Pregnancy Symptoms & Complaints: Shortness of Breath

from Parents Magazine

Many women feel breathless during pregnancy- and that's not only from the excitement of creating a new life. In the first trimester, increased levels of progesterone may make breathing a bit difficult at times as your body adjusts to new hormonal levels. In the third trimester, your lungs and diaphragm suffer a space crunch as your uterus expands upward, making it harder to take a deep breath.

Give yourself and your lungs as much breathing room as possible- stand up straight, sit up tall, and sleep propped up on pillows to expand the space in your abdominal cavity. When you feel breathless, slow down- rushing makes your heart and lungs work harder. And finally, don't worry too much about your shortness of breath- both you and your baby are getting enough oxygen to stay healthy.

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