What causes chest tightness and shortness of breath during pregnancy?

Pregnant mothers should not only pay attention to some details of diet and daily routine, but also pay attention to some details of their own body changes. So what causes chest tightness and shortness of breath during pregnancy?

What causes chest tightness and shortness of breath in pregnant women?

Shortness of breath during pregnancy is common among pregnant women. As pregnancy progresses, many women experience shortness of breath. You may even feel shortness of breath during early pregnancy, but you may not think of it as shortness of breath yet, but instead you may be more aware of your need to breathe in oxygen.

During pregnancy, you need to breathe more oxygen, and your body adjusts accordingly to meet your oxygen needs. The increase in hormones during pregnancy, especially progesterone (also known as "progesterone"), can directly affect your lungs and stimulate the respiratory center in your brain. During pregnancy, the number of breaths you take per minute doesn't change much, but the amount of air you breathe in each time increases significantly, causing shortness of breath.

Later in pregnancy, as the growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm, you may find it harder to breathe and feel more short of breath, especially if your baby is high in the fetus or you are carrying multiples.

In the weeks before labor, especially if this is your first baby, you may feel less shortness of breath. At this time, some pregnant women will have a sense of relief - a feeling that the fetus is descending, which is mostly because the fetus has entered the pelvis.

What should pregnant women do if they feel chest tightness and shortness of breath?

If you experience shortness of breath during pregnancy, please don't panic. Shortness of breath during pregnancy is usually not a big deal and is normal. But in your daily life, you can slow down the pace and don't push yourself too hard when you are moving or exercising. Keep your torso straight, shoulders back, and lungs as wide as possible, especially when you're sitting. You can sleep on your side at night and use an extra pillow to elevate your head, which may make you feel better.

In addition, pregnant mothers should increase their nutrition appropriately during this period. Drinking milk powder for pregnant women can help them get enough protein and calcium, and drink a cup of Mead Johnson's maternal formula milk powder in the morning and evening. By joining the Mead Johnson Mom Club, you can learn pregnancy knowledge and take good care of yourself during pregnancy at any time. Once your baby is born, your breathing will quickly return to its pre-pregnancy state and you will no longer feel short of breath.