At 37 weeks pregnant, why have I been feeling chest tightness and shortness of breath recently?
Disease description:
I am 37 weeks pregnant and have recently been feeling chest tightness and shortness of breath. May I ask, what could be causing chest tightness and shortness of breath at 37 weeks of pregnancy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Chest tightness and shortness of breath at 37 weeks of pregnancy may be caused by multiple factors:
1. Physiological causes: chest tightness and shortness of breath during pregnancy are relatively common in the later stages, especially at 37 weeks. As the fetus grows, the uterus gradually enlarges and may compress the lungs, causing difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In addition, if the pregnant woman stays for a long time in an environment with poor air circulation or low air quality, similar symptoms may also occur.
2. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, such as increased progesterone levels, can relax smooth muscles, including those of the respiratory tract, leading to deeper and faster breathing, which may also cause a feeling of shortness of breath.
3. Pulmonary diseases: such as pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. The increased physical demands during pregnancy may worsen the condition, resulting in difficulty breathing.
4. Pregnancy-related heart disease: At 37 weeks of gestation, the cardiac workload increases. Pregnant women with pregnancy-related heart disease may experience sudden heart failure, causing chest tightness and shortness of breath.
If chest tightness and shortness of breath are severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as persistent severe headache, blurred vision, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, palpitations, or fainting, immediate medical attention is required.
