Which of the following pregnancy symptoms is most commonly associated with the compression of the vena cava in the later stages of pregnancy?

During the later stages of pregnancy, the growing uterus can exert pressure on the inferior vena cava, particularly when the pregnant individual is in a supine position (lying flat on the back). This compression can lead to reduced venous return to the heart, which in turn may decrease cardiac output and result in symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness.

These symptoms occur because the body is not receiving adequate blood flow, leading to transient decreases in blood pressure and consequently affecting cerebral perfusion. While heartburn, shortness of breath, and fatigue may also be experienced during pregnancy, they are not primarily caused by vena cava compression. Shortness of breath, for example, can arise from other factors, including lung expansion limitations due to the enlarging uterus or hormonal changes, rather than direct venous compression. Understanding the physiological changes during late pregnancy helps in recognizing the symptoms that can arise from venous compression and the associated discomfort.