What should I do if I have difficulty breathing when lying down in the third trimester of pregnancy?
Sep 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Zhe
Introduction
In the late stages of pregnancy, if you experience difficulty breathing when lying down, the first step is to check the heart to determine whether there is any cardiovascular disease. If heart problems are ruled out, the pregnant woman is considered to have physiological dyspnea under normal circumstances. In such cases, maintaining a semi-recumbent position is recommended to increase comfort. If conditions allow, inhaling a small amount of oxygen may also help alleviate the breathing difficulty.
Many pregnant women experience shortness of breath during the late stages of pregnancy. This symptom can affect their daily lives. What should be done if you have difficulty breathing when lying down in late pregnancy?
What to do about shortness of breath when lying down in late pregnancy
If you experience difficulty breathing when lying down during late pregnancy, the first step is to have a heart examination to determine whether there are any cardiovascular diseases. If heart problems are ruled out, the shortness of breath is generally considered physiological in pregnant women. In such cases, it's recommended to maintain a semi-reclining position to increase comfort. If possible, inhaling a small amount of oxygen may also help relieve the breathing difficulties.
In late pregnancy, some women can no longer lie flat on their backs. When they lie down, they may feel short of breath and must instead rest on their side or in a semi-reclining position. The main reason is that in late pregnancy, the enlarged uterus presses against the diaphragm, increasing the body’s workload and leading to breathing difficulties. Of course, some pregnant women may also have underlying cardiovascular conditions that cause these symptoms.
Therefore, pregnant women in the later stages of pregnancy need timely care from family members and should adjust their diet appropriately. Avoid eating overly cold or spicy foods. Gentle walking can help improve metabolism, promote gastrointestinal motility, and assist in eliminating toxins from the body, while also supporting the baby’s healthy development. Sexual activity should be avoided. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!
