Pregnant women are more than likely to experience shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is usually not a reason for alarm, but it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor, since many factors may cause it.
Because of the rise in the hormone progesterone, it’s common for pregnant women to find that their breathing becomes shallower. This may make you feel like you’re working harder to obtain a breath of fresh air. As your uterus grows, it may put pressure on your diaphragm, making it more difficult to breathe (the muscle below your lungs).
As your baby “drops” lower into your pelvis as you near delivery, you should start to be able to breathe a little easier. In the meantime, try to:
- Stay upright while you’re seated or standing so that your lungs have space to expand as you inhale and exhale.
- Put a few pillows beneath your upper torso in a semi-sitting posture as you sleep. Reduces the burden on the lungs from the uterus.
- Take it easy, whether you’re working out or simply getting some fresh air while you clean. Listen to your body’s warnings about slowing down or stopping completely.
Let your doctor know if your shortness of breath has begun abruptly, is severe, seems to be getting worse, or is accompanied by discomfort, coughing, wheezing, or palpitations. Pregnancy may not be the only cause of your shortness of breath, but it might be.
