In the third trimester, the uterus grows rapidly and puts more pressure on internal organs, especially the diaphragm and lungs, causing a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. Although it is generally common in pregnancy, you need to be aware of how to distinguish between the normal and what is not.
In this article, we will review the causes of shortness of breath during pregnancy, factors influencing breathing, when you should be concerned, and practical tips to relieve symptoms safely.
Breathing Difficulties at Week 29
In the third trimester, numerous symptoms become more pronounced compared to the earlier stages of pregnancy and may even grow progressively worse with time, such as shortness of breath, which may be worsened when sitting or lying because of the upward pressure of the baby on the diaphragm.
For this reason, it is not really surprising to have shortness of breath during this stage. What matters most is its severity and how it influences your daily activities.
The Effect of Pregnancy on the Respiratory System and Heart
In pregnancy, various changes occur in both the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system to meet the demands of the body, including:
- Heart: It pumps around 50% more blood than its normal. This directly affects heart functions, such as increasing heart rate and heart workload.
- Lungs: When the uterus grows, it presses upon the diaphragm, moving it higher and leaving little room for the lungs to expand.
The Relationship Between Baby’s Position and the Diaphragm
When the baby is in a breech position with its head upwards, diaphragmatic pressure is increased, and breathing becomes harder. With its head downwards, pressure becomes relatively lower, and breathing becomes easier.
As labor draws nearer and the baby descends into the pelvis, pressure on the diaphragm is relieved, and many women experience relief in breathing.
The Role of Hormones in Breathing
During pregnancy, Many effects that may seem opposite occur, but they are actually complementary, and ensure a balance of oxygen for both mother and baby, including:
- Progesterone: Stimulates the respiratory centers in the brain and enhances the response of the body to carbon dioxide, a process that leads to dilation of the air passages and an increase in the breathing rate to provide sufficient oxygen for the mother and the baby.
- Relaxin: Affects muscles and ligaments, making them less elastic, along with the growing uterus, which presses the diaphragm upwards, leaving a little room for the lungs’ expansion and difficulty breathing.
Does Asthma Improve or Worsen During Pregnancy?
If you already have asthma, pregnancy may influence it in two ways:
- In some women, asthma symptoms are relieved because of hormonal and immunological changes. Reproductive hormones decrease airway irritation, while the immunological system effects subside, leading to fewer episodes of wheezing.
- In other women, it can exacerbate asthma, especially if it isn’t controlled, which can increase shortness of breath symptoms and put the pregnancy at risk.
Poorly managed asthma may decrease oxygen intake for both the mother and the newborn, so it is important to follow the treatment plan and consult your doctor if medication adjustments are needed.
Health Conditions Induce Shortness of Breath
Certain conditions that need immediate medical treatment to prevent complications include:
- Anaemia: Iron or vitamin B12 deficiency reduces oxygen-carrying capacity, forcing the body to work harder to meet oxygen needs. This can cause shortness of breath even with minimal physical activity.
- Bronchitis or Respiratory Infection: The infection reduces the efficiency of the respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties, especially in females with nasal congestion or chronic inflammation of the air passages.
When is difficulty breathing a problem?
It is crucial to differentiate pregnancy-related shortness of breath from shortness of breath which could be related to a medical issue. These symptoms call for medical attention:
- Sudden development of shortness of breath or aggravation.
- Difficulty breathing at rest.
- Unexplained worsening of shortness of breath, particularly in patients with a history of asthma, heart disease, or pulmonary disease.
- Sudden or severe swelling of the legs, arms, or face, possibly due to preeclampsia or fluid retention.
- Shortness of breath associated with other symptoms as:
- Phlegm secretion.
- Dizziness.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing.
- Wheezing.
- irregular heartbeats.
- Pale or blue lips or fingers.
How Can You Improve Your Breathing?
You can try these strategies to enhance breathing:
- Adjust your posture
- Keep your shoulders slightly back to expand your chest when seated or standing.
- Sleep on an incline, with your body elevated with some pillows, and do not lie on your back.
- Perform deep breathing exercises daily by taking the breath through the abdomen and exhaling slowly.
- Keep changing positions from sitting to standing, as remaining in one position for a longer period will increase chest pressure and worsen breathing.
- Balance activity and rest
- Break your tasks into smaller steps, and take short breaks in between.
- Do not climb stairs or walk fast when feeling exhausted or winded.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing around your chest and stomach area.
- Avoid hot, humid climates.
- Treat the Underlying Health Issues
- Check that the medication and dosage are safe and effective for your asthma or any kind of respiratory condition.
- Eat iron-rich foods or consult your doctor about iron supplements to help reduce breathlessness if you have anaemia, especially iron-deficiency anaemia, which can cause low oxygen levels.
- Seek medical help if you observe coughing, signs of respiratory infection or unusual difficulty breathing.
- Make your environment help you breathe
- Keep all rooms well ventilated, opening windows frequently to renew the air.
- Try to avoid contact with respiratory irritants, like cigarette smoke, fragrant perfume, or chemicals used for cleaning.
- Improve air circulation with a fan or air conditioner if necessary.
Does shortness of breath improve near labor?
As labor approaches, breathing often improves, and the baby descends into the pelvis, in a phase called “lightening”, which reduces pressure on the diaphragm. However, breathlessness may still occur with exertion or sudden changes in position.
Improvement will vary depending on the extent of uterine descent, baby positioning, volume of amniotic fluid, and abdominal muscle elasticity.
How to breathe comfortably during sleep?
When lying on your back, the uterus presses on your vena cava, which returns blood to the heart. It slows circulation, inducing dizziness and shortness of breath. Therefore, sleeping on your left side is always preferred.
Avoid long periods of immobility; alternate between sitting and lying positions to enhance circulation and reduce pressure on the lungs.
Elevating your upper body using a pillow can also lessen pressure on the diaphragm. Practicing deep breathing and relaxation exercises before bed will help to relax tension, ensuring better breathing and sleep.
Tips for Easier Breathing as Pregnancy Advances
Along with the previous strategies, you can also enhance your breathing by:
- Reaching out to a medical or emotional expert to deal with feelings of anxiety or unusual breathlessness.
- Maintaining a proper sitting position, not bending forward or putting pressure on the chest.
- Maintaining proper hydration and consumption of iron and vitamin-rich foods to promote heart and lung functions.
In Conclusion…
Difficulty breathing during pregnancy is natural, especially during the last few weeks, due to changes that take place in the lungs, heart, and uterine enlargement. However, it is important to be aware of any strange symptoms that would require a doctor’s assessment. You must therefore practice good sleep positions and posture, and control any other concurrent medical conditions for your safety during this pregnancy period.