breath while pregnant bad for the baby? i've been straining to poop because i'm constipated, and noticed i hold my breath. is this bad

Accepted Answer

Holding breath pregn: Holding breath as you describe is only physiological and can not cause any harm to the unborn baby.

Question 3

during pregnancy can i hold my breath long enough to cause damage to my baby?

Accepted Answer

No: No; even if you could hold you breath long enough to pass out, you would start breathing again on your own.  As for the baby, it has lots of ways to protect itself from running out of oxygen and it would be fine.  Nonetheless, i don't recommend that you try!

Question 4

s holding your breath while pregnant bad for the baby?

Accepted Answer

It depends: Holding your breath can increase intra-abdominal pressure which may not be good for placental blood flow.  I want to know why you would be holding  your breath.

Question 5

how long can a pregnant woman hold her breath underwater?

Accepted Answer

Swimming fine: Swimming is fine while pregnant. You shouldn't scuba dive.

Question 6

is it ok to hold your breath to avoid toxic fumes during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Toxic fumes: It is not ok to hold your breath without supervision by a qualified professional. I.E a doctor. Toxic fumes should be avoided at all times and particularly during pregnancy.

Question 7

i am a synchronized swimmer and we hold our breath at times (max 10-15 sec) while swimming a routine. can i continue to do so while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Your blood oxygen level does not drop significantly during these intervals to affect what baby is receiving. If you didn't breathe for 3-5 min it would start being significant.

Question 8

pregnant 6 mnths. had a bad nightmare and woke up in sweats and out of breath for about 10 mins. can this affect my baby?

Accepted Answer

No: A nightmare even with shortness of breath and sweating will not cause problems for the baby. Your concern suggests what a good mom you are going to be. This is a lucky baby! :)

Question 9

can i hold my breath during pregnancy? can't stand a lot of smells so i hold my breath while cleaning or around paint. have i caused damage to baby

Accepted Answer

Yes: Even if you try, you can't hold your breath forever.  Baby will be fine. Avoid the paint or strong odors. Kiss:  keep it simple smart.

Question 10

i'm pregnant and i lose my breath feeling like i wanna faint is it bad? i'm 6 weeks pregnant

Accepted Answer

Not typically: Drink plenty of fluids. Please see your doctor for reassurance.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Is it bad to hold your breath when pregnant

A member asked:

Pregnant with a really bad stuffy nose. very tired and just want to sleep. i read an article saying if you hold your breath for 30 sec your nose should clear up some. is this bad for the baby?

A member asked:

Is holding your breath while pregnant bad for the baby? i've been straining to poop because i'm constipated, and noticed i hold my breath. is this bad

A member asked:

During pregnancy can i hold my breath long enough to cause damage to my baby?

A member asked:

S holding your breath while pregnant bad for the baby?

A member asked:

How long can a pregnant woman hold her breath underwater?

A member asked:

Is it ok to hold your breath to avoid toxic fumes during pregnancy?

A member asked:

I am a synchronized swimmer and we hold our breath at times (max 10-15 sec) while swimming a routine. can i continue to do so while pregnant?

A member asked:

Pregnant 6 mnths. had a bad nightmare and woke up in sweats and out of breath for about 10 mins. can this affect my baby?

A member asked:

Can i hold my breath during pregnancy? can't stand a lot of smells so i hold my breath while cleaning or around paint. have i caused damage to baby

A member asked:

I'm pregnant and i lose my breath feeling like i wanna faint is it bad? i'm 6 weeks pregnant

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?