Breathlessness in Pregnancy: Understanding Antenatal Care and Exercise

What Do I Need to Know About Breathlessness in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a transformative experience that brings both joy and new challenges. One common concern among expectant mothers is breathlessness or shortness of breath, which can be particularly noticeable during physical activity or at rest. While it is normal for women to experience some changes in their breathing patterns during pregnancy, understanding when breathlessness is a normal part of antenatal care and when it may indicate a health issue is crucial.

In this Antenatals article, we will explore the causes of breathlessness during pregnancy, its potential impact on antenatal support, and how you can manage it. We will also discuss the role of antenatal exercise, including safe activities such as prenatal yoga and how they can help alleviate symptoms of breathlessness. For women in the UK, this guide will provide helpful information, so you can confidently manage your pregnancy care and stay informed throughout your journey.

Breathlessness, also known as dyspnoea, is a common symptom in pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. There are several factors that contribute to this sensation:

1. Hormonal Changes

One of the most significant reasons for breathlessness is the increase in hormones, particularly progesterone, during pregnancy. Progesterone helps relax muscles, including those in the respiratory system. This can cause the diaphragm to move more freely, increasing the volume of air taken in with each breath. However, this can also make it feel like you’re struggling to breathe, especially when you’re exerting yourself.

2. The Growing Uterus

As the pregnancy progresses, the uterus expands, pushing upwards against the diaphragm and the lungs. This pressure can make it harder for the lungs to fully expand, resulting in a sensation of breathlessness, particularly when engaging in physical activity or when lying down.

3. Increased Blood Volume

During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support the developing baby. This increased volume can put more strain on the cardiovascular system and contribute to feelings of breathlessness, as the heart works harder to pump blood throughout the body.

4. Changes in Oxygen Demand

As your pregnancy progresses, your body needs more oxygen to support both you and your growing baby. This increased demand can cause you to feel more out of breath, especially during physical exertion.

Is Breathlessness Normal in Pregnancy?

For the vast majority of pregnant women, breathlessness is completely normal and is not usually a cause for concern. It typically peaks during the second trimester, as the baby grows and the body adjusts to the physiological changes of pregnancy. However, there are situations where breathlessness may indicate a more serious underlying issue. It’s important to pay attention to the severity of the symptoms and whether they occur alongside other concerning signs.

When Breathlessness Might Be a Concern

While mild breathlessness is common, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe breathlessness that occurs suddenly, without physical exertion.

Chest pain or discomfort that comes with breathlessness.

Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet along with shortness of breath.

Persistent breathlessness that doesn’t improve or gets worse.

Coughing up blood or a feeling of tightness in the chest.

These could be signs of more serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism, asthma, or pre-eclampsia, which may require urgent medical attention.

Managing Breathlessness in Pregnancy: Antenatal Care Tips

If you’re experiencing breathlessness during pregnancy, there are several ways to manage it. Incorporating antenatal support strategies into your daily routine can help alleviate symptoms and make breathing easier.

1. Antenatal Exercise

Maintaining a healthy level of activity during pregnancy is crucial for overall well-being. Antenatal exercise not only helps manage symptoms of breathlessness but also boosts energy levels, improves circulation, and helps you manage weight gain. However, it’s important to stay active in a way that is safe for both you and your baby.

Prenatal Yoga: One of the most effective forms of exercise during pregnancy is prenatal yoga. Yoga focuses on breath control, flexibility, and relaxation, which can help alleviate breathlessness. Pregnancy yoga classes are designed specifically to help pregnant women with breathing techniques and physical movements that support their growing bodies. The practice encourages deep, controlled breathing, which can help you manage breathlessness more effectively.

According to the NHS, regular yoga for pregnancy helps improve respiratory function and is beneficial for women experiencing mild breathlessness. Classes that are specifically tailored to pregnancy should be your go-to, as instructors will modify poses to accommodate your changing body.

Antenatal Fitness: Along with yoga, engaging in regular, gentle antenatal fitness activities such as walking, swimming, or pelvic floor exercises can improve cardiovascular health and make breathing easier. These activities increase lung capacity and strengthen the muscles used in respiration, helping to reduce the sensation of breathlessness over time.

2. Breathing Techniques

Learning specific breathing techniques can be invaluable in managing breathlessness. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing (also known as abdominal breathing) can help you breathe deeply and efficiently. This practice allows you to take in more oxygen and can help control shortness of breath during both exercise and everyday activities.

Diaphragmatic Breathing: To practice diaphragmatic breathing, sit or lie down comfortably. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. As you inhale, try to expand your abdomen, allowing it to rise while keeping your chest relatively still. Exhale slowly, allowing your abdomen to fall. This method helps engage your diaphragm and can make breathing feel more controlled.

Breathing During Contractions: Practising deep, slow breaths can also prepare you for labour and delivery. During contractions, focus on slow, deep breathing, which will help you stay calm and control the pressure on your body. Prenatal yoga classes often teach these specific breathing techniques to prepare women for the physical demands of childbirth.

3. Proper Posture

Maintaining good posture throughout the day can also alleviate breathlessness. As your pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus can push upwards against the diaphragm, restricting your ability to take deep breaths. Keeping your spine straight and shoulders back can help create more space for the lungs to expand and reduce pressure on the diaphragm. When sitting, choose supportive chairs that allow you to sit upright with your feet flat on the floor.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While breathlessness is usually a normal symptom during pregnancy, there are situations when it is important to consult your GP or midwife. Some conditions can cause complications that might require additional care, such as:

Asthma: Pregnancy can affect asthma symptoms. If you have asthma, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and ensure that your condition is well-managed.

Anaemia: This common condition in pregnancy occurs when you don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. It can cause increased breathlessness and fatigue. If you experience unusual levels of breathlessness, your doctor may suggest blood tests to check for anaemia.

Pre-eclampsia: A serious pregnancy complication that involves high blood pressure and protein in the urine. It can cause breathlessness, among other symptoms. It requires medical attention and careful management during pregnancy.

Breathlessness during pregnancy is often a normal part of the antenatal experience. It is caused by a range of physiological changes that occur in your body to support both you and your growing baby. However, it’s important to understand when breathlessness is typical and when it could be a sign of something more serious.

Through a combination of antenatal care, exercise, breathing techniques, and relaxation, you can manage the discomfort of breathlessness and ensure a smoother pregnancy. Always remember to consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your breathing or any other symptoms.