Feeling a bit out of breath? Don’t worry, breathlessness during pregnancy is common, especially in the second trimester. Just take a deep breath and relax, mom!
Hormones and Breathlessness During Pregnancy
If you’re experiencing breathlessness during pregnancy, you can blame your pregnancy hormones. These hormones affect your respiratory system by causing you to take deeper breaths, which can make it feel like you can’t catch your breath. The hormones can also cause the blood vessels in your respiratory system to swell, making it even harder to breathe deeply.
How to Cope with Breathlessness
Motherhood can be hard and challenging, and caring for your body and well-being is crucial during pregnancy. Shortness of breath during pregnancy can be stifling, but some practical tips can help, such as being mindful of your body position, practicing breathing exercises, and trusting in the process of creating life.
If you are experiencing breathing difficulties, doing the following may help you feel better:
Slow Down and Listen to Your Body
Always listen to your body’s signals. If you feel the need to slow down, don’t ignore it. Breathlessness during pregnancy is your body’s way of telling you to take it easy.
Breathing Exercises for Pregnancy
Breathing exercises can help raise your rib cage and promote more chest breathing. As your uterus grows, deep abdominal breathing becomes more difficult. Try these steps:
- Stand up.
- Raise your arms and inhale deeply.
- Exhale slowly while bringing your arms back down.
- Raise and lower your head as you inhale and exhale.
Aerobic Exercise and Breathlessness
Aerobic exercise can improve the efficiency of both your respiratory and circulatory systems, which may help alleviate breathlessness during pregnancy.
Adjust Your Sitting and Sleeping Positions
Sitting in a straight chair with your chest lifted and your shoulders back might be helpful. During sleeping times, pillows are your best friends! Try elevating your head while lying on your side to reduce shortness of breath during pregnancy.
Can Breathlessness Affect My Baby?
If you’re feeling short of breath, it’s usually nothing to worry about—your baby is still getting all the oxygen they need through the placenta. However, if you’re having difficulty breathing, your lips or fingers are turning blue, or you have chest pain and a fast pulse, call your midwife or OBGYN right away. lips or fingers are turning blue, or you have chest pain and a fast pulse, call your midwife or OBGYN right away.
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