Why do I feel chest tightness and shortness of breath when I am 13 weeks pregnant?

Pregnant women experience significant changes in all aspects of their body during pregnancy. Especially in the early stages of pregnancy, nausea and vomiting are common. Some pregnant women will feel chest tightness and difficulty breathing when they are 13 weeks pregnant. In this case, they need to go to the hospital for an ultrasound examination in time to ensure that the fetus is developing normally. So, what exactly is causing the chest tightness and difficulty breathing during the 13th week of pregnancy?

1. What is the reason for chest tightness and shortness of breath at 13 weeks of pregnancy?

If the symptoms are severe, they will affect the development of the fetus and cause fetal intrauterine hypoxia. I am only 13 weeks pregnant and I am experiencing symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath. I should go to the hospital to have a cardiopulmonary function test. If it cannot be tolerated, an early abortion is required.

2. Causes of chest tightness and shortness of breath in pregnant women

1. First, the enlargement of the abdomen during pregnancy causes increased abdominal pressure, which affects the respiratory movement of the diaphragm and thoracic respiratory muscles; secondly, it compresses the inferior vena artery and vein, reducing the amount of blood returning to the heart, and the fetus's metabolic waste is discharged into the mother's blood, causing a slight imbalance of the mother's blood electrolytes, mainly mild acidosis.

2. Other causes of chest tightness and shortness of breath:

Functional chest tightness: refers to staying in a room with closed doors and windows and poor air circulation for a long time, or encountering some unpleasant things, or even quarreling or arguing with others, or being in a climate with low air pressure, which often causes chest tightness and fatigue.

Cardiac neurosis: It is a type of systemic neurosis with various symptoms. The most common symptoms are palpitations, dyspnea, precordial pain and general fatigue. There are also symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, sweating, trembling, dizziness and nightmares.

3. Methods to relieve chest tightness and shortness of breath in pregnant women

The growing fetus causes the diaphragm to rise, which can cause chest tightness and shortness of breath. There is no need to worry or take medication. Just improve your diet and nutrition, pay attention to rest, try to eat small meals frequently, and have regular prenatal checkups. Eat a healthy, balanced diet that provides your baby with all the necessary nutrients, while avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Avoid eating too many foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar, as these foods can add weight and make your breathlessness worse. Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and cutting back on caffeine and other beverages that cause you to urinate more frequently.