Anyone else feel like they aren't getting enough oxygen?

momma2be51083 · September 2014

I don't mean like after walking up stairs or working out. for me I can be sitting and will have to concentrate on my breathing because I feel like I'm not getting enough air. anyone else? I know it can be a symptom but should I be concerned?

Cookie0875 · September 2014

I feel like this has come up before...I definitely have some times like this too, but I'm pretty certain it's normal. If you felt this way continuously, then it might be something to worry about. If in doubt, call your doc or nurse's line.

CatLadyTX · September 2014

This happened to me last pregnancy, and has started again this time. Last time, my OB sent me to my PCP, who did a big work up just to make sure everything was ok. Ultimately, it is from your uterus growing and pushing everything else up, giving your lungs less space. It doesn't hurt to let your OB know, just in case she wants to check you out.

foxslaw · September 2014

CatLadyTX said:
This happened to me last pregnancy, and has started again this time. Last time, my OB sent me to my PCP, who did a big work up just to make sure everything was ok. Ultimately, it is from your uterus growing and pushing everything else up, giving your lungs less space. It doesn't hurt to let your OB know, just in case she wants to check you out.

^^^me too. Try favoring your left side when you're relaxing. It helps when I can't get enough oxygen.

CatLadyTX · September 2014

foxslaw said:

This happened to me last pregnancy, and has started again this time. Last time, my OB sent me to my PCP, who did a big work up just to make sure everything was ok. Ultimately, it is from your uterus growing and pushing everything else up, giving your lungs less space. It doesn't hurt to let your OB know, just in case she wants to check you out.
^^^me too. Try favoring your left side when you're relaxing. It helps when I can't get enough oxygen.

I've also found that if you are in a chair at work, changing the position of your diaphragm, sometimes helps.

momma2be51083 · September 2014

thanks so much ladies for the help- glad I'm not the only one and definitely will call my doc just to be safe!

mirigirl · September 2014

I have been feeling this way a lot lately. I found that I feel this way when I am focused on my breathing. If I start doing something else and forget about it, my breathing is fine.

NQueen11 · September 2014

Also check to see if you might have developed fall allergies. This happened to me one year when I wasn't pregnant and I almost passed out in the car. I really don't have allergy symptoms normally so it surprised me. Hope you find some answers!

momma2be51083 · September 2014

mirigirl said:
I have been feeling this way a lot lately. I found that I feel this way when I am focused on my breathing. If I start doing something else and forget about it, my breathing is fine.

yes- that happens too. if I get distracted it's much better so trying hard to not think about it.

momma2be51083 · September 2014

NQueen11 said:
Also check to see if you might have developed fall allergies. This happened to me one year when I wasn't pregnant and I almost passed out in the car. I really don't have allergy symptoms normally so it surprised me. Hope you find some answers!

interesting! thank you so much- will definitely look into that if it continues.

thegoodpotato · September 2014

Also - remember that your body is creating extra blood to support the baby, and you could have an iron deficiency, which can make you feel tired and breathless.

I've definitely been going through it for the past week or so, so it is a pretty normal (although definitely annoying) part of pregnancy.

foxslaw · September 2014

Also! In my case it was a minor symptom of my fainting/syncope episode thing. So just be really cautious that you don't overwork yourself!

momma2be51083 · September 2014

thanks ladies!!

CGOODPAS · September 2014

I can get short of breath really easily without doing anything strenuous especially if the humidity is high or I'm warm or if the pollen or mold count is high. I have always had issues with allergies but they seem to be worse during pregnancy

nohalo21 · September 2014

I am a fast talker and walker and need to remind myself to slow down. I will find myself winded in class just by going over directions for a lab.

HeyStVincent · September 2014

You should always report stuff like this to your doctor, but your feeling could be totally harmless. As others have said, it could be anemia, it could also be that your organs are starting to get pushed up into where your lungs usually hang out...or a combo of both. There are other, more serious, things that can cause breathlessness in pregnancy (like pulmonary embolism), but these are less likely than the other things. Still, it's worth mentioning to your doctor.

I made the mistake this afternoon of inhaling a large lunch very quickly. I almost immediately became really short of breath (stuffed to the gills stomach + less room in the abdomen = squished lungs). It was so bad that for about 30 mins afterward I was "heavy breathing" on the phone with hte patients I had to return calls to. They probably thought I was such a creep!

aetg · September 2014

HeyStVincent said:

You should always report stuff like this to your doctor, but your feeling could be totally harmless. As others have said, it could be anemia, it could also be that your organs are starting to get pushed up into where your lungs usually hang out...or a combo of both. There are other, more serious, things that can cause breathlessness in pregnancy (like pulmonary embolism), but these are less likely than the other things. Still, it's worth mentioning to your doctor.

I made the mistake this afternoon of inhaling a large lunch very quickly. I almost immediately became really short of breath (stuffed to the gills stomach + less room in the abdomen = squished lungs). It was so bad that for about 30 mins afterward I was "heavy breathing" on the phone with hte patients I had to return calls to. They probably thought I was such a creep!

Heartburn can also cause breathlessness even if you don't feel the pain. Try some tums and see if it helps!

Want a personalized experience?

Anyone else feel like they aren't getting enough oxygen?

Re: Anyone else feel like they aren't getting enough oxygen?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards