13 Weeks and So Short of Breath!

[Cricket]

Just wondering if anyone can shed a little light on why this might be happening. I have always gotten short of breath in early pregnancy, but with this little bean it seems to be more severe and lasting longer. I often find myself just gasping for breath and unable to get enough in! It doesn't seem to be related to activity at all. In fact, I am sitting quietly here at the computer and its happening now. I can't figure out what exactly is causing this. Is it a blood pressure issue? (Last check I was pretty low - 80/50) A low hemoglobin issue? (No idea where my numbers are - just had bloodwork done.) Blood sugar possibly? (Although I had lunch 45 min ago.) I'd really appreciate some thoughts and suggestions on what causes this problem in early pregnancy, and what might help to relieve it. Thanks!

[Lani81]

i have no idea what causes it, but just wanted u to know your not alone. i get this quite often too.

[Cricket]

I did some googling, and I guess it's caused by progesterone, which makes the diaphragm and other accesory muscles of breathing relax. Not a whole lot we can do about it, apparently. They said it usually eases by the 20th week or so. About the time shortness of breath due to baby taking up lung space kicks in. Ah well, eventually the little bean is coming out of there, and we'll be back to normal again.

[Nai]

Low iron also can cause it so you may find that your iron is low in your blood test results and that you need supplements.

[misty]

Make sure you mention it to your dr or midwife. It may be nothing, but I get this too. In my case it is asthma, which I rarely ever get when I am not pregnant (I don't even bother keeping ventolin inhalers on me). When I am pg, for some reason my asthma plays up and makes it harder for me to breath if I don't use my medication.

[mummy of many]

Hi i was going to sat the same as Misty,i had Asthma all the way through my pregnacies,it runs in my family,so maybe you should check with your gp or midwife.I take ventaline puffer when needed,but it doesn`t harm your un born bub. good luck,hun.

[Visitor3]

I got shortness of breath really early too! I guess it will go when bubs pops out but for now I just try and take deep breaths very slowly and regain my normal breathing pattern. Hope you get better.

[babyontheway]

Hi

I'm another one that had this - I was really quite worried about it. It's a horrible feeling.

I got it from about 9 weeks until I think about 17-18 weeks.

Like a PP'er said, it could be low iron contributing as well as the progesterone. I know I was borderline anaemic.

Sarah

[KatieRabbit]

Likeo thers have said, get your iron checked. I had similar (as well as minor heart palpitation thingos) and it was due to low iron....