Shortness of Breath in Early Pregnancy

Ways to Deal with Shortness of Breath in Early Pregnancy

Shortness of breath may be felt by some pregnant women and is a normal course of pregnancy. So the first thing is to avoid being anxious about it. Although, most pregnant ladies experience shortness of breath at some point or other during pregnancy, the growing baby in the womb is fine and happily receiving the required oxygen.

However, pregnancy is a period when health and lifestyle should be given prime importance and due care needs to be taken.

Before Pregnancy

Proper planning of pregnancy and having the required resources along with emotional support at hand is essential during early pregnancy. In a planned pregnancy, it would be worth to consider a healthy diet and fit lifestyle before conception. Managing a healthy weight is very important to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Eat a diet which includes loads of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. Avoid junk foods, smoking and alcohol. Get into a habit of regular exercises, walking or jogging to keep yourself fit. Keep a check on your weight and follow a nutritional plan to meet an ideal weight. Keep hemoglobin levels maintained.

Consult your doctor for the right diet, nutritional supplements like iron and calcium, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Consider immunizations that would be required based on personal medical history and the prevailing conditions.

During Pregnancy

Even in the early pregnancy, based on doctor's recommendation, nutritional supplements are required. Now the focus changes to maintaining health and providing enough nutrition to the growing baby. Hence a balanced meal, fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits and active life still remain the mainstay.

However, when experiencing shortness of breath, it is necessary to go slow with the active lifestyle and pace out the daily activities.

While being active is important, care should be taken to avoid pushing too much and overexerting oneself.

Sitting upright helps to relieve pressure on the lungs. Maintain a straight posture, with the back straight, shoulder at the back and chest outwards, giving enough room for the lungs to expand.
Meal times should be spaced out and smaller frequent meals can be taken, instead of heavier ones. This will help to reduce the pressure on breathing and will help to cope with increasing oxygen demand.

Drinking lots of water and maintaining diet to keep gastric disturbances and bloating away is equally important.

Regular fitness regime that includes walking, breathing exercises, yoga and relaxation techniques will surely help.