Shortness of breath

[Becky6X]

Hi ladies, just looking for some advice/reassurance.

I keep feeling like I can't breathe properly but have put this down to my anxiety as it's something I've always suffered from. I am away for the weekend in Barcelona and my anxiety was playing up before hand causing chest tightness and feeling unable to breathe, however when I was distracted I was fine (which always helps reassure me it's just anxiety) anyway I've just had to walk up 10 lots of stairs as our hotel lift seems to have stopped working and we are 5 floors up... I know it's normal for anyone to feel out of breath after doing this but I couldn't catch my breath at all, I felt like I was breathing really fast and shallow, couldn't take a deep breath and almost felt winded. This has really scared me and I am currently freaking out :-(

How many weeks are you? I don't want to scare you but if you are having trouble breathing you need to get it checked out, and do it before you fly home. I had these symptoms and I had pulmonary embolisms. I was fine once I was put on meds so find a doctor ASAP.

You probably should get your iron levels checked.

I'm 9 weeks and exactly the same. I too couldn't decide at first if it was anxiety or not. Mine was so bad at some points I was struggling to breath when I was eating and I was having to take huge gasps in between mouthfuls.

Midwife says it's a very normal symptom, something to do with progesterone and increased blood volume in your body, it can also be a symptom of low iron, alongside fatigue and dizziness (pretty much standard symptoms in pregnancy 🙄)

I've just been taking it easy. Some days are worse than others.

Maybe speak to your midwife/GP when you get back, they may want you to have a blood test.

@Helpmedecide123 I am 23 weeks x

@PositivelyPeach thank you for your reply, I'm 23 weeks and I worry about anything anyway but that's really set me off and I just want to go home :-(

At 23 weeks it's even more understandable, your baby will be squishing your diaphragm up. Plus the heat and extra weight you're carrying (baby is the size of a grapefruit) will make it harder to breath. 10 flights of stairs is not an easy feat, pregnant or not.

If you're low on iron it is very easily resolved and nothing to panic about.

If it is a pulmonary embolism you would likely have some other symptoms pain and/or tightness in your chest or upper back, coughing blood?

I know it's hard to stay calm when you have a health concern but the anxiety will be exacerbating your symptoms, like a vicious circle. Can you pop to a medical centre and get checked out to put your mind at ease?

@PositivelyPeach thank you so much for your response, you really have helped to make me feel better.

I have had tightness in my chest but it comes and goes and all day it hasn't been there as I've been busy and distracted! Which makes me believe that is anxiety, as my anxiety has got even worse now I'm pregnant.

I will see how I go tonight, really really hoping it's nothing and I will not be walking up stairs again! X

I've had shortness of breath on and off for about 3 months but I'm also anaemic so I assume it's that.
I'd also suggest you get your iron checked.

I've had this many times before with anxiety. I've learned that that is all it is. (Before I was pregnant btw, luckily I have been feeling okay recently) As you have said it goes away when you are distracted then I would try not to overthink it. The more you think the more anxious you will become and it will a vicious cycle. Try and do anything else you can to take your mind off thinking about it. I know exactly how you feel and it is awful. hope you feel better soon, it will pass x

I'm 24 weeks and get out of breath after one flight of stairs, or if I try to walk at pace. I feel like I just have less space in there. I suffer anxiety, and do get that chest tightness and shallow breathing, but feels very different to the exertion caused breathlessness. Sometimes it brings on sickness, when I can't get enough air (my nose is often blocked.)

I was in Barcelona 2 weeks ago and it's very humid, and very polluted. This may well be taking its toll! I really struggled and had to take frequent rest breaks. Stay hydrated!

Try to stay calm and cool off, maybe take a day out of the heat to rest.

I’ve had this on and off since about 24 weeks - it’s the baby pushing everything upwards into your chest or that’s what my midwife has told me. I find it’s a lot worse if I have had a big meal in the last couple of hours. Try lifting your arms up and holding them there, it expands your chest a bit and helps you catch your breath easier.