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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Heart rate is normal but I feel like it's super fast, what is happening.

55 replies

babayhaga · 24/07/2023 17:51

I'm 21 weeks pregnant and I've been on the sofa for the past few hours. I however have had an this feeling whereby my heart is racing really fast and I know it's not - I have a finger monitor.

Is this anxiety?

I now have the feeling that I can't breathe and keep on gasping for air, is that related to the stomach acid or due to a suspected pulmonary embolism? The scans couldn't say there wasn't a clot but at the same time they couldn't do a CT scan so treating me like I do have a blood clot.

AIBU - it's anxiety
Not being unreasonable - see doctor

OP posts:
Original poster
babayhaga · 24/07/2023 22:22

Thelnebriati · 24/07/2023 21:53

Its a really good idea to practice breathing at least twice a day when you are feeling calm, and to do it when you notice yourself starting to feel anxious. You might find it harder when you are very anxious, but if you catch it early enough it can actually stop anxiety escalating into panic attacks.
Its not woo - the vagus nerve triggers anxiety and thats the off switch. Its an interesting subject and well worth a google.

Thanks. I have been doing it and it seems that my breathing is becoming more open.... if that makes sense

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 24/07/2023 22:27

Yes it does - anxiety makes your chest tight, and your breathing fast and shallow.

Taking control of that is a very positive step. Do you have any calming music you can listen to?

Original poster
babayhaga · 24/07/2023 23:38

Thelnebriati · 24/07/2023 22:27

Yes it does - anxiety makes your chest tight, and your breathing fast and shallow.

Taking control of that is a very positive step. Do you have any calming music you can listen to?

No. Normally if I go and lay down on a bed and just focus on something else it can go away.

OP posts:
Mamai90 · 25/07/2023 00:12

I was anemic in my last pregnancy but symptoms didn't show up until I was 28 weeks. This time my first symptom was breathlessness, I was only 4+4 and could barely walk up a hill. The next day I was too weak to leave the house, breathless and my heart was racing. It felt very much like when I was anemic in my first pregnancy so I had bloods drawn at 6 weeks, by then I'd been on 335mg of iron twice daily and I was taking two spatone but it didn't seem to make a huge difference but there was improvement especially with the breathlessness.

My blood came back normal, maybe they were borderline and the high iron intake had raised them a little but even now on bad days I feel like my heart is racing when it's not. I still feel very much like I did when I was anemic, I'm very weak and can't do much but my GP thinks it's related to the first trimester (10 weeks).

I couldn't say you're definitely not having a panic attack, I actually did have a panic attack when I was 5 weeks because my breathing was so laboured that I thought there was something wrong and it turned into a panic attack, it was hard to tell if there was something wrong or not. But when I didn't some breathing exercises it went away. I would recommend getting your iron tested though, i was in hell for 4 weeks last time, I had so little energy they had to cancel my 30 week scan because I didn't have the energy to keep moving around while they were scanning me so if you're anemic you don't want it getting to that level where you have zero energy. A lot can change between booking bloods and 28 week bloods, I'd call your GP just to be sure.

Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 07:52

Mamai90 · 25/07/2023 00:12

I was anemic in my last pregnancy but symptoms didn't show up until I was 28 weeks. This time my first symptom was breathlessness, I was only 4+4 and could barely walk up a hill. The next day I was too weak to leave the house, breathless and my heart was racing. It felt very much like when I was anemic in my first pregnancy so I had bloods drawn at 6 weeks, by then I'd been on 335mg of iron twice daily and I was taking two spatone but it didn't seem to make a huge difference but there was improvement especially with the breathlessness.

My blood came back normal, maybe they were borderline and the high iron intake had raised them a little but even now on bad days I feel like my heart is racing when it's not. I still feel very much like I did when I was anemic, I'm very weak and can't do much but my GP thinks it's related to the first trimester (10 weeks).

I couldn't say you're definitely not having a panic attack, I actually did have a panic attack when I was 5 weeks because my breathing was so laboured that I thought there was something wrong and it turned into a panic attack, it was hard to tell if there was something wrong or not. But when I didn't some breathing exercises it went away. I would recommend getting your iron tested though, i was in hell for 4 weeks last time, I had so little energy they had to cancel my 30 week scan because I didn't have the energy to keep moving around while they were scanning me so if you're anemic you don't want it getting to that level where you have zero energy. A lot can change between booking bloods and 28 week bloods, I'd call your GP just to be sure.

