Reasons for chest tightness when pregnant women lie down

Many pregnant women experience chest tightness when lying down. This kind of situation, if it happens in the later stages of pregnancy, is not particularly serious and is considered normal. However, if it occurs frequently and does not occur in the later stages of pregnancy, then you must pay attention to it. The following content introduces the reasons why pregnant women experience chest tightness when lying down, so you can have a comprehensive understanding of it.

Because the maternal blood volume during pregnancy increases by an average of 1500 ml compared to the non-pregnant period, the increase in plasma far exceeds the increase in red blood cells, resulting in the so-called physiological anemia of pregnancy, which causes the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity to decrease. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes the heart to shift upward and to the left, and the heart works under unfavorable conditions. All of the above factors increase the burden on the heart. The body completes the excess work by increasing heart rate and stroke volume, and under normal circumstances, no symptoms occur. However, if the amount of activity is a little more, the oxygen demand increases, which further increases the burden on the heart and lungs, making it easy to experience palpitations and shortness of breath. If there is no organic disease in the heart, there will be no major hindrance. Palpitations and shortness of breath in late stage

The amount of blood entering the uterus increases, and the enlarged uterus presses upward on the heart and lungs. This is the stage when the uterine fundus is at its maximum height. The uterine fundus is approximately below the sternum, so it presses on the heart and lungs, causing palpitations and shortness of breath. If you feel panic and shortness of breath, don't force yourself and take more rest.

Panic, shortness of breath

From the late stages of pregnancy to a period before delivery, the enlarged uterus presses upward on the diaphragm, putting pressure on the heart and lungs, causing feelings of palpitations and shortness of breath. Increased circulating blood volume, increased heart burden, and accelerated pulse are also one of the causes of palpitations. The hormonal balance in the body is disrupted during pregnancy, causing changes in the mother's blood circulation and blood pressure, which can also cause panic.

If you feel chest tightness or palpitations, try taking a deep breath and consciously slow down. If you still feel uncomfortable, stop and take a rest. If the palpitations do not subside, it may indicate anemia, high blood pressure, heart disease or other related diseases, and you should see a doctor.

Anemia, a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood, can sometimes cause palpitations. It is easily detected through a routine blood test. If you develop anemia, you should eat more iron-rich foods and sometimes you may need to take iron supplements orally.

Symptoms of hypotension may also occur during pregnancy. This is mainly caused by the enlarged uterus compressing the large veins, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart, resulting in a drop in blood pressure. When I sleep on my back, I feel bad and sometimes even break out in cold sweats. At this time, you can change to lying on your side, preferably on your left side. If you find it painful to lie on your back during a health check, tell your doctor or nurse to lie on your side.

The reasons why pregnant women feel chest tightness when lying down are introduced in detail above. Therefore, many pregnant women who have such symptoms must pay attention to it. After fully understanding the reasons, they should then receive symptomatic treatment. I believe that through symptomatic treatment, the chest tightness when lying down can be improved as soon as possible.