Pregnant women have difficulty breathing in hot weather

As the number of weeks of pregnancy increases, pregnant women are prone to feeling anxious and short of breath. Some pregnant women will feel very uncomfortable, especially in the summer when they always feel short of breath. So, is it normal for pregnant women to feel anxious and short of breath in summer? In fact, the increase in progesterone levels and the expansion of the uterus can easily make pregnant women need more oxygen. Insufficient oxygen in the human body can easily cause palpitations and shortness of breath. This is a very normal phenomenon and pregnant women do not need to worry too much.

Is it normal for pregnant women to feel short of breath in summer?

1. Increased progesterone levels

As the pregnancy progresses, pregnant women will feel varying degrees of chest tightness and shortness of breath. Some pregnant women even have symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath in the early stages of pregnancy. Experts point out that your body needs more CO2 during pregnancy, only in this way can your body make corresponding adjustments to ensure health and the CO2 needed by the fetus. Coupled with the increase in male hormones during pregnancy, your lung function tests will be directly affected at this time.

At the same time, the increase in progesterone levels will also stimulate the respiratory center in your head. Therefore, although the frequency of breathing per minute has not changed much during pregnancy, the amount of dust you inhale each time may increase significantly.

The increase in progesterone levels during pregnancy is one of the main reasons for chest tightness and shortness of breath. This is also a normal reaction to pregnancy. Pregnant women do not need to worry too much, just pay more attention to it in daily life.

2. Enlarged uterus

In addition to the factor of increased progesterone levels that can cause you to have symptoms of palpitations and shortness of breath, there is also the expansion of the uterus, which can cause pregnant women to need more oxygen. Especially in the late pregnancy stage, the uterus will expand to more than ten times or even dozens of times. In this case, the expanded uterus will put pressure on the diaphragm. This is why you find it harder to breathe in, and you may also feel more chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Especially if the fetus is in a relatively high position, chest tightness, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing will be more obvious. Also, for some pregnant women with twins, the breathing difficulty may be more serious.

How to relieve palpitations and shortness of breath

1. Method of alleviating mental and psychological state: Authoritative experts suggest that pregnant women should slow down the pace of life, adjust their mentality and release stress. A good mentality is beneficial to the harmonious unity of the central nervous system and the internal organs and organs of the human body, making the body's physiological metabolism in the best state, thereby decisively enhancing the function of the cerebral nerves and improving the autonomic nerves. If you feel anxious, chest tightness and shortness of breath, don't punish yourself and rest more.

2. Physical exercise: Light exercise can adjust and improve the excitement and inhibition process of the brain of pregnant women and regulate brain nerves. In addition, proper fitness exercise can adjust the mentality of pregnant women and enhance their resistance. Pregnant women should not push themselves too hard when exercising or doing sports. Keep your legs straight and shoulders back, allowing your lungs to expand as much as possible. You can choose to sleep on your left side, or use a pillow to elevate your head, which can relieve shortness of breath and chest tightness.

3. Eat a balanced diet to ensure physical and mental health.

(1) Prevent excessive weight gain. Avoid eating too much high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar and high-calorie food, because this kind of food will increase weight and make chest tightness and shortness of breath more serious. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and reducing your intake of caffeine and other drinks that make you urinate more frequently and urgently. Properly increasing nutrition, following the doctor's guidance and persisting in consuming milk powder for pregnant women can help expectant mothers get adequate protein, calcium and other nutrients, and alleviate pregnancy reactions.

(2) Eat more iron-rich foods, such as lean meat, dark green vegetables and fruits, and dark brown fruits, and make sure you get enough vitamin C to help you digest and absorb the iron in food.

4. Pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene, avoid staying in dusty areas, and avoid contact with smoke, toxic gases, etc. that may irritate the bronchi and bronchitis.