Find the reasons why pregnant women have difficulty breathing and how to resolve this problem

Shortness of breath is quite common in pregnant women and is often caused by a combination of causes. So, find out where pregnant women have difficulty breathing so that there is an appropriate relief or go to the doctor for timely intervention.

According to an Israeli study in 2015, an estimated 60-70% of pregnant women have difficulty breathing during pregnancy right from the first trimester. Although difficulty in breathing may seem serious and the pregnant woman feels uncomfortable, it can actually be resolved with a few breathing exercises. However, if breathing difficulty is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see your doctor for immediate medical examination and treatment.

Cause pregnant women have difficulty breathing

Although difficulty breathing is a common symptom of pregnancy, it is not always possible for a doctor to determine the exact cause of the condition. Pregnant women have difficulty breathing, both because the uterus develops and the heart suddenly changes during pregnancy.

Some women may notice changes in their breathing almost immediately, while others feel this only during the second and third trimester .

1. Pregnant women have difficulty breathing in the first trimester

During this time, the fetus is not old enough to make it difficult for the pregnant woman to breathe or create breathing problems. However, the diaphragm, the strip of muscle tissue that separates the heart and lungs from the abdomen, grows 4 centimeters during the first trimester of pregnancy . The movement of the diaphragm helps the lungs to have more air. Some pregnant women notice no change in breathing, while others notice that they cannot breathe as deeply as they did before they were pregnant.

Similar to changes in the diaphragm, pregnant women often breathe faster due to the increase in the hormone progesterone. This hormone plays an essential role in fetal development. It is also a respiratory stimulant that makes you breathe faster and more rapidly, making it difficult for pregnant women to breathe due to the increased need for oxygen.

2. Pregnant women have difficulty breathing in the second trimester

Pregnant women may find it difficult to breathe during the second trimester. This is also the stage when the uterus grows more. Besides, some changes in the way the heart works can have the same effect.

Another reason why pregnant women have difficulty breathing is that the amount of blood in the body increases significantly, causing the heart to pump harder to transport blood through the body and to the placenta. The more work the heart needs to do will make you feel tired while breathing.

3. Pregnant women have difficulty breathing in the third trimester

During the third trimester, breathing may be easier or more difficult depending on where the baby's head is located. Before the fetus turns and gets close to the pelvis, the baby's head may lie below the mother's ribs or press against the mother's diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe.

According to the National Women's Health Resource Center, shortness of breath usually occurs between 31 and 34 weeks.

4. Other causes

Although changes during pregnancy can make it difficult for a pregnant woman to breathe, there are some other causes, such as:

Asthma

Pregnancy can make asthma symptoms worse. Anyone with asthma should talk to their doctor about safe treatments during pregnancy to avoid harming mother and baby.

Obstructive cardiomyopathy

This is a type of heart failure that can occur during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Symptoms include swelling of the ankles, low blood pressure, fatigue, and a fast heartbeat. Many women may mistake these symptoms as signs of pregnancy at first, but perinatal cardiomyopathy can seriously affect your health and often requires treatment.

Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot becomes trapped in a pulmonary artery. This can significantly affect breathing, causing coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.

Stay hydrated

Some women experience edema during pregnancy. This is a serious form of fluid retention but is quite common in pregnant women. With edema, the condition affects the lungs and sinuses, and thus has difficulty breathing.

Anemia

Your body uses its iron stores to make the red blood cells it needs and carry oxygen throughout the internal organs. Lack of iron means your body will be anemic and make the body work harder than normal to produce oxygen, which makes it difficult for pregnant women to breathe.

How to alleviate difficulty breathing in pregnant women

Feeling short of breath can make pregnant women uncomfortable as well as limit physical activity. However, aFamilyToday Health will reveal a few tips to help you feel more comfortable:

Correct postures

The correct posture will support the uterus to move away from the diaphragm to help pregnant mothers breathe easier. To do this, you can use a  pregnancy belt.  This is a product designed to help pregnant women move more comfortably. In addition, pregnant mothers should practice breathing exercises that are often used during childbirth to help you breathe easily.

Rested

Pregnant mothers should listen to the body and rest when necessary if you feel unable to breathe normally. In the later stages of pregnancy, pregnant women cannot perform the same physical activities as before.

Putting a pillow in your upper back while you sleep can cause the uterus to tilt down and give the lungs more space. Leaning slightly to the left also helps the uterus not press on the aorta (the main artery that moves blood and oxygenates through the body), thereby helping pregnant mothers breathe easier.

Do light exercise

Moderate exercise such as aerobic exercise or yoga are all ideal measures to improve breathing and regulate your heart rate. However, no matter what form of exercise you choose, do not overdo it and consult your doctor before starting to practice.

When to see a doctor?

Trouble breathing is common, but if you experience any of the following, go to the hospital right away:

Her fingers, lips and toes turn green

Rapid heartbeat or high heart rate

Chest pain while breathing

Wheeze.

When you see your doctor, you may be prescribed an ultrasound to rule out blood clots.