Physical Changes In Pregnancy - Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath in pregnancy is common, 60-70% of healthy pregnant women experience shortness of breath at some point in their pregnancy. Many women feel short of breath in early pregnancy due to the influence of pregnancy hormones. In later pregnancy, as the baby grows, the uterus takes up more room. Your lungs do not have as much room to expand, so you may be short of breath. 

In the first trimester demands for increased oxygen can cause shortness of breath. Your diaphragm muscle may rise up to 4 centimeters within your first trimester to make room for your rising uterus. Your progesterone also rises in pregnancy, this may cause you to breathe faster and increase your oxygen demand. Not everyone feels this change, but many do. This is a normal shift in pregnancy.

In your second trimester, the body works hard to increase blood volume to support a growing baby. The heart slightly enlarges and has to pump harder to supply the needs of the placenta and baby. A growing baby, an enlarging uterus, and an increased need for oxygen can create a feeling of shortness of breath.

A few weeks before you give birth, the baby's head will move down in your pelvis, or "drop".

When the baby drops, it may be easier to breathe. You can try:

•       Sit up straight and correct your posture. This will create more lung space and ease your shortness of breath.

•       Don’t get up too quickly. Your baby will shift as you move, take time for your body to catch up to the movements you make.

•       Do full arm circle exercises, breathing in deeply on the upswing. This will help encourage lunge expansion. Did you know, your rib cage expands during pregnancy.

• When exercising, running errands, or chasing children be mindful of how quick you are moving. Pay attention to how your body is feeling and if you need to take a break, sit for a moment.

• A good pregnancy belt may help to lift the baby up enough to take pressure off your back and support the weight of the baby, this may help support good posture and reduce tension in the body.

• Use pillows in the evening to support and prop you up. This may help encourage the uterus to drop downward and help the lungs expand.

Shortness of breath can follow into immediate postpartum. Many women feel the shift of their organs after standing and walking. It is important to go slow and rest in the postpartum to help encourage healing and the slow shift of maternal organs back to their normal place.

If shortness of breath continues or prolongs in postpartum, or if you are experiencing shortness of breath after giving birth that you did not experience during the pregnancy, this may be a sign of a postpartum complication, follow up with your health care provider.

When to contact a doctor:

If shortness of breath becomes severe, it is important to contact and see a doctor. There are other reasons that shortness of breath may occur in pregnancy.

Immediately contact a doctor if you experience these symptoms:

• blue lips, fingers, or toes

• heart palpitations or extremely high heart rate

• pain when breathing

• severe shortness of breath that seems to be getting worse

• wheezing

If your shortness of breath becomes a concern or if you experience it for the first time, you should speak with your healthcare provider.

Overall, shortness of breath is a common symptom in many women throughout pregnancy.

Shortness of breath in pregnancy is generally harmless and should resolve shortly after delivery.

In some cases, shortness of breath during pregnancy can have other underlying causes and may be more severe. Contacting a doctor can help a person determine whether they need medical treatment.