What respiratory issue may occur in late pregnancy?

• A. Cough
• B. Wheezing
• C. Chest pain
• D. Shortness of breath (SOB)

Answer: (D)

As pregnancy advances, shortness of breath is common due to several physiological changes. The growing uterus pushes the diaphragm upward, reducing the space available for the lungs to expand and lowering functional residual capacity. At the same time, oxygen demand rises and hormonal changes—especially increased progesterone—stimulate the respiratory drive, increasing ventilation. The result is dyspnea or a sensation of breathlessness that often appears in the late stages of pregnancy. Other symptoms like cough, wheezing, or chest pain can occur for different reasons, but shortness of breath best reflects the typical respiratory change seen late in pregnancy.