Mystery night time painful swallowing - pregnancy related?

[QueenOfThePumpkins]

I've had a very sore throat during the night since about Christmas now
When I wake up in the night I brace myself to swallow as I know it will be so painful. Drinking relieves it slightly, but it's usually mid morning when it fully goes away, after I've eaten something.

I've been to the GP a couple of times. They initially said it would go away by itself, but last time they prescribed me antibiotics as it had been going on so long. I've now finished those and they haven't worked either. It's not acid reflux as I can feel it coming on before I even go to bed.

My DH noticed that my breathing has changed since I got bigger - maybe it's that? I have also noticed that it starts happening when I am engrossed in something like a good TV programme - and indeed my breathing has got deep and heavy. I am drinking a lot, but it doesn't do much to relieve the painful swallowing so I'm not sure whether it is dryness or not.

Sorry for rambling, I'm just so mystified by this stupid painful swallowing and would love to know if it's happening to anyone else? I am booked for my c section in 5 days time and now getting worried I might pass it onto them if it's contagious; I'll be scared to kiss them

Just to add: by "them" I mean my twins. I really am massive now, hence the breathing thing

Sorry you’re so uncomfortable! It’s completely normal for your breathing to change when you’re pregnant, your body takes deeper breaths in order to take in more oxygen especially in late pregnancy. Absolutely normal and nothing to worry about :) As for the sore throat I don’t know exactly, but probably a combination of increased blood flow causing a bit of swelling and irritation in your airway, and maybe pressure on your intestines and stomach forcing a bit of acid upwards? Either way I’d put money on it disappearing as soon as your babies are here! Hope your section goes well, enjoy your lovely babies! X

You're probably mouth breathing at night to get more air and it's making your throat sore. This time of year with lots of heating is a nightmare for me and just dries me out. Also there has been a virus going around with several weeks of a sore throat and feeling run down, followed by a cold and finally feeling better.

It could be postnasal drip - lots of colds etc at this time of year added to the extra fluids when pregnant.

Have you actually tried something like gaviscon? Because heartburn can take many forms even if you’re not convinced that’s what it is.

I know it’s hard not to worry but don’t forget that you are passing on immunity to them so try not to get too anxious about being contagious at the time of birth www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/how-long-do-babies-carry-their-mothers-immunity/

@blackcat86 You took the words out of my mouth.

I think pregnancy can make you snuffly. I've been waking myself up snoring! Also had a horrible cold for ages - it feels like ulcers in my throat now.

Thanks so much for the kind replies :)
I do indeed wake up breathing through my mouth (lovely!)

I did also get a cold over 2 weeks ago and my nose hasn't stopped running since, even though I feel better in myself. So that can't be helping things. Maybe it's the virus you refer to @blackcat86 and I'm coming to the end of it (please!!)

I've had gaviscon on the odd night over the last six weeks as I've had heartburn maybe 3 times, but for the next few nights I'll try taking some before bed regardless and see if that helps.

And thank you for the reassurance about passing something on to the babies @IvinghoeBeacon, that makes me a bit less anxious :)

Sorry to hear you're feeling under the weather too @SnoozyLou - feel better soon x