As capillaries become engorged, the upper respiratory tract is affected by the subsequent edema and hyperemia, which causes these conditions, seen commonly during pregnancy.
The client should be reassured that these symptoms are within normal limits. No referral is needed at this time.
Progesterone is responsible for the heightened awareness of the need to breathe in pregnancy. Progesterone levels increase during pregnancy.
Relaxation of the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract is affected by progesterone