“Pregnant and Short of Breath: Causes of Breathing Problems” is an article we put together just for you to shed light on this common problem during pregnancy. Whether you're having trouble breathing during simple tasks or you're wondering why you keep waking up at night feeling short of breath, we're here to help you understand what's going on. So make yourself comfortable and read on to learn all about the causes of breathing problems during pregnancy and what you can do about them.
Causes of breathing problems during pregnancy
There are several reasons why breathing problems often occur during pregnancy. Hormone changes play a major role. The hormone progesterone increases, leading to an increased respiratory rate. This can make you get out of breath more quickly, especially in the second and third trimesters. In addition, the growing uterus can push against the diaphragm, leaving less room for the lungs to fully expand.
Another factor is anemia. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases significantly, but sometimes the body cannot produce enough red blood cells to keep up with this increase. This can lead to lower oxygen levels, which in turn causes shortness of breath. However, this is an exception and is certainly not always the cause of shortness of breath during pregnancy. Other possible causes are:
-
- Bad posture
-
- Stress and anxiety
-
- Overweight
| Cause | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Hormone changes | Rapid breathing |
| Growing of the uterus | Pressure on diaphragm |
| Anemia | Shortness of breath |
How to deal with shortness of breath when you are pregnant
Pregnancy is often an exciting and wonderful time, but it can also lead to certain discomforts, including shortness of breath. This can be quite frightening, especially the first time you experience it. But don't worry; shortness of breath during pregnancy is common and can be normal. Here are some tips to better handle this situation:
-
- Listen to your body: Always try to listen to your body and rest when you feel your breathing becoming heavy.
-
- Adjust your posture: Stand upright or sit with a straight back; this can help give your lungs more space.
-
- Do breathing exercises: Yoga and special breathing exercises can help you control your breathing more effectively.
-
- Avoid stress: Stress can make your breathing harder, so try relaxation techniques such as meditation.
Sometimes it can be helpful to know when your shortness of breath is a sign to seek medical attention. The table below shows some signals that you should be on the lookout for. If you experience these symptoms, contact your midwife or doctor.
| Symptom | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| Severe shortness of breath | Oxygen deficiency |
| Chestpain | Heart problems |
| Blue lips | Severe breathing problems |
| Fast heart rate | Cardiac complications |
Practical tips to improve your breathing for pregnant women
-
- Do a short meditation every morning.
-
- Take frequent breaks throughout the day.
-
- Ensure there is enough fresh air in your home.
Besides, you can posture affects your breathing. Try to consciously sit upright, especially during long periods of sitting. This opens your chest and makes it easier to breathe. Do you often sit at a desk? Then consider an ergonomic chair and place your screen at eye level. Regular checking your posture can significantly reduce breathing problems.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Deep breathing | Exercise daily to reduce stress. |
| Fresh air | Ventilate your house regularly. |
| Ergonomics | Use ergonomic furniture to improve your posture. |
Resume
Thank you for reading our article on ”Pregnant and Shortness of breath: Causes of Breathing Difficulties”. We hope you now have a better understanding of what can cause these breathing problems during pregnancy and what you can do about it to give yourself some relief .
At Midwives Lelystad we are always ready to answer all your questions and look at possible solutions together with you. Pregnancy can be challenging, but remember that you are not alone. Please feel free to contact us for personal advice or an appointment—we are here to support you and your little one as best we can.
Continue to take good care of yourself and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Together we ensure the most comfortable pregnancy possible.
Love,
The team of Midwives Lelystad
English 
Dutch 
Polish 
Turkish