Feeling Out of Breath During Pregnancy

There are many things that we anticipate in pregnancy and many things that we can’t possibly predict. We certainly expect that we are going to gain weight and gain that all important and all adored baby bump. We may very well expect that we are going to suffer through certain symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or even backaches. Many of us know that pregnancy isn’t always going to be a pleasant experience, but that with the bad comes the good and that means that we will end up with a baby at the end of the process. This is well worth it, we tell ourselves, and we deal with the circumstances we are dealt.

There are, however, certain aspects of pregnancy that we may not be ready for. When women feel shortness of breath, they tend to worry. They can’t understand why they feel breathless, and therefore it’s important to explain why a woman may feel this unanticipated symptom of pregnancy.

Where Are You At in Your Pregnancy?

There is a multitude of reasons as to why you may get out of breath during your pregnancy. It is usually due in large part to exactly where you are at in your pregnancy as that can make a big difference. What you feel in your first trimester is very different than your second trimester. What you feel and experience in your third trimester doesn’t even compare to anything else as your body is working hard to prepare for baby’s arrival and doing everything it can to pull from the resources. Therefore if you feel short of breath, it’s important to consider what stage of your pregnancy you are at so that you can get the necessary explanation.

In the first trimester, the blood flow multiplies exponentially. This is to get ready for everything that baby will need, it is to build the placenta, and it is to prepare for the pregnancy overall. You will have a great deal of additional blood flow and hormones in your pregnancy, and as this is all happening it can result in you feeling a bit short of breath. Though this is short-lived, it can help to know what exactly is going on.

As you can see, feeling shortness of breath later on is due to other circumstances. It is often due to the extra weight that you are carrying around, and it is also due to your growing uterus pressing up on the diaphragm. As the baby gets into the position for birth, the pressure on the lungs and the diaphragm continues and grows exponentially. This is however a great indication that the baby’s arrival is getting near.

Consider This in Your Daily Activities

Many women are taken off guard by this shortness of breath and don’t really know how to account for it in their everyday life. It can become a very frustrating issue for women when they go to their regular workouts, but it is something that can be worked around. Taking a yoga class that focuses on breathing and taking it a bit slowly with your workout regimen can help you to get used to this. It won’t necessarily last the entire pregnancy, but it is something that you should plan for. Though walking up a flight of stairs may leave you out of breath now, it will get better later on. It’s a symptom of pregnancy like anything else, and therefore it will subside and you will get back to your normal self in no time.

What to Expect at Baby’s First Check Up

Your newborn will probably be due for his first in-office visit with his doctor at two to four weeks old. This first check up is a great time to address any concerns you might have as a new mother, and also an exciting chance to see how your little one is growing and changing.

At this visit, your baby will be weighed and have his head circumference and length measured. Then the doctor will give your newborn a thorough physical, and ask you some questions about his progress. Depending on your baby’s vaccination schedule, he may be due for immunization shots at this visit.

What the Doctor is Looking For

Your baby’s doctor will check his eyes, ears and mouth, and listen to his heart and lungs to make sure everything appears and sounds normal. The doctor will also check baby’s genitals to ensure everything is normal and also to check the progress of healing if your baby boy was circumcised. Next, the doctor will lay baby on his back and bicycle his legs to check for normal hip function.

Your baby’s weight and height will be recorded on a growth chart, which will track his progress throughout childhood. You will probably be given a percentile into which your baby falls for height, weight, and head circumference. The percentile simply tells you what percentage of babies fall above or below your baby at that age for these measurements. New parents are often concerned about percentiles, but there is no reason to be! As long as your baby continues to follow his growth curve, the percentiles are nothing to worry about.

Questions the Doctor May Ask You

Much of the discussion will revolve around baby’s sleep and feeding patterns. The doctor will want to know how often baby feeds; you will be asked how long she stays on the breast if nursing, or how much she takes in a bottle if using formula. Although it might seem like a strange question, your doctor will want to know how many wet and dirty diapers your baby has every day. This is important to ensure baby is getting enough food and liquid. You will also be asked how long her stretches of sleep are, and what type of pattern they follow.

In addition to checking her ears and eyes, the doctor will ask you some questions regarding sight and hearing. You will likely be asked whether your baby turns her head at the sound of your voice, and if she startles at loud noises. Sight questions might include whether baby makes eye contact with you or follows an object with her eyes. These questions will help your baby’s doctor to determine that your baby’s eyes and ears are functioning properly. Finally, you will be asked about baby’s strength and gross motor skills, such as ability to lift her head.

Questions You May Have

When your baby’s doctor has completed the examination, it will be your turn to address any concerns you might have. It’s a good idea to keep a list of the questions that have come up since bringing your baby home, so that you don’t forget what you wanted to ask. Don’t be afraid to speak up even if you think a question is silly. Your baby’s doctor is there to help you to understand your new baby’s development.

This first visit will set the tone for all your baby’s future check ups, which will follow the same pattern. Your doctor will probably want to see baby again at two months old for her next check up.