Most pregnant women experience breathlessness. It can be alarming but will not affect your baby as oxygen is supplied via the placenta. Breathlessness is common after strenuous activity. As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus restricts space and presses on your other organs.
- Don’t panic.
- Rest for a few minutes when this occurs.
- When exercising, do not overdo it.
- When exercising do not let your heart rate exceed 140 beats per minute as this can cause foetal distress.
- Do not lift weights above your head as this increases pressure in the abdomen.
- Meditation can help regulate your breathing.
- Yogic breathing will improve flow of oxygen to the organs and calm your mind.
- Gently massaging your diaphragm, the band of muscle immediately beneath your ribcage, promotes easier breathing.