I'm 12 weeks pregnant and play the oboe. Is it safe?

Clare Herbert

Senior midwife.

Yes. Playing wind instruments shouldn't pose any risk to your unborn baby. Your heart and lungs adapt in pregnancy, which makes your breathing more efficient. You move more air in and out with each breath and each minute, though you probably won't be aware of it.

However, as your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows larger, you may find it more difficult to play. Your expanding uterus (womb) will push up under the sheet of muscle that lies under your ribcage (diaphragm). Your diaphragm will then press on your lungs. This may affect the amount of air that stays in your lungs at rest, which is what can make you feel breathless. This is completely normal.

Listen to your body. If you feel uncomfortably short of breath, stop playing. Speak to your doctor if you have difficulty with breathing at any time.

So if you are well, there's no reason not to play. Maybe your baby will show a preference for one type of music by moving around more when she hears it!

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