Causes of Shortness of Breath During Early Pregnancy
Shortness of breath during early pregnancy is one of the complaints that are often experienced by pregnant women. Although generally harmless, shortness of breath makes some pregnant women feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it is important to know the cause of shortness of breath and how to overcome it.
Not only often experienced at the end of pregnancy, but the shortness of breath can also occur during early pregnancy. If pregnant women experience it, try to stay calm, because these complaints are generally still considered normal and are not a sign of a health problem.
This is the body's way of adjusting to hormonal changes during pregnancy while getting more oxygen for the fetus to support its growth.
Shortness of breath during early pregnancy can be made worse by certain health problems or conditions, such as:
At the end of the third trimester, pregnant women's breathing will feel heavier because the size of the uterus is getting bigger, which can put more pressure on the diaphragm. At this stage, the lungs of pregnant women do not have enough room to breathe normally and the diaphragm cannot expand optimally.
About 2-3 weeks before delivery or when the baby's head descends into the birth canal, pregnant women will be able to breathe more easily and with relief.
At the time of exercise, pregnant women will feel a little breathless. However, this can reduce shortness of breath and the fetus can get more oxygen.
In addition to the various ways to overcome shortness of breath during early pregnancy, pregnant women can also try to stand up straight and raise their arms above their heads while taking deep breaths. This method is done to avoid pressure in the chest so that pregnant women can breathe more oxygen.
In addition, pregnant women must also routinely carry out pregnancy control according to the doctor's recommendations. That way, pregnant women can continue to monitor the health conditions of themselves and their fetuses to prevent certain diseases or complications during pregnancy.
If pregnant women experience mild shortness of breath when carrying out activities, such as climbing stairs or carrying something heavy, this is considered normal and pregnant women only need to rest for a while.
However, if shortness of breath during early pregnancy occurs suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, fast pulse, chest pain, persistent cough, pale face, and blue lips, fingers, or toes, seek immediate medical attention. consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
Not only often experienced at the end of pregnancy, but the shortness of breath can also occur during early pregnancy. If pregnant women experience it, try to stay calm, because these complaints are generally still considered normal and are not a sign of a health problem.
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Causes of Shortness of Breath During Early Pregnancy
The cause of shortness of breath during early pregnancy is usually influenced by pregnancy hormones. Changes in hormone levels, including progesterone, can affect how the lungs work and stimulate the respiratory center in the brain. In this condition, the body's need to breathe will increase.This is the body's way of adjusting to hormonal changes during pregnancy while getting more oxygen for the fetus to support its growth.
Shortness of breath during early pregnancy can be made worse by certain health problems or conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Anemia
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Lung diseases, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
- Pregnant with twins
- Excessive weight gain
- Excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
At the end of the third trimester, pregnant women's breathing will feel heavier because the size of the uterus is getting bigger, which can put more pressure on the diaphragm. At this stage, the lungs of pregnant women do not have enough room to breathe normally and the diaphragm cannot expand optimally.
About 2-3 weeks before delivery or when the baby's head descends into the birth canal, pregnant women will be able to breathe more easily and with relief.
How to Overcome Shortness of Breath During Early Pregnancy
The following are some ways that can be done to overcome shortness of breath during early pregnancy:1. Adjust the sitting position
To relieve shortness of breath, pregnant women are advised to sit up straight while pulling their shoulders back. This sitting position will provide sufficient space for the lungs to take in the necessary oxygen.2. Don't be too hasty
Although pregnant women can remain active in various activities, you should avoid being in a hurry when doing activities and don't force yourself. If you start to gasp for breath, take a break and take time to relax.3. Use extra pillows
If you feel short of breath while sleeping, pregnant women can use some extra pillows to support the back so that they can breathe more easily.4. Do light exercise
An unfit body can trigger shortness of breath during early pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to do light exercise regularly, such as walking, swimming, or yoga for pregnant women.At the time of exercise, pregnant women will feel a little breathless. However, this can reduce shortness of breath and the fetus can get more oxygen.
In addition to the various ways to overcome shortness of breath during early pregnancy, pregnant women can also try to stand up straight and raise their arms above their heads while taking deep breaths. This method is done to avoid pressure in the chest so that pregnant women can breathe more oxygen.
In addition, pregnant women must also routinely carry out pregnancy control according to the doctor's recommendations. That way, pregnant women can continue to monitor the health conditions of themselves and their fetuses to prevent certain diseases or complications during pregnancy.
If pregnant women experience mild shortness of breath when carrying out activities, such as climbing stairs or carrying something heavy, this is considered normal and pregnant women only need to rest for a while.
However, if shortness of breath during early pregnancy occurs suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, fast pulse, chest pain, persistent cough, pale face, and blue lips, fingers, or toes, seek immediate medical attention. consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
