Women who are pregnant often experience shortness of breath during the course of their pregnancy. Pangkaraniwan ang buntis ay may bahagyang hirap sa paghinga. Shortness of breath can be concerning, but it is usually harmless and is caused by changes that occur during pregnancy especially as the uterus enlarges in the second and third trimester.
However, you should always consult and inform your doctor since shortness of breath can be caused by many things.
Causes Of Shortness of Breath
Early Pregnancy
Ang buntis na hirap huminga experiences shortness of breath due to a rise in progesterone hormones. When pregnant women have high progesterone levels, they breathe faster and this may appear and feel like shortness of breath.
During pregnancy, the respiratory system also undergoes many changes. A rise in progesterone increases your lung’s capacities, to allow more oxygen to enter your blood. Progesterone causes widening of the bronchial air passages by altering the smooth muscle tone of the airways. The upper and lower respiratory tracts can be affected by hormones and physical changes due to the growing fetus.
During pregnancy, you may experience the following:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nosebleeds
- Diaphragm moving upward
- Chest size increasing
- Capacity of the lungs reduced
- An increase in oxygen consumption
- An increase in air exhaled and inhaled
As pregnancy progresses, many women have difficulty breathing because of these changes. In addition, the lungs may have trouble compensating if a lung disease develops, or if you have a pre-existing condition, such as asthma.
Late Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy and as your uterus grows, ang buntis na hirap huminga may experience shortness of breath due to the growing baby.
One reason for shortness of breath during the 31st to 34th week of pregnancy is that the uterus is expanding and pushing into the abdomen.
The lungs are squeezed, which reduces the amount of oxygen they can exchange. Ang buntis na hirap huminga will have difficulty expanding their lungs fully as a result of these changes.
Additionally, your lungs may not be able to expand completely due to the pressure from your growing baby. During these final weeks, the baby’s bones are also getting stronger.
In the last few weeks before delivery, your baby may settle deeper into the pelvis, so you should be able to breathe better. Some pressure is relieved on the lungs and diaphragm with the baby in this position.
Within a few weeks, breathing difficulties should disappear.
When To Call A Doctor
Ang buntis na hirap huminga is normal but there are some instances when difficulty in breathing could be a sign of something severe. If you have one or more of the following symptoms, it is best to seek immediate medical attention or rush to the emergency room:
- Feeling extremely short of breath
- Having the need to have 3 or more head pillows when sleeping
- Shortness of breath accompanied with swelling in the face (this could possibly be an allergic reaction or due to complications of preeclampsia)
- Inability to speak in complete sentences due to breathing problems
- Breathing difficulties that occur suddenly and unexpectedly
- Shortness of breath that is accompanied with chest pain
- Palpitations
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Persistent Cough
- Blue discoloration in the lips
- Blue discoloration in the fingers and toes
- Worsening asthma
- Pain
- Productive cough (with phlegm)
- Wheezing
Managing Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
The closer you get to delivery, the more comfortable and easy it is to breathe. At this stage, your baby slowly drops into your pelvis, allowing more room for your lungs to expand.
Para sa buntis na hirap huminga, here are some things to try to ease shortness of breath:
- Extend your arms above your head as you breathe deeply. This allows more room for your lungs and diaphragm to expand.
- When you’re standing or sitting, maintain good posture. Slouching doesn’t allow enough room for your lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe.
- Put some pillows under your upper body while sleeping. By sleeping in a semi-sitting position, you will reduce the pressure that your uterus places on your lungs.
- Exercise, walk around, or do chores in moderation. Listen to your body and slow down or stop when it tells you to do so.
Key Takeaway
Difficulty in breathing during pregnancy is normal. Hormonal and physical changes cause a pregnant woman to feel out of breath. Para sa buntis na hirap huminga, if they experience sudden and severe shortness of breath, pain, coughing, wheezing, or heart palpitations, they should notify a doctor at once. They might be experiencing shortness of breath for reasons besides pregnancy. Exercises and proper posture can help a pregnant woman breathe better and easier.
Learn more about Pregnancy Problems here.
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