Breathlessness & Lethargic .... whats happening???

[simady30]

I am currently 32 weeks into my third pregnancy. The past week I have been experiencing bad breathlessness (more so than usual), and feeling very lethargic! I feel as though I have lead pouring through my limbs and across my chest - this happens whether I take 10 steps, if I am standing in the kitchen or sitting down. Last night It woke me up and I thought I was going to pass out.

I don't understand why this is going on and with 2 younger children it is extremely frustrating. If I don't stop and concentrate on recovering when it happens I would probably collapse.

I remember the breathlessness and having to slow down and take things easy to accommodate this through past pregnancies, but I have not experienced this before - am i over reacting or should I contact my hospital health service / GP?

Does anybody else suffer from this ... any suggestions on tackling it / relieving the symptoms?

[Chickadee]

Not to scare you, but some of those are symptoms of heart problems (http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/heartdisease/a/sympofheartatta.htm)and I think you should be calling either the ambos or a health service.

WA has a health helpline if you don't want to call the ambos or can't get through to your GP: Health Direct 1 800 022 222

[Tygress]

I would def get checked out. I work in medical imaging and any shortness of breath should be investigated. It could be something simple but there can be serious causes which if i were you i would want 2 rule out.

[simady30]

Thanks for the replies. My chest isn't pain .... or constant - it's just typical of when you lay on your back and you feel the heaviness / weight of baby on your lungs and its uncomfortable / feels difficult to breath.
I am mainly worried about the heaviness (not pain) in my limbs and lethargic feeling which hits me at any random time during any activity ... whether sleeping, walking, talking etc.
By the sounds of things, I am thinking this is NOT a normal pregnancy complaint????!!!????
I will get in contact with the WA health line / the hospital I am going through for my antenatal care! So frustrating not knowing and having answers!
Thanks again for your feedback.

[Chickadee]

It may just be baby restricting your breathing or causing a feeling of weight, and I certainly hope so.

But don't dismiss heart attacks just because it's not pain you're feeling. We often think of heart attacks as causing chest clenching pain and/or the classic "pain radiating down your left arm" so that the person grabs their chest and falls over like in the movies. But most heart problems aren't like that, particularly in women.

[Lily_Pad]

Have you had your iron levels checked? Just wondering because throughout my pregnancy I was VERY low in iron, I was tired all the time and I was very breathless. I would definitely get it checked out. Good luck

[halloweenmum]

HI,
I had Similar problem in my first pregnancy, I got checked out but it was nothing more than excess progesterone production (which causes breathlessness) combined with my very low blood pressure nad blood sugar which made me lethargic and light headed/dizzy/fainting. I agree with the others, it needs to be investigated to rule out anything else. Pregnancy gets harder on your body with each baby, not easier. :)

[mini_me]

Have you had your iron levels checked? Just wondering because throughout my pregnancy I was VERY low in iron, I was tired all the time and I was very breathless. I would definitely get it checked out. Good luck

:iagree: are you taking any suppliments. iron levels can get low (really low) on 3rd preg as your liver might be depleted, ive just been diagnosed as anemic after having 3rd bub i was suffering shortness of breath, dizziness, sudden sweats, weak all over. This is without my cardiac condition playing a role (all of my meds were correct for that) Its best to get it sorted out, would hate to think you pass out with only your littles ones around to help you (ive done that preg with DD2)

:fingerscrossed: you feel better soon

[Krazy5]

Howdy

i get this and it is always due to low iron levels.

Dr can check levels and reccommend supplement.

cheers