18 weeks and CANNOT BREATHE! Due to anterior placenta or....

[breakingdawn]

...baby just crushing my diaphragm!?

When I even attempt to lay on my back my face gets red, I feel light headed, and I cannot breathe. I have to immediately move on my side and even then it takes me a while to catch my breath. This does not seem normal to me! I have not gained THAT much weight yet. I remember having this problem with #1 but not until I was at least over 25 weeks, maybe over 30! Do you think it could be due to my anterior placenta in the front and baby in the back behind it?? I am trying not to worry. I have a doppler and she's still getting on in there... I just have a really hard time breathing when I am laying down sometimes. I even think I felt some BH contractions the other night which seems WAY too early for those, even if they are "fake ones"... sheesh.. what's going on?

 

[bananaz]

I don't think it has much to do with how much weight you've gained or where the placenta is - after 16 weeks, laying on your back can cause the problems you mentioned (breathlessness + feeling lightheaded) for anyone because your uterus is putting pressure on major blood vessels. Maybe you're experiencing it earlier this time because it's your second pregnancy and your uterus expanded more quickly?

 

[breakingdawn]

You could be right! Hope it's not due to my placenta. I've been so worried about it ever since my 16 week gender scan. Even when I lay on my side a certain ways I still get the same feeling of not being able to breathe. It's so weird... I toss and turn all night and just can't sleep! I hope this doesn't continue until week 39 when I am due for my c-section because I'll be miserable! I hate to complain but I sort of enjoy breathing! Especially at night!

 

[baby_mama87]

I started to get breathless from about 22 weeks so a little later than you, a few ladies on here have mentioned it can be due to anemia so maybe ask your doctor or midwife to check your iron levels

Xxx

 

[breakingdawn]

Thank you for the tip! I have my 20 week visit scheduled 11 days from now so unless it gets really bad, I will try to hold out until then and bring it up!

 

[Katielouisa]

Probably down to the weight of the uterus etc!... It gets a lot worse the further along you get.. normally around 28-30 weeks it's so high you get breathless walking up the stairs! and not being able to eat alot! but it's worth it, I have an ass in my ribs right now making them ache!! It then gets better around 34 weeks when you start to drop then you have a bowling ball in between your legs X

 

[breakingdawn]

Lol! I feel for you but still had to laugh at the "ass in my ribs" comment!