Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy: Causes & 5 Tips for Relief
08 Feb 2025
Feeling Out of Breath? Here’s Why It Happens During Pregnancy
If you’ve been feeling short of breath during pregnancy, you’re not alone! Many moms-to-be experience this, especially in the second and third trimesters. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s usually a normal part of pregnancy as your body adapts to support your growing baby. Let’s dive into why shortness of breath happens, when to be concerned, and how to find relief.Why Does Pregnancy Cause Shortness of Breath?
Several factors contribute to feeling breathless during pregnancy: Increased Oxygen Demand: Your body needs more oxygen to support your baby’s growth, making you breathe faster.Hormonal Changes: Higher levels of progesterone affect your breathing by making your lungs expand and work harder.
Growing Uterus: As your baby grows, your uterus pushes against your diaphragm, making it harder for your lungs to fully expand.
Changes in Blood Volume: Pregnancy increases your blood volume by up to 50%, making your heart work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood.
5 Ways to Manage Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
If you’re feeling breathless, try these simple tips to ease your discomfort: 1. Improve Your Posture- Stand and sit up straight to give your lungs more room to expand.
- Use a pregnancy pillow for better support when sleeping.
- Don’t overexert yourself—listen to your body and take breaks when needed.
- Try slow, deep breathing exercises to help regulate your breathing.
- Use extra pillows to prop yourself up while sleeping.
- Sleeping on your left side can also improve circulation and breathing.
- Gentle exercises like prenatal yoga, walking, or stretching can improve lung function.
- Avoid intense workouts that make you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can worsen breathlessness.
- Eat small, frequent meals to avoid feeling overly full, which can put pressure on your diaphragm.
When to Call Your Doctor
While mild shortness of breath is normal, call your doctor if you experience: Severe or sudden shortness of breathChest pain or a rapid heartbeat
Bluish lips or fingertips
Wheezing or coughing up blood
Extreme dizziness or fainting These could be signs of a more serious condition like anemia, asthma, or a blood clot (pulmonary embolism). Always check with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
Shortness of breath is a common (and usually harmless) pregnancy symptom caused by hormones, increased oxygen needs, and your growing baby. By maintaining good posture, taking it slow, and staying active, you can breathe easier as you prepare to meet your little one.
If something feels off, always trust your instincts and call your doctor. You and your baby’s health come first!
