Dyspnoea During Pregnancy: Symptoms And Treatment

Dyspnoea during pregnancy is common in expectant mothers. The term refers to having difficulty breathing. It is the result of complications and adaptation to changes in the body during pregnancy.

Dyspnoea, also called shortness of breath, is mainly associated with the heart and lung system.

Breathing difficulties during pregnancy can be explained by the baby’s growth, the effect of hormones and the modification of the respiratory system.

The combination of all these factors can be disruptive for many expectant mothers as more than half of them will at one time or another experience shortness of breath.

Dyspnoea during pregnancy is usually experienced when performing an activity or during a prolonged rest.

There are two types of dyspnoea: acute and chronic. In acute dyspnoea, shortness of breath lasts a few weeks, while in chronic dyspnoea it lasts for more than a month.

Fortunately, this discomfort is not dangerous for the child, and some exercises can ease your symptoms a bit, even if only temporarily.

More common during the third trimester

Dyspnoea causes difficulty breathing because the uterus is against the diaphragm.

Complications are exacerbated and are more common during the third trimester of pregnancy.

During this time, and also during the second trimester of pregnancy, the uterus expands due to the growth of the fetus. Therefore, women will logically experience more frequent breathing difficulties.

Common symptoms of dyspnoea during pregnancy

These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of dyspnea during pregnancy:

• Respiratory distress
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Bluish discoloration of the nails and skin

• Restlessness
• Abnormal breathing patterns
• Increased heart rate

Tips for treating dyspnoea during pregnancy

Here are some ways to relieve dyspnea during pregnancy:

1. Avoid strenuous activities

The first tip is to try to relax regularly during pregnancy. You should not put too much effort into work or household chores as it can make the dyspnea even worse.

With frequent breaks, your body can recover and be more relaxed. This will help alleviate your breathing problems during all nine months of pregnancy.

2. Do breathing exercises

Breathing exercises are one of the best solutions to combat shortness of breath and relieve the symptoms of dyspnea. These activities will help you increase your lung capacity and thus allow you to breathe better.

3. Have good posture

Good posture is very useful in reducing dyspnoea. When sitting, you should pull your shoulders back.

This position will allow plenty of room for the lungs to expand. When you sleep, try to keep your body elevated by placing more pillows behind your back.

4. Change position

If you feel short of breath and uncomfortable in a certain position, try to switch to a more relaxed position. This will help you breathe easier.

5. Perform aerobic exercises

Finally, gentle aerobic exercises are always good to perform during pregnancy. It can often be difficult to breathe during pregnancy if you are untrained. The baby also needs oxygen to grow well inside you.

Therefore, you should consult your doctor and learn some basic aerobic exercises to keep you in shape. These workouts also maintain the function of the heart and lung system without friction.

It is common to experience dyspnoea during pregnancy, and the above measures will greatly help you treat and control your dyspnoea.

If you experience severe symptoms, such as dizziness, prolonged breathing problems, extreme fatigue or severe chest pain, you should see your doctor quickly.

If you do not get your breathing difficulties under control, lack of oxygen can harm both you and the growing child.

It is therefore extremely important to take the worrying symptoms seriously and to do your best to take action to effectively treat dyspnoea.