Reduce shortness of breath during the third trimester
Reaching the third trimester is an important milestone in your pregnancy. Now more than ever your body is working hard to cater to your baby’s needs, but this can also cause unwanted symptoms such as feeling short of breath. This is normal and there are several reasons why breathing seems a little harder. Here’s why …
Reaching the third trimester is an important milestone in your pregnancy. Now more than ever your body is working hard to cater to your baby’s needs, but this can also cause unwanted symptoms such as feeling short of breath. This is normal and there are several reasons why breathing seems a little harder.
Here’s why you can’t catch your breath Your oxygen intake increases by about 20% when you’re pregnant. This is to ensure that there’s enough oxygen transferred to your placenta, uterus, and baby. It might feel like you’re taking more breaths per minute, however, the amount of air you are inhaling increases, which means you’re taking deeper breaths. Your uterus puts pressure on your diaphragm, and this reduces lung capacity. Most women find that breathing improves during the last few weeks of pregnancy, because of their babies dropping in preparation for birth.
Ways to reduce shortness of breath during the third trimester:
- Good posture: Keep your back and shoulders straight to give your lungs room to expand as much as possible.
- Extra pillows: If breathlessness is disturbing your sleep, prop yourself up with more pillows.
- Lift your arms up: This will take the pressure off your rib cage and allow you to breathe easily.
- Eat healthily: Being overweight can make breathing even harder, so eat a healthy diet to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.
- Yoga: Breathing exercises that are taught during yoga classes may help you control your breathing better. Yoga is a gentle exercise that will also keep you fit.
