What causes panic, shortness of breath, and chest tightness in early pregnancy?

Everyone has a different physique, and correspondingly there will be some problems with the body during pregnancy. Pregnant women are afraid of some minor problems, such as colds and fevers. Others can be treated with medication, but pregnant women can only endure it or solve it by drinking more hot water. Chest tightness and shortness of breath in early pregnancy may be caused by the development of the fetus compressing the lungs and affecting respiratory function. It is recommended that pregnant mothers eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement nutrition, rest more, go outside to breathe fresh air and maintain a good attitude.

Question 1

1. Chest tightness and shortness of breath in early pregnancy may be a heart problem. It is recommended to 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.

Question 2

2. Pregnant women’s oxygen demand increases, and as pregnancy progresses, many pregnant women will experience shortness of breath. 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. During pregnancy, you need to breathe more oxygen, and your body adjusts accordingly to meet your oxygen needs.

Question 3

3. Pregnant women may experience chest tightness and shortness of breath because the growing uterus compresses the lungs and affects respiratory function. The increase in hormones during pregnancy, especially the increase in progesterone (also known as "progesterone"), can directly affect your lungs and stimulate the respiratory center in your brain. During pregnancy, the number of breaths you take per minute doesn't change much, but the amount of air you breathe in each time increases significantly, causing shortness of breath.

Chest tightness and shortness of breath in early pregnancy may be caused by insufficient qi and blood or myocardial ischemia, or it may be an early pregnancy reaction. Pay attention to rest and less activity, stay away from smoking areas, refrain from sexual intercourse, take folic acid orally for up to three months, diversify your diet, and appropriately increase high-protein food, such as eggs, fish, shrimp, milk, and lean meat. Go to the hospital for routine blood tests and electrocardiograms.