Causes and cure of breathlessness during Pregnancy
Women often complain about shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea during pregnancy. Doctors say it is actually a common side effect of pregnancy. Although many women think dyspnea is brought on by the weight they gain during pregnancy, there are in fact many causes. The breathing pattern gets affected during pregnancy, because of increasing demands of carrying a baby places on the circulatory and respiratory systems. Also the rising levels of hormones can stimulate the respiratory responses in the brain increasing the respiration rate.
Shortness of breath during pregnancy may also result as the uterus expands and takes up much of the room available in the belly and diaphragm. You should also get help right away if breathlessness is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Worsening asthma
- Rapid breathing
- A rapid pulse, heart palpitations, or faintness
- Chest pain or pain when you breathe
- A blue tinge around your lips, fingers, or toes, or if you look pale
- A sense of apprehension that you're not getting enough oxygen
- A persistent cough, a cough along with fever or chills, or coughing blood
How safe is Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
Shortness of breath during pregnancy is generally not anything to worry about. It acts as a reminder that one should take things easy during your pregnancy. Although some women fear that it reflects on the baby's oxygen intake but this is however not the case.
In a very rare situation, it suggests an underlying problem. This is more commonly the case if the pregnant women have a health condition prior to pregnancy that contributes to respiratory illness or dysfunction.
In even more rare instances shortness of breath may be a sign of a pulmonary embolism. This is a blood clot that breaks free and travels to the lungs. Women are slightly more at risk for this condition during pregnancy due to blood clotting mechanisms in the body. If your shortness of breath comes on suddenly without provocation, you should immediately contact your doctor.
Tips For Improving
One way to enhance your breathing is by raising your arms above your head to open your rib cage.
Take your time. Inhale by counting to three, then exhale and count to at least five to ten. Doing so will make you more conscious of your breathing patterns and encourage more fulfilling breathing.
Consider a yoga class that focuses on breathing techniques.
Take your time when climbing stairs or exercising and expect that you may be a little out of breath. Taking things too hard can result in dizziness or faintness.
Swimming can also be beneficial, helping you build stamina without strain and is an excellent exercise if you are experiencing frequent breathlessness during pregnancy.
Usually simple awareness of breathing patterns helps alleviate shortness of breath during pregnancy. Doctors say that these symptoms rapidly improve as the baby drops in the last trimester.