2nd trimester/ feel like someone's sitting on my chest and cutting off blood supply to my head...feels like im being strangled!

[Allmychildrenhavepaws]

Hi guys, any shared experiences would be great!

So I've been getting this feeling on and off since about 21+...
Mentioned it to midwife who seem very concerned and said it's not normal!
I'm sure its simply to do with baby getting bigger and taking up more room?
Googled my symptoms (naughty I know) and found this....

Inferior Vena Cava Syndrome

Makes sense to me, it's the weight of the baby and uterus pressing on the main artery that sends blood back up to the lungs, heart and brain. Apparently up to 90% of women will develop this syndrome later on in their pregnancy, which had me wondering why the midwife seemed baffled and concerned?!

Its a horrible feeling, my heart races, feels like someone's got their hands round my throat whilst standing on my chest, and I struggle to breath. It normally passes within a few minutes, but is scary when it happens....

Guess it's just another joy of being pregnant, but 'should' I be concerned???

[Whatdoidohelp]

Does it happen all the time or just when you are lying on your back? When I lie on my back I feel like o will pass out. It's horrible. If it's all the time you need to see your GP, your midwife doesn't have the vast medical knowledge to deal with anything series. Or, Could you go to triage and ask to be assessed by a consultant/registrar?

[ThatsIrrelephant]

Sorry to hear you're struggling - doesn't sound nice! What you found on Google is also called supine hypotension syndrome and it only occurs when you lie flat on your back. Your right it is common but that's why pregnant women are advised not to sleep on your back - the weight of the uterus compresses the vein. This wouldn't happen standing up.

Sorry that's no help! Maybe call the midwife if you're still suffering from it later in the week.

[Allmychildrenhavepaws]

Thanks guys, it is usually when I'm lying on the sofa, but can happen on the odd occasion when I'm sitting upright too...i think if it happens again whilst sitting upright, I'll ask to be checked over. Sorry to hear you guys are suffering with it too, its horrid isn't it :(

[CityMole]

try to sit/ lie on your side as much as you can (left side is said to be optimum). use pillows to wedge you into a comfortable position .