Coping With Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
Shortness of breath is a common ailment during pregnancy due to the increased size of your uterus and the pressure it puts on your diaphragm. This can be a frightening feeling and can impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help relieve this discomfort.
Things You Can Do To Alleviate Shortness of Breath
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your body stay healthy and hydrated. This will reduce the chances of experiencing shortness of breath.
- Try deep breathing. Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce the feeling of being short of breath.
- Elevate your head. Try sleeping with your upper body elevated a few inches higher than your feet to give your lungs more room to expand.
- Be active. Regular exercise can help increase lung capacity and reduce feelings of breathlessness.
- Avoid triggers. Certain triggers, such as being in a confined space, heat and dust, can worsen shortness of breath. Avoid these triggers if you can.
- Try relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques such as meditation and Yoga can help you control your breathing and reduce shortness of breath.
- Speak to your doctor. If your shortness of breath does not diminish, speak to your doctor about ways to reduce the issue. in
Medications for Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
If lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques do not help relieve your shortness of breath, speak to your doctor about medications that may help. These medications may include:
- Bronchial relaxants: These medications open up your airways, allowing you to breathe more easily.
- Anti-inflammatories: These drugs reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs, which can help with breathlessness.
- Beta-agonists: These drugs stimulate the beta receptors in your airways and can help reduce airway constriction, thus relieving shortness of breath.
It is important to note that these medications, while effective at relieving shortness of breath, can have side effects. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to make sure you have the appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
Conclusion
Shortness of breath during pregnancy can be concerning and, in some cases, debilitating. However, there are a variety of treatments, techniques and medications that can help reduce the discomfort. Try lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques to help, and talk to your doctor about other options if these are not sufficient. With the right treatment, you can reduce your shortness of breath and keep you and your baby safe.
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