How to Cure Breathlessness in Pregnancy Using 8 Natural Ways?

Breathlessness in pregnancy can become more troubling than awkward, making it difficult for your lungs to obtain the required amount of oxygen. There can be various reasons leading to breathlessness, including heart and lung problems. Some women briefly encounter breathlessness, while others encounter it over longer intervals. There are times when your developing infant moves under your stomach, ending up squashing your lungs. This causes rapid or quickened breathing. Also, acquiring weight during pregnancy causes you to experience breathlessness.

Well, whatever the reason be, we have compiled a list of the eight best natural remedies to help with breathlessness during pregnancy.

How to Treat Breathlessness During Pregnancy Naturally

Here are the eight best natural remedies to help you deal with breathlessness during pregnancy:

1. Warm liquids

If you are having trouble breathing, chances are, it’s because of mucus collected in the windpipe. The best way to get rid of this is by drinking warm liquids like herbal tea, warm water, etc. You should consult your doctor about which herbal teas are safe to consume during pregnancy.

2. Take steam

Exposing yourself to steam can help clear congestion and help with breathlessness. You can take direct steam. However, try to avoid taking a steam shower or hot shower because it may be unsafe for you and your baby.

3. Proper diet

A proper diet is essential for short breaths and overall health during pregnancy. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet to meet your body’s nutrition quota. Moreover, studies suggest that vitamins C, D, and E help with respiratory health. So, adding vegetables and fruits like almonds, spinach, red meat, egg yolks, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, etc., can be a good idea.

4. Say no to smoking

If you smoke, it is about time you consider quitting. It not only causes breathlessness but also directly harms the unborn baby. Even if someone around you smokes, you should steer away from them as passive smoking is equally harmful, if not more.

5. Pursed lip breathing

Pursed lip breathing helps make every breath more effective. It helps you keep your airways open for longer, helping with short breaths.

Steps to do pursed-lip breathing:

• Relax your shoulders and neck.

• Slowly inhaling, counting up to two.

• Position your lips as puckered, like you do when whistling.

• Slowly exhale up to four counts.

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• Repeat it several times.

6. Sit and rest

No matter how elementary it might sound, resting while sitting on a chair can be an excellent way to help with breathlessness during pregnancy. All you have to do is:

• Sit and rest on a chair, placing your feet flat on the floor.

• Slightly lean forward your chest.

• Rest elbows on the knees or hold your chin with your hands comfortably.

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• Relax your shoulder and neck muscles.

7. Drink Coffee

Although you should avoid drinking coffee during pregnancy, it's a great remedy for breathlessness. Caffeine is known for relaxing muscles in severe breathing problems like asthma. Having coffee can help you regulate your breathing for up to four hours. Consult your doctor about how much coffee is safe for you to consume during pregnancy.

8. Sleep comfortably

There are high chances that you feel breathless while sleeping. Using pillows to support your back will help your lungs to breathe freely, pulling the uterus down. You should sleep on your side, preferably the left side to optimise your oxygen and blood flow.

Conclusion

Being pregnant is like being a new woman. There are so many new things that you need to be accustomed to that even keeping track of everything is challenging.

If you are facing breathlessness, you can try these natural remedies and tricks for comfort. If you still feel breathlessness after these tricks, it might be time to consult a doctor.