Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy – How to Help Alleviate Some of Your Breathlessness

Have you noticed that during the first trimester, you may have problems breathing, then as the pregnancy gets further along, your breathlessness may increase. Breathlessness is common during pregnancy. At first, it is effected by an increase of the hormone progesterone, causing you to breathe in more deeply, making you feel as though you have to work harder to get more air. As you progress in your pregnancy and your uterus takes more space, the pressure it puts on your diaphragm can also increase your breathlessness. As the baby drops, you should start breathing easier. Or, if the baby hasn’t dropped yet, you’ll probably continue to be out of breathe.

Here are some helpful methods to help you breathe easier:

1. Maintaining a good posture whether sitting or standing can release pressure on lungs.

2. Gentle exercise such as walking and swimming can help increase your cardiovascular.

3. Prop yourself up when sleeping, by putting a pillow under your upper body.

4. Don’t overdo it, exercising, walking or even doing household chores. Take your time, but more importantly listen to your body. Your body will signal to you when you need to take a rest.

5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain proper weight gain. Avoid foods high in fat, salt and sugar. Excessive weight will add to your breathlessness.

6. Decrease intake of caffeine which will add to dehydration.

7. Increase intake of water which will reduce dehydration. Water is very important throughout your pregnancy and even during postpartum while breastfeeding.

Take it easy, don’t overdo it. You are pregnant and will have to may some adaptation to your life. Don’t worry, your shortness of breath is not harmful to your baby and will not last forever.