Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

How to Overcome Shortness of Breath in Pregnant Women While Sleeping

Shortness of breath or shortness of breath is a common complaint about pregnant women. Although generally harmless, shortness of breath, especially during sleep, is very disturbing. Therefore, knowing how to deal with shortness of breath in pregnant women while sleeping will provide a sense of security during pregnancy.

Shortness of breath experienced in early pregnancy can be caused by increased levels of progesterone. This condition makes the body's need to breathe increase. In addition, the body also adjusts to having to share oxygen with the baby, so that the breath becomes short.

If it occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, this may be due to pressure on the diaphragm due to the increasing size of the uterus.

How to Overcome Shortness of Breath in Pregnant Women While Sleeping
image source: pexels.com

How to Overcome Shortness of Breath in Pregnant Women while Sleeping

In general, pregnant women find it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position as they get older. If the complaint of difficulty sleeping occurs due to shortness of breath, pregnant women can do the following:

1. Changing sleeping position

When the feeling of tightness appears when sleeping on your back, try changing sleeping positions by lying on your side. The recommended sleeping position for pregnant women is tilted to the left.

This position is recommended because it can increase blood flow to the placenta, so the fetus will get optimal nutrition. In addition, this position can prevent the uterus from pressing on the liver, which is located on the right side of the abdomen.

2. Elevate your head

To breathe more easily, position your head higher by placing a few pillows. Using a pillow to support your upper body can reduce pressure on your lungs, making it easier for you to breathe.

3. Using a maternity pillow

Lie on your side with your legs bent. Then, use pillows to support your back, under your stomach, and between your legs.

Currently, there are also pregnancy pillows that are designed to support the area, so you don't need to use a lot of pillows.

Sleeping on a pillow can expand the space in your abdominal cavity, making it easier for you to breathe.

In addition to various ways to deal with shortness of breath in pregnant women while sleeping above, inhale slowly and deeply once you experience shortness of breath so that you can inhale more oxygen.

Shortness of breath in pregnant women usually gradually subsides before the time of birth. This is because the baby's position is lower to the hips, thereby reducing pressure on the diaphragm.

Besides being caused by pregnancy, shortness of breath can also be caused by more serious medical conditions such as asthma, anemia, and preeclampsia. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly check your pregnancy, to prevent complications during pregnancy.

Consult a doctor further if the shortness of breath does not improve after doing some of the methods above, or if the shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, persistent cough, irregular heartbeat, or swelling in certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet.