Feeling chest tightness and difficulty breathing at 38 weeks pregnant?

When the pregnancy reaches 38 weeks, it is generally in the late stage of pregnancy, and the fetus is already full-term and may be born at any time. Pregnant women in this period should try not to go out. If chest tightness and difficulty breathing occur, it is likely caused by lack of oxygen or enlarged uterus. You must pay attention to regular prenatal check-ups. If you have any discomfort, you must go to the hospital for examination and treatment as soon as possible.

Is chest tightness normal in late pregnancy?

In fact, chest tightness in the late pregnancy is a normal phenomenon, because the enlarged uterus and hormonal changes will affect the mother's cardiopulmonary function.

1. The maternal blood volume during pregnancy increases by an average of 1,500 liters compared to the non-pregnant period, among which the increase in plasma far exceeds the increase in red blood cells, resulting in a decrease in the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity; on the other hand, the heart rate during pregnancy increases by 10-15 beats per minute, and the heart's output increases by 25%-30%, which means that the heart's workload is significantly greater than when not pregnant, which can cause insufficient cardiac output, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to tissues and causing chest tightness.

2. In the late pregnancy, due to the increase in the size of the uterus, the chest diaphragm rises and pushes the heart to the upper left. The oxygen demand increases, affecting the normal blood circulation of the heart. If the amount of activity is a little more and the burden on the heart and lungs is increased, it is easy to experience palpitations and shortness of breath.

3. In addition, the enlarged uterus and the pressure of the fetus on the lungs make the chest cavity volume smaller, the expansion of the lungs is restricted to a certain extent, and the oxygen entering the alveoli is reduced, which affects the normal respiratory function and makes the pregnant mother feel short of breath and chest tightness.

4. If the expectant mother has a poor physical condition before pregnancy, such as qi deficiency, anemia, heart problems, etc., she will be more likely to feel chest tightness after pregnancy.

If you often feel chest tightness in the late pregnancy, you can adjust it through rest, diet, mood, etc.

1. Get plenty of rest

If the expectant mother feels chest tightness, she can try to take a deep breath and consciously slow down what she is doing. If she still feels uncomfortable, stop and take a rest. In addition, deep breathing can inhale more fresh air, provide sufficient oxygen to the body's tissues and organs, improve microcirculation and organ function, so deep breathing can also relieve chest tightness symptoms to a certain extent. If the chest tightness cannot be relieved in this way, it may be due to anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease and other diseases. It is recommended to see a doctor in time.

2. Eat more iron-rich foods

Anemia in expectant mothers can also cause panic. Anemia can usually be easily detected through a routine blood test. If anemia occurs, you should eat more iron-rich foods.

3. Pay attention to your sleeping posture

Hypotension syndrome may also occur during pregnancy. The main reason for its occurrence is that the enlarged uterus compresses the large veins, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart, resulting in a drop in blood pressure.

4. Wear loose clothing

Clothes that are too tight, especially underwear that is too tight, can obstruct blood circulation, compress the heart and lungs, and cause chest tightness. Therefore, pregnant mothers should wear loose clothes, without restraint, free and comfortable.

5. Lying on your side

Avoid lying on your back when sleeping, because when you lie on your back, the full weight of the uterus will compress the abdominal artery and inferior vena cava, making the heart, lungs and other tissues and organs unable to get sufficient blood supply, thus causing chest tightness. Some expectant mothers will break out in cold sweats when lying on their backs for the same reason. The best sleeping position for pregnant mothers is lying on the left side.

6. Maintain a stable mood

Maintaining a calm and good mood can stabilize the blood pressure of pregnant mothers, ensure adequate blood and nutrition supply, and help relieve chest tightness.

7. Oxygen

When chest tightness is severe, the quickest way to relieve it is to use oxygen. You can explain the situation to your doctor. Hospitals generally provide oxygen equipment.