Sleeping and breathlessness at 31 weeks

[laurG]

Hi everyone

I’m 31 weeks with my first child and I’m getting really breathless when I’m lying down or even sitting on soft surfaces. I’m no longer lying on my back but even on the sides my pulse races. Its really unnerving and I have t slept well in weeks.

I spoke to the midwife and she says it’s just the position of the baby pushing in to my daiphram. She checked my iron levels and they are fine.

I’ve tried propping myself up / nesting on piles of pillows / cushions but it’s not helping. I also have hay fever and a completely blocked nose which is only making it worse. I’m totally exhausted!

Any suggestions?

I’m sorry you’re experiencing this, only 19 weeks so can’t help but I’m already getting breathless and fast heartbeat when I lie down too :-( x

Hi guys.. get your iron levels checked as could be anemic. Mine were v low and had to have a blood transfusion after birth. Don't worry though!

Tell your midwife but don’t worry.

I had this and was due to the baby literally pressing on my lungs. I’m short so there isn’t a lot of space to squash all my internal organs in to.

I don’t have any specific advice except try different positions to try and take the weight off.

Thanks all. I did mention it last time and she checked my iron levels. Ive got next appointment on Wednesday so I’ll mention it again then. Just really annoying. Usually read to sleep but unless I sit bolt upright I’m breathless! Had s lovely sleep in the car today... maybe that’s the solution!

Can you get your hands on one of those big v shaped nursing pillows and try to prop yourself up on that? I used some normal pillows underneath it.
I found it a lot more comfortable than trying to arrange a load of pillows under me and it stopped me sliding down.

I had this at your stage. Got levels checked etc but was just baby’s bum squashing my lungs. I’m now 38 weeks and baby has dropped down significantly and I can breath much more easily and breathlessness has been replaced by fanny daggers!! All I could do was sleep propped up, (second a pregnancy/V shaped pillow much better), and try not to think about how awful it felt. Mention it again so they keep an eye, but if its just a baby up in your lungs hopefully they will drop soon and give you a break!