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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Difficulty breathing and fullness. Struggling :(

11 replies

skinnylegs33 · 18/02/2015 13:20

I had a bad episode last night of finding difficult to breath.

It normally starts with my nose feeling dry and stuffed as if I have a cotton wool ball stuck in each nostril. But then it becomes more and more difficult to breath. Actually I can breath but it's like I don't get enough oxygen.
I used to suffer badly with panic attacks years ago and this is a vivid reminder. It's very difficult to keep calm when it happens because it takes me back to those dark moments.
I'm only 16w2d and thought this is to be expected late in the third trimester, when baby is bigger and pushing on diaphragm.

I also find it difficult to have a normal meal as I feel full very quick - which brings on the breathing problem.
Anyone else familiar with this please?
Any words of reassurance will be much appreciated.
Thank you

OP posts:
SomethingSuitablyWitty · 18/02/2015 13:26

I haven't experienced this, but didn't want to read and run. At sixteen weeks I wouldn't have thought the baby could be causing too many breathing difficulties or digestive issues, so do you think it might be more a reaction to the fact of being pregnant that might be triggering attacks like you have experienced in the past? I am no expert I must add. Either way, the best thing would surely be to talk to a midwife or GP and get a bit of advice or at least at your mind to rest. Maybe just pick up the phone and call? Good luck!

Doje · 18/02/2015 13:31

I've got this now too - the never being able to get a full breath but - and I'm only 8 weeks. I mentioned it to my midwife and have Googled it, and it's to do with an increase in Progesterone, something about getting oxygen to the baby. Mention it to your midwife when you see her though.

It's reet annoying in't it!??!

Mumbledore · 18/02/2015 13:38

I had the feeling of being out of breath a lot which turned out to be low iron. Yours sounds a bit different but might be worth checking it with your midwife? Hope you get sorted.

sianihedgehog · 18/02/2015 14:36

Google "rhinitis of pregnancy".

I'm constantly stuffed up and snotty and getting nosebleeds, too. And I'm short of breath apart from that, which several places seem to mention as normal. And I feel the same as you at 16 wks, like my belly is always full.

Original poster
skinnylegs33 · 18/02/2015 16:16

It's really unpleasant. I mean it's actually scary. Morning sickness is unpleasant.
I don't get this when I walk or if I climb the stairs and it's mainly after I eat even though I no longer eat huge meals anyway.
It's not a panic attack either SomethingSuitably but it can definitely lead to one because it really is terrifying.
siani I did read about it and I'm sure I have that too.
I really hope it's temporary.

OP posts:
Bex174 · 18/02/2015 23:33

I had this too from around 17wks with twins. I was told by my mw it's all part of haemodilution making me out of breath as we're now having to increase our blood volumes quite significantly to support babies growth spurt.

I was worried to start, I was extremely active before pregnancy and then to get out of breath going up a single flight of stairs alarmed me somewhat! I've found it warms out though with exercise, so I'll be out of breath to start then fine by the end, think it's heart rate finally catching up with what I'm asking my body to do. My MW says sometimes this is a phase, sometimes it stays.

As for feeling full all the time, oh my gosh yesterday after a dessert of pancakes I suffered more than I have ever suffered! My abdomen was so taut and my muscles hurt. Back onto the small servings with regular snacks again, that seems to do the trick

ShadowsShadowsEverywhere · 18/02/2015 23:43

I can't offer much advice on the breathlessness, although a certain degree of puffed out feeling is normal with pregnancy and definitely gets worse towards the end but I don't think that's quite what you're getting at OP?

The full feeling I remember well. From around 18 weeks I moved onto 5 mini meals a day. It gets harder and harder to eat a full meal until right at the end when the baby drops and all that pressure on your stomach disappears (although then the pressure transfers down yonder!). Try eating little and often and see if that helps?

blowinahoolie · 19/02/2015 14:53

I get out of breath having a conversation with people, it's embarrassing.

I'm 13 weeks pregnant and been like this for several weeks now. I'm not anaemic as my blood results came back last week and showed that everything's fine in that respect.

Original poster
skinnylegs33 · 20/02/2015 13:00

I get out of breath while talking to someone too.
Mid phrase I feel like gulping for air. Especially in the evening after a meal. I was much better last evening though. Some days are good.

OP posts:
pinkie1982 · 20/02/2015 14:46

Yes I have been feeing full after a few mouthfuls for weeks now. Then I feel full up for an hour or so, then BANG starving hungry...no in between

Cornberry · 22/02/2015 22:35

I have this struggling to breathe, especially after eating too. Is it really nothing to worry about? I find it very alarming :(

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