breathlessness when laying down

[Jesselou]

Hello,
Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this and what you did to cope with it.
When I am laying down or sitting back in my chair, I get this strange feeling. Sort of breathlessness but I can still breathe. But with that I get this acidic tingly feeling in my trachea and make me feel like I have to jump to quickly. It's mainly at night or at the end of the day. Otherwise I am fine in the day time. I do get a similar feeling if I bend over to pick something up too. But I can understand that, It just freaks me at night and can make it harder to get to sleep. Of course it has my husband worried.
Let me know if you can help

Jess

[MantaRay]

Are you lying on your back when it happens? IF so it is the main vein being blocked by the weight of your uterus and causing a low blood pressure. To avoid it, don't lie flat on your back, prop a pillow underneath you so you are on an incline of about 10%.

IF you are not flat on your back, it could also be low bp, I recommend seeing your ob/mw or a GP to have it checked.

[Jesselou]

Yeah, no my blood pressure is fine apparently. I Actually get it when I lay on my side. I was thinking though, that maybe my head isn't propped up enough? But when I am sitting back on the couch, maybe baby is leaning on my back though.
Who knows?? anyway, I have antenatal class tonight, might ask the midwife.
Thanks though

Jess

[Alan]

Hi Jesselou
This is caused by the size of your uterus.
When you are laying down your userus is pushing up against your stomach and causing the stomach acid to flow back up to your throat. It is also pushing up against your lungs and giving you the breathlessness feeling. Try propping yourself up a little more as MantaRay suggested. You may also find a small non-fat snack before going to bed helps with the acid.

[bigbubbabelly]

When you are sitting down it caused by blooding polling in your legs (not enough getting to your head) so try going for short stroll or getting your legs up. If not lean forward and get head down.

[Jesselou]

Thanks all for writing, It's actually happening more & more. But now when i am walking around as well...
I saw my doctor again yesterday and he said my blood pressure is perfect. He said it's just cause my baby is getting quite big and putting too much pressure on diaphragm and stomach. Once he lowers more, should take pressure off. For now he said, It might actually get worse before it gets better. Especially cause I personally don't think that baby is in any hurry to be born. I think he is quite happy where he is!
Anyway, thanks
Jess