Pregnant woman with shortness of breath
The sensation of shortness of breath during pregnancy, otherwise known as dyspnea, is a very common occurrence, the causes of which are well known and therefore should not cause particular concern.
Most women, in fact, during pregnancy experiences this unpleasant phenomenon, which can mainly be attributed to two mechanisms: the increase of the hormone progesterone and the growth of the child. Let’s see together how they affect the breath, as well as some methods to relieve the breathlessness.
Causes of shortness of breath in pregnancy
The primary culprit for shortness of breath in pregnancy is progesterone, a hormone that begins to be produced in large quantities during the first few months. This increase in the amount of progesterone in the blood causes an increase in the rate of breathing, which can be uncomfortable for the woman and cause the feeling of shortness of breath. However, it is an essential mechanism to support the growth of the unborn child, since this increase in respiratory rate allows the amount of oxygen available to the fetus and its development to be increased. So, if you experience a feeling of shortness of breath at the beginning of your pregnancy, even before your belly grows, don’t worry, because the reason is the hormone progesterone.
The second mechanism underlying the breathlessness during pregnancy is more intuitive to understand, and is attributable to the growth of the fetus in the woman’s uterus. In short, it is an effect due to the mass and space occupied by the baby in the woman’s womb, which causes greater resistance to the lowering of the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for the expansion of the lungs, thus giving the annoying symptom of breathing. short. In other words, the mother’s belly reduces the space the lungs have available to expand and collect air, thus causing a feeling of shortness of breath.
This effect, determined by the growth of the fetus, worsens as the pregnancy progresses, and then, paradoxically, improves once it has almost reached the end, in the course of the last few weeks. This is to be explained by the assumption by the child of the preparatory position for childbirth, lower inside the mother’s abdomen, with a consequent reduction in the pressure that opposes the act of breathing. Then, over the months of gestation, you will need to expect a progressive worsening of the breathlessness, along with the increase in belly size, and then have some relief when finally, there are a few weeks left for the baby to be born.
What to do in case of shortness of breath during pregnancy and when to see a doctor
As seen above, shortness of breath during pregnancy is a very common problem, so it generally does not require special attention and should not cause concern. This, however, does not mean that nothing can be done to relieve the unpleasant sensation of shortness of breath. There are, in fact, some simple strategies able to help the woman in fighting breathlessness, among which we underline:
- Try to maintain a correct position when sitting. Keeping the torso vertically, very straight, in fact, helps the lungs expand and reduces the feeling of lack of air;
- Slow down and face daily chores more calmly. By moving more slowly, you reduce the work on your heart and lungs, thereby improving your breathing;
- Raise your arms above your head. When the feeling of breathlessness is particularly unpleasant, raise your arms above your head. This will reduce the pressure in the rib cage and make it easier for the lungs to expand, resulting in some relief. The act of lifting the arms also helps to keep the torso straight, helping with what was said in the first point;
- Use pregnancy shapewear regularly to keep your body posture perfect.
Sleep reclining, lifting your torso and head with pillows. By assuming a more vertical position, in fact, you improve the expansion of the lungs and you will facilitate breathing, as already seen in the first point of this list, and it will be easier for you to get a restful sleep.
By following these simple points, you can at least partially alleviate the problem of breathlessness in pregnancy, but this does not mean that they are panaceas. In fact, there are cases in which a medical consultation is recommended, in particular:
- If the breathlessness comes suddenly or is more severe than usual;
- Heart beating very fast and feeling of heart in the throat;
- When you feel lightheaded or dizzy
- In case of chest pain;
- In case of fever or chills;
- If you normally have asthma, as shortness of breath during pregnancy may make it worse.
