Hard to get a full breath postpartum

[Wmoejg]

I am 3 months postpartum and am struggling with getting a full deep breath. I've been to both A&E and my GP and had a full work up (bloods) as well as a chest x ray which have ruled out the more sinister issues. Equally I am not anaemic, don't have a PE and I have full oxygen saturation.

It feels as though I cannot get a full breath into my stomach, it feels as though something in my upper stomach/diaphragm is stopping me from being able to fully breath in. I cannot force the movement in my stomach either.

I find that my stomach actually goes in when I inhale (rather than out) and out when I exhale.

It's worse when standing up and a lot easier when laying down, or stretching backwards.

Anyone experienced something similar?

Yes, but only because I was suffering from a terrible infection (post c section) which had me readmitted for iv antibiotics. Presumably your temperature and heart rate are all OK? If so perhaps it could be some sort of muscle strain post pregnancy?

Hi did it get overtime please let me know as I am facing same issue

Hi Did it get better please let me know facing same issue

I would see if you can find a really good sports massage person and ask them to work on your diaphragm and back and chest muscles. You may have had them all tighten up while you were pregnancy as the baby would have been cramping them, and they never released/relaxed after delivery

my pelvic health physio noted my diaphragm was tight as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding, when I saw her at 6 weeks postpartum. She prescribed some breathing exercises which I did diligently - it sorted out my diaphragm and I can now breathe normally. I think all women need to see a good pelvic health physio postpartum who checks all these things - abs, pelvic floor, diaphragm etc

@barrister489 I ended up paying privately to see a respiratory physio and now have breathing exercises to do should I feel short of breath. It was noticed that I was breathing improperly due to the discomfort and pressure on my diaphragm in late pregnancy. I can manage it so much better now!