It is good news for every woman to know that she is pregnant, but as soon as her fetus grows and grows, she may feel some sort of shortness of breath during pregnancy.
Is it normal or not? We will discuss everything about it.
Dyspnea and shortness of breath during pregnancy
It is a normal response during the late months of pregnancy that many women feel some shortness of breath during pregnancy.
This happened because the baby grows in weight and the uterus becomes wider, so they both push up on the diaphragm, decreasing the space for the lungs to expand during respiration.
Also, the body produces more amount of blood to supply the growing fetus with more oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord.
This extra blood requires extra effort from the heart, so the normal result of this cardiac muscle's extra effort will be Shortness of breath during pregnancy.
How do you sleep when you can not breathe while pregnant?
Elevate your head at night or at any nap time with two or more pillows to reduce pressure on the lungs and to enjoy easy breathing during your sleep.
You can also drink some tea or coffee because they relax airway muscles and decrease shortness of breath during pregnancy by the action of their caffeine content.
But remember to drink caffeine drinks during your day, not at night, to avoid the side effects of insomnia.
Can shortness of breath during pregnancy start early?
Shortness of breath during pregnancy can start early in the first weeks of pregnancy and is due to hormonal changes in the body.
And it continues throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy till the delivery day.
When shortness of breath during pregnancy should be evaluated by a doctor?
Shortness of breath during pregnancy is normal, but if it affects the quality of your life by palpitations, chest pain, or inability to take a deep breath, you should be evaluated by a doctor.
But it could be due a cause of preeclampsia that will occur alongside some other symptoms.
These symptoms include blurred vision, hypertension, headache, and abdominal pain.
Sudden onset of severe shortness of breath during pregnancy
It could be a sign of pulmonary embolism that requires immediate medical care.
Shortness of breath during pregnancy, accompanied by a cough and wheezing, may indicate respiratory problems.
Shortness of breath during pregnancy, accompanied by blue lips and dizziness, may indicate anemia or heart problems.
Shortness of breath during pregnancy and the sex of the fetus
Shortness of breath during pregnancy is not an indicator of the baby's sex; it happens due to the normal growth of the baby in the uterus and pressure on the diaphragm and lungs.
But there is no evidence to suggest that it is related to whether the mother is carrying a girl or a boy.
Home remedies for shortness of breath during pregnancy
Breathing exercises
Pull your body up by raising your arms over your head to make more space for your lungs to expand and take a deep breath.
Breathing exercises, meditation, and prenatal massage reduce Stress and increase relaxation, so they decrease shortness of breath during pregnancy.
Pursed lip breathing
It helps reduce shortness of breath by slowing the pace of a person’s breathing.
Coffee
As we mentioned before, caffeine relaxes respiratory muscles during respiration.
Practice good posture
Stand up straight and sit with your shoulders back to give your Lungs more space to expand.
Ginger
Eat fresh ginger or drink ginger tea to reduce shortness of breath during pregnancy, as ginger relieves asthma and respiratory infections.
Inhaling steam
Inhaling steam eases irritation and thins mucus formed in the sinuses, so it increases airflow and makes respiration easier.
Using a fan
Limited research suggests that using a fan in front of the nose and mouth to blow air and decrease breathlessness sensation.
Eat healthy food
Cut out food containing high fat, high salt, and high sugar contents, and always eat vegetables, fruits, and proteins with Low fat.
Complementary therapies to relieve shortness of breath during pregnancy
Acupuncture
The acupuncture practitioner will insert some fine needles in certain points in your body, and that makes the body release some natural painkillers called endorphins.
These endorphins cause relaxation and easy respiration.
Chiropractic
It is a manual therapy that realigns the body and reduces muscle tension, and decreases pressure on joints.
So by relaxing your body and improving your posture, you can breathe easily.
Relaxation techniques relieve shortness of breath during pregnancy
Prenatal yoga
Gentle yoga combined with meditation can improve strength, flexibility, and relaxation.
Prenatal massage
It reduces muscle tension, stress, and improves blood supply to all muscles of the body.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can calm the mind, relieve anxiety, and promote a sense of presence.
Spending time in nature
Go outdoors for a walk in the fresh air so you will be greatly relaxed.
Listen to music
Relaxing music can help soothe your body and mind.
Spend time with loved ones
Spending time with friends and family is a very supportive way to relax and reduce your stress during pregnancy.
Warm baths
Take a warm bath every day with Epsom salt and water to reduce muscle tension.
Reading
Reading a good book that you like is a relaxing way for your soul and mind as you escape and unwind.
All these techniques for relaxation will reduce the shortness of breath during pregnancy.
Finally, do not forget that shortness of breath during pregnancy is a normal symptom during pregnancy that many women will have during the late or even early stage of pregnancy due to normal hormonal changes and normal increase in uterus size and gradual development of the baby in the uterus.
You can go to the doctor to get advice only if you have chest pain, blue lips, palpitations, or sleep apnea.
The normal shortness of breath during pregnancy can be relieved by some home remedies, like drinking coffee, tea, or ginger.
Also, all techniques for relaxation, like meditation, reading, music, chiropractic, walking outdoors with your beloved friends or family members, will reduce your shortness of breath during pregnancy.
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