Why do I feel short of breath and have difficulty breathing when sleeping at 32 weeks pregnant?

In general, difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness during sleep at 32 weeks of pregnancy may be caused by uterine compression, physiological changes during pregnancy, poor sleeping posture, anemia, rhinitis, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Uterine Compression

As pregnancy progresses, the uterus gradually enlarges and may compress the diaphragm, reducing thoracic cavity volume and causing a sensation of breathlessness during respiration. Sleeping in a left lateral position and using pillows to support the abdomen and back can help reduce uterine pressure on the diaphragm and improve breathing.

2. Physiological Changes During Pregnancy

Elevated progesterone levels during pregnancy can increase respiratory rate, leading pregnant women to feel short of breath. Maintaining good posture and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting may help alleviate breathing discomfort.

3. Poor Sleeping Posture

Poor sleeping positions, such as lying on the back (supine position), may exacerbate uterine pressure on the lungs and diaphragm, resulting in breathing difficulties. Pregnant women should avoid supine sleeping, adopt a side-lying position instead, and place pillows under the waist and knees to reduce abdominal pressure.

4. Anemia

Anemia can easily occur during pregnancy due to hemodilution and increased fetal nutritional demands, leading to reduced oxygen content in the blood and subsequent shortness of breath, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, iron dextran tablets, or folic acid tablets for treatment.

5. Rhinitis

Rhinitis triggered by cold exposure, overexertion, or nutritional deficiencies may cause nasal swelling, leading to breathing difficulties, often accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Under medical guidance, medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or赛洛唑啉nasal spray (xylometazoline hydrochloride nasal spray) may be used for treatment.

In daily life, deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help relieve feelings of breathlessness. Regular prenatal check-ups are also important to monitor the health status of both mother and baby.