Shortness Of Breath During Pregnancy

Shortness of breath during pregnancy is one of the early symptoms of pregnancy. You feel short of breath even after the minimal amount of physical activity. Though, generally speaking shortness of breath during pregnancy is harmless and does not affect your baby.

Causes Of Shortness Of Breath During Pregnancy:

During Early Pregnancy:

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, there is a normal increase in hormone progesterone which makes you breathe more often and you fell like shortness of breath. Hormone progesterone expands the lungs which allow the blood to carry large amount of oxygen to the baby.

During Later Half Of Pregnancy:

Duding later stages of pregnancy, the size of the baby grows because of this the growing size of the uterus takes up more room in the belly causing shortness of breath.

During 31st to 34th week of pregnancy the uterus pushes other organs in the body and presses the diaphragm causing shortness of breath.

Due to these changes it becomes difficult for the lungs to expand fully.

This makes breathing more shallow which causes shortness of breath.

During The End Of Pregnancy:

During the last weeks of pregnancy, one feels less shortness of breath because the baby goes deep into the pelvic region for the final birth.

With the baby in the pelvic region, there is less pressure on the diaphragm and lungs which decreases shortness of breath.

However severe shortness of breath during pregnancy is not normal. If you have fast pulse rate and chest pain and you finger tips or lips are turning blue, you should immediately consult your doctor. Also see your doctor if you have asthma and you are pregnant.

How To Overcome Shortness Of Breath During Pregnancy:

Follow these tips to help overcome shortness of breath during pregnancy –

Sit straight or stand up as this posture gives your lungs more room to breath easily.

Move slowly to ease pressure on your lungs and heart to facilitate proper breathing.

Take pressure off your rib cage by lifting your arms over your head this makes you to breathe in more air.

Though you may continue to exercise during pregnancy but don’t exert too much and go easy.

To put less pressure on your lungs, sleep propped up on your left side.

When To Take The Medical Advice:

Mild shortness of breath during pregnancy is normal but if you feel a sudden and severe shortness of breath during pregnancy talk to your doctor immediately.

Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms –

Heart palpitations

Pain in the chest

A fast pulse rate

Feeling faintness

Blood in your cough

Persistent coughing

Blueness on fingers, lips or toes

Aggravating asthma

Feeling feverish

Breathing problem during pregnancy should be given proper medical attention, especially if you have asthma, talk to your doctor on how to manage asthma during pregnancy. Condition of your asthma may improve, worsen or remain the same during pregnancy. During the third trimester of pregnancy, labour and delivery women with moderate or severe asthma are at increased risk of asthma attack.

Have You Experienced Shortness Of Breath During Pregnancy?

Hope you have got an insight into the condition of shortness of breath during pregnancy so as to make you aware and properly equipped to deal with the situation. Do share your experiences with us in the comments below.