29 weeks, so breathless I can barely make it up the stairs, could this be something to worry about?

[Janus]

Title says it all really!
This is my fourth pregnancy and although I sometimes got breathless in previous pregnancies it has never been like this.

For some reason it seems worse in the mornings and I literally often can't make it up the stairs and have to sit down half way up! Often just standing up in the shower makes me breathless. I am quite petite, if that makes any difference? Evenings are always my best part of the day and when I get active and get on with the running around of hanging up washing, tidying up, etc. However, I have 3 other children and really can't go on like this for another 11 weeks or more.
I am beginning to worry there is something wrong with me but have no idea what! Has anyone else had this and have an explanation?
Many thanks.

Get your iron levels checked.

I would make a Drs appointment.

I have this problem - if you don't already have your 28 week bloods back expect to be told you're anaemic. I also have low BP. Doc said both contribute to the problem but also being petite means your lungs are squished sooner.

Check with midwife and doc but I've been told it's all normal when you've got other dc to run around after and all they can offer is iron tablets.

The tablets are helping but yes, it does seem hard to imagine this is it for x weeks (9 in my case) so you have my sympathy.

OK, didn't know iron levels affected this and I am always on low side in pregnancy. I have some pregnacare tablets somewhere, would this have enough iron in?

Not had 28 week appt yet (although 29 week!) but it is at the end of this week so had planned to ask there but seems to be getting worse each day so just thought I'd check here in the meantime.
Thanks.

Iron levels itself do not affect breathlessness, but anaemia certainly does. And in the later stages of pregnancy your blood is also likely to be slightly 'diluted' from a degree of water retention etc.
I'd agree with everybody else, get your Full Blood Count and iron stores (Ferritin) checked, also have a dr listen to your lungs. Do you get breathless at night in bed? In that case you could have fluid collecting on your lungs which really needs looking into.
If it is just baby squashing your lungs it might improve again once it drops a bit lower into your pelvis.

Good luck!

Thanks pacific, it does seem to be bad at night too, I can't believe that just lying in bed can make me breathless and I would say each night at some point I have to sit bolt upright for a little bit and then it eases. However, I do think this baby is incredibly high up, I am huge but I could almost get into my low waisted pre-pregnancy jeans if I tried as it is just a big mound under my boobs! I think I can wait until Thursday but do have some iron tablets due to previous anaemia so will just take them anyway in the hope it may improve things and let the midwife know.

Hi - I've been like this in my previous and this pregnancy. My iron levels are currently ok (well they were at 12 weeks although am now 25 weeks!) but I have low bp when pg and that does affect me! xx

Janus. I am 29wks too and have same prob as you do. Breathlessness, tight chest etc...Just thought the baby was squashing my lungs and had put up with it for the last 4 wks.

Saw my MW this week and had blood test. And Yes! I am anaemic and has low BP. started to take iron tablet 3 days ago. Not sure if I feel better yet. Only when I looked into pregnancy anaemia, I realised it caused breathless as the heart works harder.

My diet has been pretty good but conciously eating more things like beetroot, apricot, beef etc.

Maybe before you see your MW, you could introduce some iron rich food in your diet.

Oh! I checked my pregnatal tablets too and it doesnt contain iron in mine.

High bp can do it too....

I am like that, but thats partly my tablets for my blood pressure. I have to keep sitting down and I'm only 27+3 :(

Took an iron tablet tonight and felt sick as a dog about an hour later as it was pretty much on an empty stomach, think you are meant to take them with food, is that right??
I have been anaemic before so should have realised this may have been the cause but wasn't breathless like this, only few more days to see midwife so should all become clear soon.

Sorry for all of you experiencing this, it really is not pleasant, I hate not being able to get on with things which is why it's sending me nuts!

Hi hun.
Personally I would get this checked by your gp. There are numerous reasons why u can be out if breath. I had complications with ds and I wrongly assumed it was anaemia.
Hope u r fee/ing better soon x x

Janus, iron can be quite a difficult supplement to take as it is poorly absorbed and can pass straight through to your gut, rather than going into your system where you might need it.
One thing that can help, is to take your tablets with fresh orange juice as the Vitamin C will help iron absorption ie more goes into your bloodstream, less sitting in your stomach/bowel making you feel sick/constipated.
Also, I know, Spatone is a popular recommendation although I have no personal experience with it.

Have you made an appointment with your Dr/WM as I would agree anaemia is not the only thing that could be the problem here.

Hope you are feeling ok today .