Pregnant individuals are more likely to utilize which mode of breathing?

• A. Diaphragmatic breathing
• B. Abdominal breathing
• C. Thoracic breathing
• D. Apical breathing

Answer: (C)

In pregnancy, the diaphragm is pushed upward by the growing uterus, which limits its ability to descend during inhalation. Because diaphragmatic (abdominal) movement is restricted, breathing relies more on expanding the chest with the intercostal muscles—what we call thoracic or chest breathing. This chest-dominant pattern accommodates the increased oxygen needs while diaphragmatic excursion is reduced.

Diaphragmatic/abdominal breathing would require more diaphragmatic descent, which is constrained during pregnancy, and apical breathing is not the typical adaptation seen in this scenario.