
What do you need to know?

Shortness of breath during pregnancy

Shortness of breath during pregnancy is normal as long as there are no other symptoms involved. It is usually caused because as the baby grows, the diaphragm and lungs are being compressed and the capacity of expansion of the rib cage is diminished, generating the sensation of lack of air.

However, there are other factors that may be at the origin of this symptom, such as respiratory diseases, allergic reactions or obesity for example. See the main causes for shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath during pregnancy

What to do

What you can do is avoid great exertions is not do not lie on your stomach and try to reduce anxiety. When you begin to feel difficulty breathing, you should sit down and concentrate on your own breathing, trying to calm yourself as much as possible.

If besides the shortness of breath, you feel a fever, chills or any other symptom, whether it is in the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy, you should go to the doctor to investigate the cause, so appropriate treatment is initiated.

To relieve shortness of breath in pregnancy you can also take a natural remedy with honey syrup and watercress.

Shortness of breath in the beginning of pregnancy

Shortness of breath in early pregnancy is not very common, but it can occur especially if you have asthma, bronchitis or if a cold.

In addition to shortness of breath, other symptoms may appear, such as coughing, palpitation, racing heart and purplish lips and nails. So, if these symptoms appear you should go to the doctor quickly because it may be a heart or respiratory disease that needs to be treated quickly.

The feeling of shortness of breath during pregnancy can last up to 36 weeks gestation, which is usually when the baby fits into the pelvis, making the belly a little lower, giving your diaphragm and lungs more space.

Possible causes

Shortness of breath in pregnancy can be caused by:

  • Excess physical activity;
  • Tiredness;
  • Baby's growth;
  • Anxiety;
  • Asthma;
  • Bronchitis;
  • Heart problems.

When the baby fits into the pelvis, at around 34 weeks of gestation, the belly tends to "go down" or "lower" and the lack of air tends to decrease because the lung gets more space to fill with air.

Shortness of breath during pregnancy harms the baby?

When you have a slight shortness of breath, it is something most pregnant women feel during pregnancy, and this does not harm the baby at all because the baby receives the oxygen it needs through the blood from the umbilical cord.

However, if you experience any other symptoms other than shortness of breath, or if the shortness of breath becomes worse, you should go to the doctor for an evaluation.

Did you like what you read?   
Yes  /  No


Send Carregando elementos na página
More on this subject:

Please, ask away

It's time to answer all your questions
Select the check box above.
Send message