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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Severe breathlessness, 29 weeks

7 replies

AJH2007 · 01/05/2011 22:39

Hi, I am 29 weeks and have been quite breathless throughout my pregnancy, but nothing unmanageable up to now. I've since had two colds in the last two weeks and the second has led to quite bad sinusitis. I really feel now as though I can hardly breathe at all, to the point that I've had a couple of panic attacks. I don't mind for myself as much as for the poor baby - my pulse rate is well up on normal and I worry the baby might pick up on it. I have a routine midwife appointment Tuesday morning at the hospital, but would be very grateful for any thoughts/tips in the meantime. Thanks.

OP posts:
Onmyhighchairhorse · 01/05/2011 23:02

Likely to settle quickly, and sinusitis is bloody horrible you poor thing - but if you really are struggling (can't finish sentences, cant get up stairs, ESPECIALLY if your pulse rate is up /you have chest pain/or have coughed up any blood) then go and get checked out - A and E is fine....Thing not to miss is a tiny blood clot in the lungs - caught early it can be treated - but best not left. Have you been laid up in bed? This would also be a risk factor. Any any family history or personal history of blood clots or miscarriages? This would also increase the worry. Always better being safe not sorry - Hope you get better soon.

Okonomiyaki · 01/05/2011 23:05

I had breathlessness in pg which turned out to be nothing but they do take it very seriously (a good thing as it can be a symptom of a blood clot).

I would get checked out if I were you. Does your hospital have a day assessment unit?

stressheaderic · 01/05/2011 23:06

I was as breathless as can be from about 28 weeks, could not get upstairs, finish sentences - it transpired I was severely anaemic and had to start on iron tablets straight away.
Do visit your GP/midwife if you are worried.
Huge sympathies on the sinusitis, utterly grim.

Original poster
AJH2007 · 02/05/2011 10:08

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely struggling with stairs so it sounds like getting checked out would be a good idea. I had wondered about anaemia, but my Dad also had a couple of blood clots two years ago. Off to the day assessment unit then... Thanks again.

OP posts:
Okonomiyaki · 02/05/2011 21:09

Let us know how you get on :)

Original poster
AJH2007 · 02/05/2011 22:53

Well, you were all right - they did take it seriously. The day assessment unit found I had very low blood pressure and a raised heartrate. They didn't have a doctor on duty so sent me down to A&E for blood tests and an ECG. One blood test showed I have an infection (likely chest but could be sinuses or something else) so they gave me antibiotics. They also gave me IV fluids to get my BP up a bit, and as another blood test showed my liver isn't working quite as it should I have to go back to have that test repeated tomorrow. The ECG was normal so they are fairly confident it isn't a clot, though if I have any chest pain I have to go back.
All in all, very glad I went in - I didn't want to waste anyone's time but it was worth it to identify the low BP and the infection. Best of all, the baby seems unaffected and is kicking away as I type.
Thanks again for encouraging me to get checked out.

OP posts:
Okonomiyaki · 03/05/2011 08:08

Oh poor you, you must feel lousy. Very glad you went to get checked out!

Can you put your feet up for a few days?

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