Causes of Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy and How to Deal With it


Often times pregnant women experience shortness of breath during pregnancy or in the third trimester. In addition to disrupting daily activities, this condition can certainly make Bumil worry.

It is undeniable that shortness of breath has a connection with serious diseases, such as heart failure and asthma. However, pregnant women need not be afraid. Shortness of breath during pregnancy is generally not caused by dangerous things.

Causes of shortness of breath during pregnancy

Increased levels of the hormone progesterone in the body is one of the causes of shortness of breath. This is a normal condition that occurs during pregnancy.

Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by the body and serves to maintain the development of the Little One in the womb. Precisely if the production of the hormone progesterone decreases, pregnant women have the potential to experience a miscarriage.

In addition to increasing the hormone progesterone, shortness of breath can also be caused by the enlargement of the uterus. The size of the pregnant woman's womb will continue to grow following the growth of the little one. An enlarged uterus will suppress the lower muscles of the lungs (diaphragm) and make pregnant women difficult to breathe. This condition is normal. Shortness of breath that pregnant women feel will decrease after the little one is born.

However, shortness of breath can also be a sign of another health problem. Pregnant women should immediately see a doctor if shortness of breath feels very severe, or accompanied by the appearance of other symptoms, such as:


  • Constant coughing or coughing up blood.
  • Fever.
  • Chest pain.
  • Pale.
  • Heart rate and pulse become faster than normal.
  • Feels like I'm going to faint.
  • Lips, fingers or toes turn blue.
  • Swelling in certain body parts, such as the legs and face.


Shortness during pregnancy that is not caused by a serious health problem is generally not severe or disrupting activities. However, if pregnant women feel shortness of breath accompanied by additional symptoms, there may be medical conditions such as anemia, asthma, preeclampsia and pneumonia. Shortness of breath due to the disease is something that needs immediate medical attention.

Handling Shortness of Breath when Pregnant is Old

Shortness of breath during old pregnancy is indeed a disturbing condition. Pregnant women can do the following steps so that shortness of breath experienced can be reduced:


  • Pay attention to body position Try to always stand up when sitting or standing, and avoid bending as much as possible. Bending can cause pressure on the lungs which makes it difficult for pregnant women to breathe.
  • Place a support while sleeping When going to sleep, use a pillow to support your upper body. This will reduce the pressure on the lungs coming from the uterus.
  • Exercising Mild exercise such as walking, yoga, or swimming can help pregnant women breathe. Avoid jumping or skipping. Take a break or get exercise when pregnant women feel tired.
  • Relax Take time to relax. The more pregnant women get agitated with shortness of breath experienced, the more likely it is that breathlessness will worsen. Sleep or rest your body when pregnant women feel the need.

Basically the risk of shortness of breath during old pregnancy can be reduced by eating healthy foods, maintaining weight, and drinking enough water. Check and consult further with the obstetrician, if the above methods have not been able to relieve shortness of breath that appears.


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