Would you go to the ER?

[Surprised26]

So this isn't necessarily pregnancy related, but I've been battling a respiratory infection for a few days and right now I'm literally gasping for air opposed to regular breathing. The problem is that every time I'm on the brink of sleep I startle myself from not breathing and I panic and gasp for air like a dying fish for about 3 minutes. I'm so afraid to fall asleep, but all this gasping to breathe is wearing me out to bad, I'm so tired. What would you do?

I'm not sure they could give me breathing treatments or anything, so does it make any sense to go to Emergency, or do I just trust that my body will wake me up before I suffocate?

 

[SoBlessedMama]

Oh my goodness, that sounds horrible and scary! I would definitely go to the ER. If nothing else, they could put you on some antibiotics to clear things up more quickly. Hope you feel better soon!

 

[Betheney]

I don't really know much about respiratory illnesses but you know croup? That kids get? The windpipe starts to swell and narrows and makes breathing difficult. I know if they are struggling to breathe then the doctor csn give them a shot of steroids and the windpipe can open back up.

Google croup and see if that's what you have...

So a trip wouldn't be a waste if that's the case because they can def treat that.

When I was in 3rd tri with both my first two pregnancies tho i felt like I was suffocating about 24hrs a day. It was torture, I couldn't seem to get enough air in my lungs. I felt like their capacity had been halved. My doctor said its the baby squishing my organs and lungs. Do you think it could just be something like that?

I don't know if I'd turn up to ER but I'd definitely ring L&D and ask their advice, you're always recommended to call them here rather than the ER as they're more specialised in preggo's. If you're unhappy with their info tho don't hesitate to try the ER

 

[Luvspnk31]

What's your breathing like when you're just resting, and not trying to sleep? If u still feel like you're gasping, then yes, go to the er. Sometimes the panic itself can make things worse. I had an episode like that the last time I was pg. Every time I started to drift off I would startle awake feeling like I couldn't breathe.i ended up sleeping in the recliner. You can try a steamy shower, or a hot bath ( not too hot) to try to relax, and the steam should help your breathing. Again, if you really feel like your having trouble breathing, go to the er.

 

[Surprised26]

My ob doesn't have any kind of hotline and my doctors have stressed that unless it's something strictly pregnancy emergency related, that I'm to see a regular doctor and not bother them with it.

I've been gasping opposed to regular breathing for the entire night, before I even fathomed the idea of sleep. It's now 8 am, and every time I drift off I stop breathing. I have to really focus on breathing and it's not easy. The only reason I haven't went to er is because the last time I did (for a similar reason, only I actually blacked out at work due to not breathing) I went to the er and the doctor gave me a xanax and accused me of being a chain smoker (I've never had a cigarette in my life) and absolutely would not accept my answer of not being a smoker. Treated me like a moron and I didn't get much help aside from a breathing treatment which I'm not sure is pregnancy safe.

I've taken about 4 hot showers over the course of the night and have taken some Robitussin (it was on my safe list) and saline nose spray, so I can breath out of my nose, although I'm having to actively force myself to breathe and gasping is what is easiest.

 

[cflower04]

Definitely go see a doctor - any doctor that will see you. If you're struggling to breath, it could be affecting babies oxygen levels!

 

[Betheney]

Yep go to the ER I think that's you're only option.

 

[amanda111308]

I would be going to the ER and not taking the opinion of the first doctor. Any respiratory problem is considered a medical emergency. You need to get some help if this is still an issue. Waking up in a jolt because you have stopped breathing is not ok. If you aren't getting enough oxygen then neither is baby. Get in there and don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. They are threatening the lives of 2 people based upon bullshit assumptions. Not good enough for me!!

Keep us posted love! I hope a decent doctor gets you the help you need!

 

[Brightxeyes]

I had this a lot when I had severe anxiety, repeated chest infections and also a bit of heartburn.

What may help is falling asleep tilted up a little and on your side.

I used to have it happen to me up to 50 times before I finally managed to get so exhausted and sleep and it not happen. It was so stressful.

I hope you get it sorted soon x

 

[SoBlessedMama]

My ob doesn't have any kind of hotline and my doctors have stressed that unless it's something strictly pregnancy emergency related, that I'm to see a regular doctor and not bother them with it.

I've been gasping opposed to regular breathing for the entire night, before I even fathomed the idea of sleep. It's now 8 am, and every time I drift off I stop breathing. I have to really focus on breathing and it's not easy. The only reason I haven't went to er is because the last time I did (for a similar reason, only I actually blacked out at work due to not breathing) I went to the er and the doctor gave me a xanax and accused me of being a chain smoker (I've never had a cigarette in my life) and absolutely would not accept my answer of not being a smoker. Treated me like a moron and I didn't get much help aside from a breathing treatment which I'm not sure is pregnancy safe.

I've taken about 4 hot showers over the course of the night and have taken some Robitussin (it was on my safe list) and saline nose spray, so I can breath out of my nose, although I'm having to actively force myself to breathe and gasping is what is easiest.

Wow, sweetie, I would switch doctors ASAP. Most doctors would encourage you to see them for any issue during pregnancy so they could make sure there are no related issues that could affect baby. Your doctor sounds like an impatient jerk! It also sounds like you have had horrid experiences with your ER doctors. You have every right to push until you're taken seriously, and get the care you deserve. Take care of yourself, and update us when you can!

 

[MummyToAmberx]

Yes you should, and i would.

You can be given antibiotics or an inhaler to help. Both of which are fine as i have asthma and have inhalers, have taken many tablets over 3 pregnancies.

 

[Luvspnk31]

Yep, time to go! Inhalers and breathing treatments both use albuterol, which is fine during pg. Don't worry about the medicine. This is one of those times where benefits would out weigh the risks. Not breathing isn't good for baby either!!! Hopefully you won't get the same dr, but you could always try a different hospital if that's an option.

 

[jzgrace]

How are yOu doing nOw? Do you have loud snoring when you sleep now vs befre pregnancy? Headaches frequently? I was told by my doc that dh needs to count the seconds that I am not breathing if I stop in my sleep. They said it could be sleep apnea.

 

[Surprised26]

Just an update. Went to see my OB, and my Oxygen levels and everything are fine.I did have my oh keep an eye on me when I finally did go to sleep, and once I'd actually passed the panicking part, I was breathing just fine. Mind over matter I guess.

The breathing was a combination of my Respiratory Virus mixed with my anxiety, and since I've been able to sleep 2 or 3 hours at a time and am feeling a bit better. I did let the nurse talk me into a flu shot(which now I'm hoping that getting it while sick doesn't have any ill effect :/). So maybe this wont happen again to this extent this winter.

I thank each of you for your advice and concern