34 wks- breathless/ light headed all the time- when does it stop being normal and something to worry about?

[GYoIsReallyHavingABaby]

Im 34wks and posted on this before but had an issue with racing heart/ palpations/breathless/ light headedness for a while but today its been like this practically all day. Am just sat on sofa now and struggling to get my breath. I couldnt chop up a salad earlier without having to stop halfway through for lie down, and I was sitting down in the kitchen to do it....

Im not anaemic and my BP is normal, everything else is normal (urine, measurements etc) Baby is head down and has been for a few weeks. Baby is very active.

MW has already referred me to the consultant-but of course i didnt see the consultant (does anyone?) but I saw a rushed, patronising doctor who didnt listen to what I said and she wrote stuff in my notes that I just didnt say!

She told me that they cant send everyone for an ECG then she covered her back by telling me to talk to MW if I was concerned- so effectively sending me back to square one..! She patted my leg and said it was all normal for a worried 1st timer!

When does it stop being "normal" and something to worry about? Does anyone have any experience of this?

thankyou

Bumping for you. Hopefully some sagacious mumsnetters wll be able to put your mind at rest. Congratulations on your pregnancy.

thanks puzzle

I'm afraid I don't know GYo, I didn't have it with either of mine. Dr sounds a pain.

Kepping this bumped for you!

Thank you for bumping Kayz

Hi GYO . As you know I had this with dd2, although not I think to the extent you're describing. I had the racing pulse (between 90 and 120), weak legs, extreme breathlessness etc that started at about 20 weeks and continued to term. The midwife was puzzled, but didn't refer me as I wasn't anaemic, and it sorted itself out after the birth. I actually had 10 mins of it on Sat (20 wks today) so could be start of it again.
If I were you I'd try and see if you can be referred again - this time ask to see the consultant when you arrive at reception. We can do this here (though they don't publiscise it) means you have to wait a bit but you see someone who will hopefully do more than pat you on the leg and send you on your way.

thank you Diege. Might well do that. I am seeing the MW on Tuesday so will ask her then, she should be able to make me an appt over the phone.

Supposed to be finishing work this coming friday so in the office twice... not sure i will be going anywhere at this rate!

PS- fingers crossed you dont get it bad again diege.... Really makes life difficult!

I have this too. I'm 36 wks and I've had it in my other pregnancies too. I am anaemic and I have low BP though (80/50). I have spoken to the GP and MW and they both just say to make sure I get enough rest, iron and calories. Sorry I'm not much help.

thanks LadyJuliaFish

I'm 36 weeks and have it as well. I'm on iron tablets so have been told I'm not anaemic (although not had any blood tests done for months) Am constantly dizzy and have to sit down whilst trying to prepare dinner.
your doctor sounds very helpful!
I've been told the usual, get enough rest, eat well etc but I wish someone would explain how exactly you are supposed to rest when you have a hyperactive 2 year old?

Hi mumoverseas,
I am very impressed that you are coping with toddler too! Im barely coping with working from home at the moment.

Hope you arent waiting long for the birth.

Hi GYO

Just wanted to say I have felt like this throughout my pregnancy too (39 weeks now). Was put on iron tablets which improved it slightly but it still happens.

Luckily my GP was very supportive (might have had something to do with me having a crying fit in her office!) and did an ECG which showed nothing but was very reassuring.

Midwife and Dr have just said it's the extra pressure being pregnant puts on your body. Sorry if that's not much help but I just wanted you to know you're not alone!

hi MarkStretch (great name!)

Thanks for replying, its good to know im not alone! I think there would be a lot to be said to have someone take me seriously when I describe it..

Did you rest or carry on working/ looking after other kids? Am in my last week of work before maternity leave and there is no way I can commute feeling like this. Although I have to go in on Friday to see my HR people.

Well luckily I work from home so carried on until my Mat leave at 35 weeks.

It has been a bit of a struggle to get DD to school some mornings, it seems to be worse first thing and then in the evening.