I'm 22 weeks pregnant, very petite (5'1" and currently 118 lbs) and have had some difficulty breathing. This has become an inconvenience at work, especially when people come into the office and I'm gasping like fish out of water. Other than inhaling deeply and drinking water, which seems to help, does anyone have any other tips to avoid further discomfort at inconvenient times? Thanks for your help!
2007-01-25 05:26:19 · 9 answers · asked by keonli 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I'm a stickler for sitting up straight so I'll try reclining a bit. The people in my office are understanding and haven't been given me much to do, and walking around a bit does definitely help. The problem is when I have to sit back down! My appointment is Monday, and I'm definitely going to explain the situation to my doctor, so thanks so much for all of your tips!
2007-01-25 06:35:07 · update #1
I'm not petite and I had the same problem when I was pregnant. I really feel for ya, I know it's miserable! Do you slouch sometimes? After a while of having trouble breathing I would figure out I was slouching a bit. Even if you're not slouching, try to stand up straighter, and stretch out your upper body. It could be the baby pressing on your diaphram. If that doesn't help, go see a doctor. You can develop asthma at any time in your life, and it wouldn't be surprising for you to develop it when you're pregnant, with all those changes going on in your body! I had a touch of asthma too. They'll give you an inhaler ... you need to be able to breathe well, it's important to get plenty of oxygen to the baby.
2007-01-25 05:42:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should get a chair that can recline when working thew problem is you have a small frame and usually the baby rides high so it is pressing up against your lungs and rib cage and is making it difficult to breathe by reclining you are able to stretch back and make some more space for the growing baby. You should consult your Dr. as well to make sure nothing else may be going on. Always place your health first before work because at the moment you are living for two. Good Luck and Congrats
be advised you may have to considere being put on bed rest.
2007-01-25 05:38:07 · answer #2 · answered by Livinrawguy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately the baby's position plays an important role in the feeling your having. Baby is experiencing a confined space and makes up for it by pushing on your diaphram. This of course causes discomfort or shortness of breath. Your posture will help with this, sitting taller allows the rib cage to expand a little thus making it easier to breath. Try eating small meals so your stomach doesn't take up the space the baby is occupying. Also, check with your doctor, but walking is good. It helps your body to adjust to the difficulty breathing but be careful not to overdo it. My sister is a labor and delivery nurse. She said these things would help when I was preg. Of course your doctor is always the best source of help.
2007-01-25 05:41:53 · answer #3 · answered by MEL 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have difficulty also, but I am asthmatic. If you are walking around doing things in the office then that is understandable. Just remember to breathe as you do things. If you are still and have a hard time breathing definately call your doctor! Good luck!
2007-01-25 05:34:15 · answer #4 · answered by MommyTwice-TwiceTheLove 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There really isn't much else you can do. As your tummy gets bigger, there is less and less room for your diaphragm which makes breathing hard. Just rest as much as you can with your feet elevated. The closer to get to your due date, the baby will eventually drop so his/her head is in position for birth. When this happens, it will free your diaphragm of all that pressure and you should be able to breath a little easier.
2007-01-25 05:34:26 · answer #5 · answered by BAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem, I've very small and have no room for the baby!! Unfortunalty our rib cage is the only space they have. It helps me sometimes to stand up and kinda strech out some. But thats pretty much it.
2007-01-25 05:41:44 · answer #6 · answered by Heather D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably not. I was small when I was pregnant and always had trouble breathing and pain in my rib cage all the time
Maybe try sitting in different positions and try not too get up alot. They should understand and let you relax
2007-01-25 05:32:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be caused form an embalance of progesterone obviously caused by being pregnant theres no cure but it doesnt last the whole time at least mine went away until i got much bigger later on then thats just normal =) just take it easy
2007-01-25 05:35:49 · answer #8 · answered by Beautiful Dreamer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would call your doctor to make sure. You aren't that far along and can't be that big with such a small frame. The nurse is always available to answer your questions. Just to be safe. Good luck!
2007-01-25 05:31:29 · answer #9 · answered by all 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