Shortness of breath and swollen feet during pregnancy? this is the fix

Did you experience shortness of breath and swollen feet during pregnancy? Don't worry, this condition is very common, especially when entering the final trimester of pregnancy. Research in 2015 conducted by dr. Sorel Goland from Kaplan Medical Center, Israel, said about 60 to 70 percent of women experience this condition during pregnancy.

Causes and ways to deal with swollen feet during pregnancy in the third trimester

Causes of swollen feet

During pregnancy, the body produces about 50 percent additional blood and fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby. Swollen feet during pregnancy is a normal phase that must be passed due to increased volume of blood and fluids. Swelling can also occur due to various factors such as prolonged standing or consuming too much salt and caffeine.

Although it can sometimes occur in the hands, the swelling generally affects only the feet and ankles. This fluid tends to collect in the lower body. This excess fluid is needed to soften the body as the baby grows.

This extra fluid also helps prepare the hip joint and tissue to open up at birth. Although swelling during pregnancy is a normal condition, you still need to be vigilant if the swelling is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure. This can be a sign that you have preeclampsia and need to consult a doctor immediately.

How to deal with swollen feet

To deal with swollen feet during pregnancy, try the following tips:

Don't stand too long
Raise your legs while sitting or sleeping, for example by propping them up with a pillow
Avoid excess salt intake, as this can make swelling worse
Drink enough water so that the balance of body fluids is maintained
Apply ice or cold water to the swollen leg
Wear comfortable socks and shoes, don't wear high heels

Causes and ways to deal with shortness of breath in the third trimester

Causes of shortness of breath

In the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby grows and continues to push the uterus against your diaphragm. Therefore, the diaphragm usually moves up to 4 cm from the pre-pregnancy position. As a result, your lungs become slightly compressed, so you can't take in as much air as you inhale.

However, this does not mean that you will be deprived of oxygen. It's just that, at the same time the lung capacity decreases as the uterus continues to expand and the baby continues to grow. This eventually causes the respiratory center in the brain to be stimulated by the hormone progesterone to make you breathe more slowly.

However, even though each breath carries less air, more air remains in the lungs so that your oxygen needs and that of your little one are well met.

How to deal with shortness of breath

To deal with shortness of breath when pregnancy gets bigger, do the following ways:

1. Stand and sit up straight

Try to stay upright, both while sitting and standing. The erect posture helps the uterus move away from the diaphragm. Position your shoulders back with your head raised. Even though it may seem difficult at first, you need to get used to it.

2. Sports

Simple aerobic exercise helps increase the respiratory rate and lower the pulse. That way, the feeling of tightness will be much less. You can also try prenatal yoga with an expert. This one focuses on exercising your breath and the extra stretches that will help improve your posture, giving you more room to breathe.

3. Sleep with a pillow support

If the tightness gets worse when you sleep, then try to place a supporting pillow on your upper back. The point is to pull the uterus down so that the lungs have more space. Then, sleep on your left side.

4. Do what you can

Even though you are an active person and cannot stay still, during pregnancy you need to realize that the body's abilities are no longer the same. Don't force yourself to overdo it when you feel tired with shortness of breath. Listen for signals from your body so you know when to start and stop activities.