Breathlessness making me panic

[Maz91]

Afternoon ladies

I've been claustrophobic since childhood and as much as I tried to 'grow out of it', I'd say nothing has really changed. I panic very easily and quickly in a small or limited space.

Anyway recently as I've been getting bigger, I've had the usual pregnancy associated shortness of breath...but it's getting to a point where it really distressed me and I have to really control my thoughts in order not to have a panic attack. I know it's completely normal so I should not be panicking. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

It is worst for me in the mornings when I can't inhale as deeply as I once could and sometimes after meals. I try and keep my meals small to minimise the breathlessness.

I'm guessing there's no easy solution but just curious to know if it's a common issue.

*distresses

I can totally understand why the breathlessness is making you feel this way OP have you mentioned it to your midwife in how it makes you feel?

Sorry I cant offer much help as I'm only just in my 3rd trimester and starting to feel a little breathless but hopefully somebody will be along soon who can help

Are you anemic as that increases breathlessness? If you’re more breathless after climbing stairs it’s quite likely
I’m getting quite a bit of breathlessness as I have a small bump so based on last child it’ll be fairly well jammed in and I’m anemic

Hi, I had exactly the same because my bump was huge and my daughter was sitting high and squashing next lungs. Add on top of that I was also anaemic. I was put on a high dose of Ferrous Sulphate.
I would contact your midwife or GP and see if you can have your levels checked.
It’s such a horrible feeling. Keep going with your breathing techniques because as you know, anxiety and panic also effect your breathing so it’s like one long vicious circle.
Hope you feel better soon x

I felt this way and it was horrible. I tried to cope with it by trying not to think about it and not take deep breaths - trying to get more air by inhaling deeply makes it worse as you can't and start to panic.