During pregnancy, your baby is causing your organs to shift, so it is common to experience shortness of breath. Learn when your breathing patterns might be cause for concern.
Shortness of breath:
Most pregnant women feel short of breath both in early and late pregnancy. This is generally harmless and does not affect the amount of oxygen your baby gets. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, a normal increase in the hormone progesterone causes you to breathe more often. This can look and feel like shortness of breath. This hormone expands your lung capacity, allowing your blood to carry large quantities of oxygen to your baby.
Later pregnancy:
As your pregnancy continues and the baby gets bigger, shortness of breath occurs as your growing uterus takes up more room in your belly.
Your uterus pushes on and shifts other organs in your body.
Around the 31st to 34th week of pregnancy, the uterus begins to press on the diaphragm. These changes may make it hard for your lungs to fully expand. This may cause more shallow breathing, and you may feel short of breath.
End of pregnancy:
During the last few weeks of pregnancy, you may have less shortness of breath when your baby settles deeper into the pelvis to prepare for birth. With the baby in this position, some of the pressure on the lungs and diaphragm decrease.
What you can do?
These tips may help you to breathe easier:
- Sit or stand up straight. These positions give your lungs more room to expand.
- Slow down. When you move more slowly, you lessen the work of your heart and lungs.
- Lift your arms over your head. By taking pressure off your rib cage, you can breathe in more air.
- Sleep propped up. To put less pressure on your lungs, prop up your upper body with pillows.