Thanks. However the ferritin was retested a few weeks ago and normal level :(

OP posts:
Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 07:52

@Mamai90 I'm sorry you are feeling that way, must be awful xxx

OP posts:
Mamai90 · 25/07/2023 12:09

If your iron is normal it's probably just a pregnancy thing but even I (someone who has suffered from panic attacks) find it hard to tell the difference and you can have a panic attack even when you dont feel anxious. But pregnancy is such a weird time, so many strange things going on. I still haven't got to the bottom of why I've been so drained, a few times I've let myself get carried away thinking there must be something seriously wrong with me!

If it's a panic attack you're having 5 mins of breathing exercises should help your breathing return to normal. Breathe in through your nose hold for 3 seconds and then breathe out your mouth. This is so effective.

Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 12:31

Mamai90 · 25/07/2023 12:09

If your iron is normal it's probably just a pregnancy thing but even I (someone who has suffered from panic attacks) find it hard to tell the difference and you can have a panic attack even when you dont feel anxious. But pregnancy is such a weird time, so many strange things going on. I still haven't got to the bottom of why I've been so drained, a few times I've let myself get carried away thinking there must be something seriously wrong with me!

If it's a panic attack you're having 5 mins of breathing exercises should help your breathing return to normal. Breathe in through your nose hold for 3 seconds and then breathe out your mouth. This is so effective.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Lyra87 · 25/07/2023 12:47

Hi OP,

Had my DD 6 months ago. I had this in pregnancy during 2nd trimester. BP was slightly on the low side and iron was normal. Are you carrying high by any chance? I'm quite small framed so think it stemmed from a mixture of extra blood flow and DD sitting high, which meant my lungs were being constricted which made the palpitations worse. The palpitations did improve by the time I was in 3rd trimester, as did the breathlessness when she dropped a little bit. Both myself and DD were fine, but it was very worrying at the time.

Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 16:37

Lyra87 · 25/07/2023 12:47

Hi OP,

Had my DD 6 months ago. I had this in pregnancy during 2nd trimester. BP was slightly on the low side and iron was normal. Are you carrying high by any chance? I'm quite small framed so think it stemmed from a mixture of extra blood flow and DD sitting high, which meant my lungs were being constricted which made the palpitations worse. The palpitations did improve by the time I was in 3rd trimester, as did the breathlessness when she dropped a little bit. Both myself and DD were fine, but it was very worrying at the time.

Hi. I don't know how I'm carrying but I feel massive. I'm short and have massive boobs (like a 34L) so a lot going on. The placenta is at the front.

OP posts:
Bramshott · 25/07/2023 16:54

It does sound rather like a panic attack OP, but you also say they are "treating me like I do have a blood clot" - in that case they would probably be happier if you erred on the side of caution and contacted someone. Can you calmly call whoever is handling your antenatal care (presumably consultant-led if you've been having problems?) and explain that you are being treated for a suspected blood clot and are feeling breathless?

WanderingWitches · 25/07/2023 17:15

It could all be because of acid reflux.
I had fluttering/palpitations in my chest, I thought it was my heart. I had all the tests going and it turns out it's actually my diaphragm spasming, triggered from acid reflux.
The acid and diaphragm can also make me feel out of breath.
Obviously need to get it all checked though Flowers

Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 17:54

Bramshott · 25/07/2023 16:54

It does sound rather like a panic attack OP, but you also say they are "treating me like I do have a blood clot" - in that case they would probably be happier if you erred on the side of caution and contacted someone. Can you calmly call whoever is handling your antenatal care (presumably consultant-led if you've been having problems?) and explain that you are being treated for a suspected blood clot and are feeling breathless?

Hi:
Yes the maternity team aren't interested in helping me and tell me everything is ok.

OP posts:
Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 17:55

WanderingWitches · 25/07/2023 17:15

It could all be because of acid reflux.
I had fluttering/palpitations in my chest, I thought it was my heart. I had all the tests going and it turns out it's actually my diaphragm spasming, triggered from acid reflux.
The acid and diaphragm can also make me feel out of breath.
Obviously need to get it all checked though Flowers

Thanks.

Are you on medication? I can't seem to get it under control.

