constant yawning n breathlessness

[Lilli]

Hi,

I'm almost 12 weeks pregnant and for the last 3 weeks I can't stop yawning or trying to catch my breath! I don't have asthma or smoke or hang around smokers or smoky environments. I read somewhere that this is due to hormones and extra blood being pumped around. I feel so tired - constantly sighing deeply/yawning... has anyone else had this - how long does it last?

[STARRYSKY]

hi lili, yep, all normal for the first trimester or so, imagine all that extra work your body is doing, creating that little miracle from you, all that extra blood and ALL those hormones!
get lots of rest (easier said than done I know!) I couldnt have survived pregnancy without my nanna naps, the second trimester will be here before you know it, and you should hopefully start to feel a bit more "normal" well, have a bit more energy anyway!
if you are concerned maybe get your doc to check your iron levels, and keep up with the pregnancy vitamins.
wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy! x

[AliB]

Hi Lilly

I have been in your boat on and off from 4 weeks-15 weeks, although it was particularly bad for a couple of weeks. Besides the breathlessness (even getting up off a seat is hard work!) I just felt like I couldn't get enough oxygen.

The best thing for me was working on deep breathing into my belly. Are you familiar with this? I was told by my osteopath that I do all my breathing into my chest which is not good for tension or for taking in enough oxygen. Mastering the belly breath has helped with my yawning and sighing, for sure.

Anyway it's best practiced laying on your back - practice a couple of times a day as not only will you feel better but you'll be able to do it more effectively when sitting/standing up. To practice, place a hand on your belly, maybe even two (one just under the ribs, the other above the pubes). Slowly take in a breath that makes your belly rise first, then you can keep the breath flowing so it expands the diaphragm and finally the chest. Repeat in reverse and breath out gently and fully so your tummy is quite pulled in. Then repeat a few times. The main thing is to keep it slow and smooth. It's often helpful to count slowly as you breathe in and out, eg count to 5 each way, and as you get more relaxed you might be able to make it to 6 or even 10.

Sometimes with yoga breathing you'll be encouraged to hold the breath for a few counts on both the inbreath and outbreath. My preggo yoga instructers say not do do this as we need as much oxygen as possible! So just keep it flowing.

HTH, let me know how it goes if you give it a try.

[Lilli]

thanks for the advice n feedback - feel less breathless already - have been using breathing techniques too! Thanks so much!!!!