A woman in her third trimester complains of shortness of breath on occasion, without other symptoms. She has a normal examination. The most likely cause of this symptom is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While these other etiologies must be considered in any dyspneic pregnant woman, the lack of other symptoms and findings makes it more likely that this is a hormonal effect of progesterone. Expect a normal respiratory rate and respiratory alkalosis.

A Woman in Her Third Trimester Complains of Shortness of Breath