OP posts:
WanderingWitches · 25/07/2023 17:57

babayhaga · 25/07/2023 17:55

Thanks.

Are you on medication? I can't seem to get it under control.

Show quote history

Yes, currently on omeprazole but having a really bad flare up. I've been on and off PPIs for years though.
It was definitely worse when I was pregnant and I was literally having to drink gaviscon all day long.

Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 18:25

WanderingWitches · 25/07/2023 17:15

It could all be because of acid reflux.
I had fluttering/palpitations in my chest, I thought it was my heart. I had all the tests going and it turns out it's actually my diaphragm spasming, triggered from acid reflux.
The acid and diaphragm can also make me feel out of breath.
Obviously need to get it all checked though Flowers

If I'm feeling like my heart beating in my chest but my heart rate is fine - does that mean it's "all in my head" or perhaps what you also experience?

OP posts:
WanderingWitches · 25/07/2023 18:33

babayhaga · 25/07/2023 18:25

If I'm feeling like my heart beating in my chest but my heart rate is fine - does that mean it's "all in my head" or perhaps what you also experience?

Show quote history

I seriously thought mine was my heart too but I had a 48 hour trace and my heart was normal. I can only assume what I was feeling was the diaphragm bouncing around instead. I still get the odd 'fast heart rate' feeling but when I feel my pulse as its happening, my heart rate is unchanged.

Lyra87 · 25/07/2023 18:35

babayhaga · 25/07/2023 16:37

Hi. I don't know how I'm carrying but I feel massive. I'm short and have massive boobs (like a 34L) so a lot going on. The placenta is at the front.

Show quote history

I also had an anterior placenta and large chest. For me, my bump started just below my boobs, when DD kicked or moved it was always at the top of my bump.
My advice is to keep a record of how often it happens for your next appointment. I was told to get checked asap if I ever felt pain or headaches but otherwise it should pass (and for me it did)
Best of luck @babayhaga

Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 20:22

Thanks all and @Lyra87

OP posts:
Ireallywantsomechips · 25/07/2023 20:42

I had this in my first pregnancy, they thought it was due to my thyroid medication and I ended up having baby earlier. I felt like I was having heart palpitations and couldn’t breathe sometimes. Then I had it again during my second pregnancy and it was anxiety. I am quite an anxious person in general but don’t suffer from panic attacks so it was quite a surprise to me, but I did notice it was more often when I was tired!

muckerfish · 25/07/2023 21:06

definitely tell your dr, but it sounds like anxiety. I'm sorry. It's really tough. And don't let them fob you off and tell you it's just normal pregnancy nerves. it's not.

muckerfish · 25/07/2023 21:11

wish there were an edit button! I had it each time I got pregnant -- felt like I couldn't breathe, skipping heartbeat, etc. Did all the tests: thyroid, heart monitor, etc.
My last pregnancy the dr prescribed Zoloft and it was the first time I had a "normal" pregnancy."

Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 21:13

muckerfish · 25/07/2023 21:11

wish there were an edit button! I had it each time I got pregnant -- felt like I couldn't breathe, skipping heartbeat, etc. Did all the tests: thyroid, heart monitor, etc.
My last pregnancy the dr prescribed Zoloft and it was the first time I had a "normal" pregnancy."

I'm not taking psychiatric medication

OP posts:
Original poster
babayhaga · 25/07/2023 21:17

Ireallywantsomechips · 25/07/2023 20:42

I had this in my first pregnancy, they thought it was due to my thyroid medication and I ended up having baby earlier. I felt like I was having heart palpitations and couldn’t breathe sometimes. Then I had it again during my second pregnancy and it was anxiety. I am quite an anxious person in general but don’t suffer from panic attacks so it was quite a surprise to me, but I did notice it was more often when I was tired!

If it's anxiety I would expect the heart rate to increase, but it doesn't :/

Your body also releases hormones, such as adrenaline, causing your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense up. www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/anxiety-and-panic/are-you-having-panic-attacks#:~:text=The%20physical%20symptoms%20of%20a,your%20muscles%20to%20tense%20up.

OP posts:
Greybeardy · 25/07/2023 21:50

Have you/someone actually taken your pulse while you’ve got symptoms. Sats probes (if that’s what you’re using) have limitations and don’t always give an accurate pulse if it’s abnormal (same with BP cuff).