Final answer:
To manage difficulty breathing during pregnancy, pregnant women should maintain good posture, take deep breaths, use supportive pillows while sleeping, and increase fluid intake. Using a humidifier can also help alleviate nasal congestion due to swelling of the respiratory mucosa.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the second half of pregnancy, a woman's respiratory minute volume increases, which can lead to difficulty breathing or dyspnea. As the uterus grows, it places pressure on the diaphragm and reduces the volume of each breath. However, relief typically comes in the last weeks when the fetus moves lower in the pelvis, an event known as lightening.
To deal with this, pregnant women are advised to practice good posture to help with lung expansion and take deep, slow breaths. They should also rest when needed and use extra pillows for support while sleeping. Additionally, since the respiratory mucosa swells, causing nasal congestion, using a humidifier and increasing fluid intake can help alleviate some of the discomforts.
In cases where breathlessness on exertion becomes severe, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider as it could signify underlying complications. Ensuring a healthy environment, including air quality for breathing and adequate rest, can assist the body in adjusting to these changes during pregnancy.