Any advice on how to deal with breathlessness in 3rd trimester?

8 replies

emeraldgirl1 · 18/01/2013 06:24

I'm almost 32 weeks and last night had a quite nasty incident of breathlessness fir the first time when we were out with friends. I had to leave the table and get up to go out for some fresh air and a walk around, which (given that I once managed to sit through an entire meal with latent food poisoning and restrain myself from throwing up until we got home) was quite a big deal (I hate hate hate making a 'fuss' IYSWIM). It was quite frightening for a few minutes as I just couldn't work out how I was going to get any more air in.

I'd only just started the meal so although I know sometimes this might happen if you ate too much (?) I don't think it was that. I assume that everything is just being squeezed in there etc and there's not much room for my lungs any more!! I have got quite a bit bigger quite suddenly this past week.

Any advice for how to manage this as I really don't want it to happen quite that badly again? Can you prevent breathlessness at all, or if you get it, what is the best and quickest way to alleviate it?

OP posts:

Thumbwitch · 18/01/2013 06:30

I'd call your MW, tbh. It might just be a space issue but there are a few other things that could potentially be causing it so get yourself checked out to be on the safe side.

When I got breathless, it was like I couldn't take a deep enough breath - and the best way to get over this was to breathe out, out, out as much as possible before breathing in again, because you tend to hyperventilate to try and take in more oxygen, which makes it worse. Breathing out as much as possible redresses this a bit.

Another trick I used is to press on my solar plexus; my diaphragm would be a bit "stuck" and this would help to relieve it.

I also saw an osteopath regularly as the relaxin in pregnancy meant my back would go "out" even more often than normal, and this can create problems with the nerves that supply the diaphragmatic muscles (and did for me).

But CALL YOUR MW and talk to her.

Beamae · 18/01/2013 06:35

My breathlessness was caused by a severe iron deficiency and was resolved by taking a prescribed iron supplement with a big glass of orange juice to help absorption, and crucially, avoiding any dairy for an hour or more either side of taking it. You'd need to ask for a blood test to check your iron levels.

noblegiraffe · 18/01/2013 10:01

I had an incident like this so I brought it up with my midwife at my appointment the next day (which I thought was reasonable) and she told me off for not phoning and speaking to someone at the time - even though it happened at night.

So although I am also inclined not to make a fuss, it is not only reasonable, but expected that you would talk to a midwife about scary health incidents. So get on the phone!

Original poster

emeraldgirl1 · 18/01/2013 16:28

Thanks everyone !!
Stuck in meetings so haven't been able to try my MW yet... Will have to give it a go later.
I think I just thought the only thing it could be was baby taking up space... Didn't realise there could be something that might need checking out.

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omri · 18/01/2013 17:18

I had this with my last pregnancy and agree with just breathe out out out. At the end of my pregnancy I couldn't even have a full conversation (especially on the phone) without it happening. I was taking iron supplements for deficiency but tbh I don't think it helped and was just one of those annoying pregnancy things for me but definitely say it to your mw or gp. Good luck!!!

omri · 18/01/2013 17:20

goodygumdrops · 18/01/2013 17:29

Breathlessness can also be a sign of a pulmonary embolism so I would also stress that you should get this checked out. Of course, it probably isn't, don't want to scare you, but best to be on the safe side.

Original poster

emeraldgirl1 · 18/01/2013 17:34

Thanks everyone, I have now managed to leave a message for my MW and she'll call me back this evening. Good advice to mention it, I feel better for doing it! Thank you!!

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