Breathless from walking at 6 months?? Is this normal?

[LDNmummy]

Hey ladies! Just a quick question. I was walking this morning for about half an hour and the road to my house is on an ever so slight bend and hill. When I say hill, it is not really a hill at all, more a raise in ground level.

I was so shocked at how breathless I became! I had to stop at one point and sit down on a bus stop bench to catch my breath, then as I carried on, had to stop a further two or three times again. It was EXHAUSTING!

Is this normal at 6 months or am I getting very unhealthy? I am nowhere near as active as I was before pregnancy but have always stuck to walking as a means for getting around as I enjoy it and have not found it too taxing till today.

Today was the first day I have felt this kind of inability to get from a-z without becoming this tired.

Anyone know if it is not too early to feel like this?

Yes. In the book my midwife gave me it said that breathlessness anywhere from 20 weeks onward is perfectly normal, and when I went to them concerned that I was getting breathless walking up the stairs at 10 weeks they said that was probably nothing to worry about either and just to walk slower. It's usually just due to the extra weight of the baby (and in your case your lungs are probably getting a bit constricted now as well as baby is moving higher!)

Yup, she is definitely moving up and around a lot more in there. Thanks Toria, was worried it was too early, I didn't expect it to kick on all of a sudden.

I am not used to doing this at a slow pace, its gonna be an audjustment.

Mention it to your midwife next time as it could be low iron levels, which can mean they want to monitor you during labour more. They should give you a blood test soon anyway. Spatone sachets are good (iron tablets did not agree with me!)

But yes get used to taking things at a slower pace, leave yourself more time to do things.

I'm the same too - and I forget sometimes so try and walk somewhere at my usual pace, and then realise very quickly that I just haven't got it in me at the moment!

Am I right in thinking it is also due to the fact we have more blood in us at the moment, which means our hearts are working harder pumping it all around?

My Iron levels are low Albrecht, they gave me supplements but they haven't agreed with me either.

Just looked up Spatone, had never heard of it before. Will probably order some tonight. Thanks!

MsChanandler (love the name) that is exactly what I do. I really need to get used to this and start adding extra journey time to my days, can't be an olympic standard speed walker at the moment.

Normal I think, but frustrating not to feel like your usual self.

i think quite normal too, and its probs a lot to do with it being on a hill too as it does make it worse

Spatone, brilliant. try that before you worry too much - and remember to take with orange juice.