Breathing issues

[Shamoo]

Hi all - I am not sure if this is the best board to post this on, but I am at a loss and really looking for some advice.

I have had three IVF transfers. The first (fresh) didn't stick - I was quite unwell and in hindsight shouldnt have transferred, so not a surprise when it didn't work. The second and third both stuck, but I had very slight bleeding around the 6wk mark and then two MMC which both showed foetus stopped growing at 6wk 5 days. On the third, we got a heart beat at 6wk 3 days. Didnt have an earlier scan with the second to know if it had one. On both the second and third, from pretty much the day of transfer my breathing became bad. I was finding myself having to take a lot of very deep breaths to get enough oxygen in. After the first MMC the breathing returned to normal, but after the second one it hasn't - it has got a bit better but still not back to what it was.

I assumed it was an iron issue, and my blood tests during the second MMC did show me as slightly anaemic. I went on to iron supplements, and a follow up blood test showed an improvement but still very low although within the levels of acceptable. However, I would have expected that improvement anyway given the blood loss had stopped. During my period the breathing issue became worse again. The clinic and my GP have done loads of tests; diabetes, full blood count etc and found nothing of interest. Waiting on the results of a chest x ray but the text from my GP said non urgent, so I am assuming nothing to note.

I am petrified that whatever is causing the breathing is directly linked to the miscarriages, but I am at a loss of what to do next. Limited interest from GP now as she can't work out what it is. As it hasn't even returned to normal this time, I am expecting it to be even worse if I get pregnant again.

I am due another transfer in about a month but this is weighing on my mind, but I have no idea where to go with it now? Change GP? Private GP? Push my clinic harder? I really dont know what to do or what it could be :( - The clinic have suggested putting in two this time and I am worried that will exacerbate the situation.

Any advice very very gratefully received.

I periodically get a breathing issue similar to the one you describe - I wouldn't call myself short of breath as I can still run when I have it (in fact it usually seems better when I'm out for a run) and it sometimes lasts a couple of weeks. I've never been to a doctor about it as it's so hard to describe and always seems to self resolve. TBH for me I think it's related to stress. Then I end up stressing about it, which ends up as a vicious cycle! Once I think I thought it might be linked to some supplements I was taking - they might even have been iron ones. For me I know it's usually stress though. (I know this is not always helpful to hear about worrying symptoms and my situation is not necessarily the same as yours so I'm not saying it is definitely the same for you!)

Thank you MissHoney - does sound similar t as it doesn't stop me running or anything like that. Interesting that you think it is related to stress, thank you for sharing :)

Hi, I’m a respiratory physio and it sounds like you are having hyperventilation/ dysfunctional breathing pattern.
This happens with periods of stress and anxiety, it is a way that your body tells you that you are stressed!
I am currently in my TWW and I am constantly having to take deep breaths as if I can’t fill my lungs up enough.
The main way to resolve it is a lot of mindfulness, breathing control, so breathing from your abdomen rather than shoulders, make sure you breathe out fully then breathe in, rather than just “ breath stacking”
It is easier said than done.. I really struggle with trying to control it, so i now tend to just go with it!
Hope this helps

Sorry to invade but does this also include excessive yawning? (Usually happens when feeling anxious)

@42isthemeaning yes! Yawning a lot is one of the symptoms!

Thank you Embri. I will definitely try with this thank you!

@Embri Thank you. That makes sense!