I felt much better after having chest tightness and hiccups at 7 months of pregnancy

During pregnancy, the human body is not very stable and symptoms such as vomiting and chest tightness often occur suddenly. Chest tightness is usually caused by shortness of breath due to increased energy loss caused by the presence of the fetus. At the same time, a bloated belly will also compress the chest cavity, and timely conditioning will alleviate the symptoms. A seven-month pregnant mother feels chest tightness and feels better after burping. Does this situation need to be treated? Let’s find out.

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 does not change much, but the amount of air you breathe in each time will increase 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 to do if pregnant women have 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.

How to relieve chest tightness and shortness of breath in pregnant women?

Does shortness of breath in pregnant women indicate a serious illness?

It is possible. For example, if you have respiratory problems, such as asthma or pneumonia, these conditions may be more severe during pregnancy.

Additionally, due to changes in blood clotting during pregnancy, you are at a higher risk for pulmonary embolism. This condition is very rare, but quite serious.

If you suddenly feel shortness of breath or your shortness of breath becomes more severe during pregnancy, this may be a sign of a serious illness and you need to go to the hospital for treatment immediately.

If you have any of the following symptoms in addition to shortness of breath, you should see a doctor right away:

1. Asthma worsens.

2. Breathing becomes faster.

3. Rapid heartbeat, palpitations or dizziness.

4. Chest pain or pain when breathing.

5. Purple areas around lips, fingers or toes, or pale face.

6. Feeling of lack of oxygen.

7. Persistent cough, accompanied by fever or chills, or coughing up blood.

How to prevent shortness of breath in pregnant women

Eat a healthy, balanced diet that provides your baby with all the necessary nutrients, while avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Avoid eating too many foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar, as these foods can add weight and make your breathlessness worse. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and cutting back on caffeine and other beverages that cause you to urinate more frequently.

Eat plenty of iron-rich foods, such as lean meats, dark green vegetables, and dark fruits, and make sure you get enough vitamin C to help you absorb the iron in your food. Eating too many dark-shelled legumes, such as red cashews or pinto beans, may interfere with your body's ability to absorb iron from other foods, so eat them in moderation, especially if you're a vegetarian and use these foods as a source of protein.

If you think you may be anemic or find it difficult to eat the foods listed above, try a multivitamin or liquid iron supplement (consult your doctor before taking supplements) to increase the iron levels and other nutrients you need.

Be careful when exercising so that you don't tire yourself out to the point of being out of breath and feeling dizzy. Be sure to let your fitness trainer know you're pregnant, or better yet, only attend fitness classes that are specifically designed for expectant mothers. Ask for help when shopping, decorating your home, or doing housework so you don't overextend yourself on unnecessary tasks.