Bharti Singh, who is expecting her second child, recently shared with fans that she experiences shortness of breath even during simple activities like talking. While giving a tour of her renovated home on her YouTube podcast, she expressed excitement about welcoming her baby next Diwali and hopes for a healthy child, especially a daughter. Medical experts explain that breathlessness during pregnancy is quite common and usually not a cause for concern. As the body supports the growing baby, hormonal changes and the expanding uterus can affect breathing. However, sudden or severe symptoms accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or bluish discoloration require immediate medical attention. Expectant mothers are advised to maintain good posture, practice deep breathing exercises, and stay moderately active. Listening to one's body and consulting a doctor when symptoms worsen remains essential throughout pregnancy.
Why Pregnant Women Experience Breathlessness
Medical professionals confirm that feeling out of breath during pregnancy is quite common. Dr Richa Bharadwaj, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, explains that the body works overtime to support the growing baby. The hormone progesterone increases, signaling the brain to breathe more frequently. Simultaneously, the expanding uterus pushes against the diaphragm, reducing lung expansion space. This makes routine activities like talking, climbing stairs, or walking feel breathless. While occasional breathlessness is normal, sudden or severe symptoms with chest pain, dizziness, or bluish lips require immediate medical attention. Such signs could indicate anaemia, respiratory infection, or rarely, a blood clot in the lungs.
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