25 weeks and having difficulty breathing when lying down

[rapunzel87]

Hello ladies!

Currently dealing with somewhat of a disconcerting issue. I am currently 25 weeks and dealing with shortness of breath when lying down. This is regardless of what side I am sleeping on. It isn't severe, and goes away - although I don't notice when it goes away because I am usually asleep by then. I do not lie on my back because that is uncomfortable for me.

I have been getting regular prenatal checkups and would have liked to believe that all is fine, but this breathlessness is scary! I really have to stretch my diaphragm and that causes discomfort in my chest. Anyway, anyone been in the same situation? Any advice?

A little background - I am currently 27, 1st baby, and have gained 15 pounds to date, so I am about 137 pounds currently
Blood pressure and urine have been checked at all prenatal appointments. Just had one the previous Thursday actually!

 

[Christinee]

Maybe try sitting propped up a little? Like slightly inclined?

 

[Perplexed]

I second trying to lay slightly propped up, see if it helps. I also get breathless when completely flat whether on my sides or back.

 

[rapunzel87]

Thanks for the advice ladies

So yesterday I ended up getting flu-like symptoms and in the nighttime had pressure like sensations in my chest with shortness of breath. Completely freaked me out! This morning I went to the doc, she checked my breathing and said its congestion causing my chest discomfort. I feel like she may have fobbed me off. She is usually a thorough doc though. I just can't help but be scared of a possible heart issue :S. Though my doc assured me that it wasn't.. bahhh! Too many scary stories on the net!

 

[rosegarden620]

I wouldn't be too worried honestly. I mean, definitely be AWARE, but ultimately, most of the time its normal. I had heart palpitations not to long ago actually. It scared the sh$t out of me, and this was even KNOWING that its normal. Sometimes, you just can't help it. Its normal because during pregnancy the woman slowly gains 40-50% more blood volume. Thats ALOT of extra blood to be pumping through the body to sustain a pregnancy- this would account for odd cardiac activity (like heart palpitations) Your baby is a pretty nice size, not birth size obviously, but enough to cause you discomfort especially while lying down breathing- inclining while lying down definitely helps. If you're urine and weight are checking out fine at appointments, I would try to find comfort in that. But like I said, I know its not always possible. Its good that you're so aware of the body, and not being able to breath "normally" is definitely scary. I would definitely watch out for fevers though. Fevers and congestion usually indicate or would cause medical professionals to worry about pneumonia. I felt that breathless with a pneumonia I had about a year ago. All in all though, I am sure its normal and I wanted to let you know that you are not alone.