Should I be worried about my breathing?

[Scampynoodle]

From really early on in my pregnancy I've been awfully out of puff. I'm fine when I am resting but anything from walking fast to going up the stairs floors me - my heart beats fast, I puff hard and I even feel dizzy. I'm 20 weeks now and it hasn't really gotten any better.

Until I got pregnant I was fairly fit. I ran and did aerobics five times a week so my heart and lungs are used to being put through their paces. I can't beieve that I used to do ten mile runs and now I have to sit down when I get to the top of the stairs! Also I have had bouts of asthma in the past (usually stress related) but this feels nothing at all like that.

What do you reckon? I'll check this out at my 20 week scan tomorrow but your ideas would be a big help.

Thanks!

Sx

I felt a bit like that. I don't want to say it's nothing to worry about because I could be totally wrong so it's probably best to check it with your midwife or doctor.

Like you I'm reasonably fit (not that I go running or do aerobics but I've always walked a lot and rushed around everywhere). I was really surprised that I got so out of puff so early on in the pregnancy. I'm now 34 weeks and still out of puff but I think it did get better for a while in the 2nd trimester. I think it might have been made worse by being a bit anaemic for a while. Taking iron supplements definitely helped. Let us know what your doctor/midwife says.

Have you been tested for anaemia? Low iron levels can cause breathlessness I believe.
Also, as pregnancy progresses, your uterus squashes up against your lungs, making you more breathless.
I'm currently 33 weeks, and have recently started to feel a bit out of puff when walking fast or uphill.

was going to suggest the same thing eaglebird

you can take spatone, which you can buy at the chemist. take it with orange juice..helps iron absorption

definitely speak to midwife tomorrow though

I agree - get checked for anaemia! You get out of breath with pg to some extent, but excessive breathlessness can be a symptom. There are different kinds of anaemia - I have a folic acid related type so upping my iron intake alone wouldn't necessarily help, I think. I would insist on getting your bloods done asap as they can prescribe you tablets which will make you feel like a new person...

Blimey, I had no idea! I shall get on the case at my scan tomorrow. I've been taking the right supplements all along but it is worth handing over more blood for it to be checked.

Ta, girls. You are gems!

Sx

Scampy - I was taking pregnacare throughout this pg and still wound up anaemic so just 'cos you're taking the usual pg supplements doesn't mean that you can be confident your body is getting everything you need.

Thanks m'loves.

I saw my midwife yesterday at my 20 week scan (Christ alive, it looks like I'm having a baby!). She took more blood from me and I need to call back today to find out if I am lacking in iron. Job done, hopefully.

Ta ever so much for pointing me in the right direction, all of you. I'd never have thought of any of this otherwise!

Sx

I've had this too - from really early on was getting out of breath just walking to the underground, and having to sit down for a breather between getting off the train and walking to the escalators :-( By 16 weeks was worse, and ended up being sent to A&E by my GP as my resting heart rate was 140...)Was really hoping it was anaemia as something to explain why I was still feeling so rubbish despite no longer feeling sick, however iron levels were fine, blood pressure was fine - in other words they didn't really know what's causing it, apart from that it was more common than realised to have issues with your heart rate in pregnancy (although waiting for results from heart scan) Has anyone else suffered heart-rate problems?

I am feeling the same - but didn't know there was a connection with low iron. I am 26 weeks and had been prescribed iron tablets at 20 weeks. However they really disagree with me and give me terrible stomach aches. I have been taking floradix instead, but my breathing is still not good. Willl go back to the doctors I think.