Which symptom is common during the third trimester of pregnancy?

Shortness of breath during exertion is a common symptom experienced by many women during the third trimester of pregnancy. This occurs as the growing uterus expands and exerts pressure on the diaphragm, which can limit lung capacity and the efficiency of breathing. As the body prepares for labor and accommodates the developing fetus, the increased demand for oxygen can lead to feelings of breathlessness, especially during physical activity.

This symptom can be exacerbated if the pregnant individual is exerting themselves or engaging in physical activity, as their body is working harder to deliver oxygen to both the mother and the fetus. Understanding this symptom can help in recognizing normal physiological changes during late pregnancy, and it is important for healthcare providers to reassure expectant mothers that this sensation is often a normal aspect of their third trimester experience.

Severe back pain, frequent headaches, and increased fatigue can also be associated with pregnancy, but they may not be as universally experienced or specifically linked to the third trimester as shortness of breath can be. While some women do experience these other symptoms, breathlessness is more consistently reported by those in the later stages of pregnancy due to anatomical and physiological changes.