Heavy feeling

[lilliannrose]

Hi ladies, I am 24+2 and recently I have been getting this heavy feeling on my chest when I lay down to the point where I am struggling to breathe properly. Has anyone else experienced this before? Would really appreciate some feedback as quite worrying. Thanks

The baby will start to cramp your organs so laying flat will make you short of breath. I didn't get that feeling till a bit later but I guess it could happen sooner.

Yes, I had this with all 3 but particularly with my first, who seemed to occupy even my own breathing space. I remember this sensation well, especially when trying to sleep. Baby might be pushing in such a way that is putting pressure on your rib cage. Though anything, even harmless conditions, that is impacting your breathing should be seen to. I'd actually talk to your GP and let him/her have a listen to your chest.

Do you have a pregnancy bolster/pillow? I've always found them so helpful at night when comfort is hard to find. They make great nursing cushions when baby arrives.

Does it change depending how you lie down? Is it better if you lie on your left side?

I think it's probably quite normal, there's a big vein that the baby can lay on which can cause this. I remember feeling the same for a while during my first pregnancy, at about 30 weeks if I remember correctly. Do speak to your midwife/ GP though as it's clearly troubling you and it's always worth getting checked out!

Thanks for all the replies ladies. No I haven't got a pregnancy pillow but I might look into getting one. I have tried sleeping more sort of upright and more so on my side which does help however I am quite heavy chested so find my boobs compacting everything lol. I am sure all this perfectly normal with pregnancy but I will make an appointment with doc just to get checked out.

Yep, you don't get to lie flat on your back anymore now until you've given birth!! I hated the feeling - like slowly suffocating. Just one of the many joys of pregnancy. The weight of your uterus is pressing down on the vena cava (?) Prop yourself up well, or sleep on your side. Those are your only real options for now.

Wait til you can lie on your front and back again after birth though. Feels sooooo good.