Why do pregnant women feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, and weakness in their limbs?

During pregnancy, women may feel some discomfort due to the constant changes in hormone levels in their bodies. Some pregnant women may feel chest tightness, shortness of breath, weakness in the limbs, and fatigue. This is caused by pregnancy reactions. Generally, the situation is not serious and will not affect the normal development of the baby, nor will it cause a particularly large impact on the pregnant woman's body. As long as you adjust the rest time appropriately and pay attention to strengthening nutrition, the symptoms can be well relieved.

Shortness of breath during pregnancy is very common, so expectant mothers do not need to worry too much or take medication. Just improve your diet and nutrition, pay attention to rest, try to eat small meals frequently, and have regular prenatal checkups. Chest tightness and shortness of breath in pregnant women may be a heart problem. It is recommended that you go to the hospital for an electrocardiogram. If there is no heart problem, the problem will not be too serious. During the period from pregnancy to before delivery, the amount of blood entering the uterus will increase. As the fetus grows and develops, the uterus will slowly enlarge, pressing upward on the heart and lungs. This is the stage when the fundus of the uterus is at its maximum height. The fundus of the uterus is roughly above the sternum, which will compress the heart and lungs, causing palpitations and shortness of breath.

Another reason is that many pregnant women experience shortness of breath as their pregnancy progresses. You may even feel shortness of breath during early pregnancy, but you may not think of it as shortness of breath yet, but instead you may be more aware of your need to breathe in oxygen. If you engage in more activity, you will need more oxygen, which will further increase the burden on your heart and lungs, making it very easy to experience palpitations and shortness of breath.

Pregnant women will have a greater demand for oxygen during pregnancy, and the body will make corresponding adjustments to meet the demand for oxygen. However, during pregnancy, due to the growth of the fetus, the uterus will grow and compress the lungs, affecting our normal breathing function. This will also cause us to feel symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. Generally, these symptoms will disappear after delivery and have no special impact on the body.