Breathing Problems During Pregnancy

There are times you might feel out of breath when you are pregnant. This is common for expecting  women. Many women have breathing problems throughout their pregnancy. It starts in the beginning of the pregnancy as a slight loss of breath, but nothing to worry about. The reason for this is that you need a lot more oxygen in your body when you are pregnant. The number of breaths that you are going to take is not going to change now that you are pregnant, but the amount of air is going to increase a lot.

As your pregnancy progresses and your baby grows, your baby is going to press against your diaphragm making it harder for your lungs to expand. This can cause you to feel a little or more out of breath. There's nothing to worry about as its part of being pregnant. It is common to have even more shortness of breath if you are carrying twins or multiples. You will get a few weeks before you have the baby where there will be no problems breathing, this is when the baby is dropping into place a couple of weeks before birth.

What to do about feeling shortness of breath?

You don’t really have to worry too much about this. However, you can, must take things a little bit slower if you feel that you are pushing yourself too hard. Don’t be over-active in your duties. Pace yourself. Remember to sit up strait and have you shoulders back. This gives your lungs more room to expand if they need. A special maternity pillow will allow you to breath properly during the night, it also gives you good belly and back support, a maternity pillow is one of the best and most rewarding things an expectant mum can get herself. Sleep is very important for the mum to be as she needs all the rest she can get to support her hard working body. Once you have the baby, your breathing will return back to normal within a week.

Could shortness of breath during pregnancy be the indication of a more serious problem?

For some, yes it can. You should contact your doctor immediately when you experience the following symptoms:

• Progressive problems with asthma

• Hyper-ventilation

• A fast paced pulse, heart palpitations, or dizziness

• Pain in your chest when you breathe

• Slight pale or shade of blue skin colour

• A sense of not getting enough oxygen to your brain or body

• A constant cough, fever, chills, or if you are coughing up blood

Remember if in doubt, call your doctor as mum and baby come first whenever, wherever!

Pregnancy Complications