shortness of breath lying down?

Ugh, the last few days I've been more short of breath, particularly when I'm lying down on either side. At first I thought it was my diaphragm getting all smushed up but this morning my heart rate went really high and I started to feel nauseous and weird which made me think it's my blood pressure going too low. I've had low blood pressure (around 80-100 over 55-60) this whole pregnancy and I am SO over it. I've had a few episodes when I'm on my feet and begin to feel like I'm going to pass out. But this was different because I was just trying to sleep! So now I'm up and exhausted just because I'm afraid of having another one of those episodes. Has anyone had this happen? I see my OB on Friday but may call sooner b/c it's so stressful.

 

When I had my last u/s (Dec 13th - about 22 weeks) as I layed back on the table I got really nauseated and very short of breath. I couldn't make it all the way through. I had to get up and catch my breath. I broke out in a cold sweat and couldn't breathe well at all. Luckily, I didn't get sick. The tech told me it happens a lot....especially to moms expecting twins when lying down. The babies, depending on how their positioned, press up against a major blood vessel and cause all the craziness to happen. I am constantly short of breath, whether vertical or horizontal, and am only 24 weeks. It does seem to be at its worse though when I lay in a certain position (which can vary). I, too, have relatively low blood pressure. I just chalk it up to something I have to deal with for the next few months. Be sure to mention it to your doc though. It's good to let them know everything. This alone could be nothing, but coupled with other signs or symptoms, may need checking into. Good luck!!

 

Call them Now! You are having signs of peri-partum cardiomyopathy. If you have gained a lot of water weight very recently this is an even more serious condition. CAll your doc tell them about the fainting spells and ask for an echocardiogram! It may not be blood pressure issues but issues with your heart.

I developed this when my twins were born and the sooner it is caught the better. If I am wrong then you will at least have peace of mind by talking to the doc.

laurie

 

Agree with pp. Definitely discuss with your doctor. If you are laying on your left side and still short of breath, it can mean something serious (cardiomyopathy, pulmonary edema, blood clot). If it is not and is just your diaphragm being pushed into your lungs, then at least you can feel relieved that it isn't anything serious...better to be safe then sorry, though.

 

Thank you ladies!
I just left a message with my cardiologist--I saw him a couple times because I was having a racing pulse, faintness, and extra beats earlier on in the pregnancy. Should have thought of that myself. You know, you start to get used to feeling 'not right' when you're pregnant.

 

im almost 29 weeks and i can NOT lay flat on my back... i have to sleep with pillows elevating myself... nothing i do makes it much better but that.. unfortunatly i dont have a recliner..

good luck!
p.s. sometimes i walk around a little bit... it moves them off my lungs...helps me to breathe easier