Pregnant And Holding Your Breath? Here's What You Should Know

It is common for pregnant women to experience shortness of breath, especially during the second trimester. This is usually harmless and not a cause for concern. However, breath-holding during the second trimester of pregnancy could potentially be dangerous. This is because the growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm, making it harder for the lungs to expand fully. Additionally, hormonal changes can cause pregnant women to breathe faster. Therefore, it is not recommended to hold your breath for extended periods during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Is breath-holding safe during pregnancy?

Breath-holding during pregnancy can be concerning, and while it may be harmless in some cases, it's important to understand the potential risks and know when to seek medical advice. Feeling short of breath during pregnancy is quite common, and in most cases, it's not a cause for alarm. However, there are instances where breathlessness could indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Causes of Breathlessness During Pregnancy

The main causes of breathlessness during pregnancy are the expanding uterus and the increase in the hormone progesterone. As the uterus grows, it pushes up into the abdomen, squeezing the lungs and reducing the space available for oxygen exchange. Progesterone, which rises during pregnancy, also causes pregnant women to breathe faster.

When to Be Concerned

While mild breathlessness is usually nothing to worry about, there are certain symptoms that could indicate a more serious problem. If you experience severe shortness of breath, difficulty talking in full sentences, chest pain, or swelling in the face or abdomen along with breathlessness, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a medical emergency.

Additionally, if your breathlessness is accompanied by other symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, or chills, it may be a sign of an underlying respiratory illness or condition. Pregnant people with respiratory illnesses are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia and preterm birth. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Relieving Breathlessness

If you are experiencing breathlessness during pregnancy, there are some things you can do to help ease the discomfort:

• Practise good posture when sitting or standing to give your lungs more room to expand.
• Sleep propped up on your left side with pillows supporting your upper back to take pressure off your lungs and uterus.
• Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Pregnancy can be tiring, so don't push yourself too hard.
• Try breathing techniques such as Lamaze breathing, which can be useful during pregnancy and labour.

In most cases, breathlessness during pregnancy is a normal and harmless symptom. However, it's always best to consult a doctor if you have any concerns or if your breathlessness is accompanied by other symptoms. They can help determine if there is an underlying cause and provide appropriate advice and treatment.

What causes shortness of breath during pregnancy?

Feeling short of breath during pregnancy is quite common and is usually not a cause for concern. However, it is important to let your doctor know as there could be many causes.

Causes of Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy:

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause shortness of breath. Progesterone, a respiratory stimulant, increases during pregnancy, causing a person's breathing to quicken. Estrogen levels also rise, and these hormonal changes stimulate the brain to increase the frequency and depth of breaths, so the body takes in more oxygen for the growing baby.

Physical Changes

The growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, limiting the lungs' ability to fully expand. The diaphragm rises by as much as 4 centimetres during the first trimester of pregnancy. The amount of blood in a person's body also increases significantly during pregnancy, so the heart has to pump harder to move this blood through the body and to the placenta. This increased workload can make a pregnant person feel short of breath.

Other Medical Conditions

While pregnancy changes are the most common cause of breathlessness, other medical conditions can also contribute to the problem. These include:

• Asthma: Pregnancy may worsen existing asthma symptoms.
• Peripartum cardiomyopathy: A type of heart failure that can occur during pregnancy or immediately after giving birth. Symptoms include ankle swelling, low blood pressure, fatigue, and heart palpitations.
• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in an artery in the lungs that can dramatically affect breathing and cause coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

How to relieve shortness of breath during pregnancy

It is very common to experience shortness of breath during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. This is due to a combination of hormonal changes and the growing uterus pushing up against the lungs. While this is usually harmless, it can be uncomfortable and limit physical activity. Here are some tips to help relieve shortness of breath during pregnancy:

Practise Good Posture

Stand and sit up straight with your chest lifted and shoulders back. This gives your lungs more room to expand and do their job.

Sleep Propped Up on Your Left Side

Sleeping propped up on your left side is best for circulation during pregnancy. Using pillows to support your upper back can help pull the uterus down and give your lungs more space.

Slow Down and Listen to Your Body

Take breaks and rest if breathing becomes too difficult. Go easy on yourself and don't push yourself too hard. Listen to your body's signals and slow down when needed.

Practise Breathing Techniques

Breathing exercises can help raise your rib cage and promote more chest breathing. Practising slow, deep, relaxed breathing can help during pregnancy and labour. Try standing up, inhaling deeply while raising your arms outward and upward, and exhaling slowly as you bring your arms down.

Exercise Regularly

Aerobic exercise may help with shortness of breath by improving the efficiency of the respiratory and circulatory systems.

Know When to Seek Help

While shortness of breath is usually harmless, there are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Seek help if you experience sudden, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, a rapid pulse, or severe chest pain while taking a deep breath. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a blood clot in the lungs.

When to seek medical help for shortness of breath

While breathlessness is a common symptom during pregnancy, there are certain instances when you should seek medical help.

If you are feeling constantly breathless, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may want to check your iron levels, as breathlessness can sometimes be caused by anaemia during pregnancy due to a depletion of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. If you have asthma, it is also important to consult your doctor.

If you are having a very hard time breathing and your lips or fingertips are turning blue, or if you have chest pain and a rapid pulse, call your doctor immediately. You should also check in with your doctor if you experience a sudden onset of shortness of breath or if you feel breathless inexplicably (e.g. you've been sitting down and are having a hard time breathing).

In addition, if you are experiencing severe shortness of breath that seems to be getting worse, seek immediate medical treatment. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include blue lips, fingers, or toes, heart palpitations or an extremely high heart rate.

If shortness of breath is particularly bothersome or if you are experiencing it for the first time, speak with your doctor. They may want to perform imaging tests, such as ultrasounds on your legs, to rule out a blood clot as a potential cause.

Potential complications of breath-holding during pregnancy

Breath-holding during pregnancy can lead to potential complications, especially if done for an extended period or by individuals with underlying health conditions. While mild breathlessness is common and typically harmless, severe or persistent shortness of breath can indicate more serious issues. Here are some potential complications to consider:

Impact on the Baby's Oxygen Supply

Breath-holding can temporarily reduce the oxygen supply to the baby. Although the placenta ensures the baby remains well-oxygenated, prolonged or frequent breath-holding may impact the oxygen levels reaching the baby.

Aggravation of Existing Health Conditions

Pregnant individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, respiratory illnesses, or allergies may experience worsened symptoms due to breath-holding. This can lead to severe bouts of asthma or respiratory distress, which could be harmful to both the parent and the baby.

Increased Risk of Complications

Breath-holding, especially if done frequently or for extended periods, may increase the risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, preterm birth, or pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). These complications can be dangerous for both the parent and the baby.

Cardiovascular Strain

The increased workload on the heart during pregnancy means that breath-holding can further strain the cardiovascular system. This could lead to symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat.

Lightheadedness and Dizziness

Breath-holding can lead to lightheadedness and dizziness, especially if done for a prolonged period. This may increase the risk of falls or accidents, which could potentially harm both the parent and the baby.

Anxiety and Nervousness

Feeling short of breath can induce anxiety and nervousness, which may further exacerbate the sensation of breathlessness. It is important to remain calm and practice relaxation techniques to alleviate any nervousness caused by breath-holding.

Frequently asked questions