Breathing and sleeping troubles

[Ericadm]

I am 33 weeks, I am having the hardest time trying to fall asleep at night. As soon as I lay down I feel a tightness in my throat and chest and when I am about to doze off I suddenly wake up with a gasp or snore. I have tried all positions, propped up with pillows, on my side etc. I am starting to feel really exhausted as I don't manage more than 5 hours per night often interrupted by trips to toilet, baby kicking etc. does anyone else experience this, and is there anything I can do or do I just have to endure it for anothe 7 weeks? This is my second pregnancy, it was never so bad with the first. Thanks

Huge sympathies! I remember it well. Soon you should experience 'lightening' so it will all be a bit easier soon (but then you have a head in your pelvis so slightly different issues!)

Thanks, I hope so but with my first the head never completely engaged and I have read that with second it may not engage at all until birth :(

The tightening in the throat could also be reflux. Try gaviscon advance before bed. But i did used to get that gasping thing too, not pleasant at all.

None of mine have ever engaged, all have been csections, but still felt the lightening and massive relief, even with twins. Could indeed be worse from reflux, gaviscon is a good first line then ranitidine. I also stuffed a pillow under my mattress to prop me up slightly without creating a crick in my neck!

I know it's not ideal, but how about sleeping in a recliner? I had an armchair recliner which I had to sleep in for 6 months when I broke my arm, I'd kill for it now. I'm 28 weeks and have reflux issues.