Shortness of breath?

[NoraFlood]

Is anyone else feeling kind of short of breath? I don't really mean getting winded easily with exercise (although I am getting that too!), but more just feeling like you can't really take a full breath? It's nothing dramatic, just annoying. I do have pre-existing asthma, but it doesn't feel like that to me--no wheezing and no chest tightness.

I might ask my OB about it, because it's very disconcerting. I have definitely heard of getting short of breath later on when your uterus is really big, but I am only 10.5 weeks and I didn't expect it so soon.

[Multimomma]

It can happen, especially if your blood volume is still building up. The baby is growing so rapidly right now! Definitely talk to your doctor, but for now try to stay on top of liquids, and follow your body's cue.

Dh was just laughing at me the other day because I swept the kitchen and couldn't hardly catch up my breath Then I was laughing so hard I definitely couldn't catch my breath, I sounded so silly.

[Adamsmama]

I have felt like that a few times. Usually at night when I get even more bloated and my belly looks huge. I feel like my stomach is pressing on my lungs. If I lay on my left side I feel some relief. I do have asthma -- so not sure how much is related to the pg or to the asthma.

[Wildecat]

I have been going through the same thing. I will do a small task and be completely out of breath. I am 11 weeks and in great shape. Today at my risk assessment my nurse heard fluid in my lungs so I think my sinus infection from weeks ago is lingering and making things worse....

[Qbear'smama]

This has been happening to me when I walk to and from my parking spot to work (10 minute walk) and also has happened when I'm just talking. I do have asthma, but I agree with you, Nora, it's not wheeziness or chest tightness. But I'm not "in shape" either, so that may be making it worse in my case. I hope it passes!!

[annettemarie]

I'm having that happen as well, but was told it's perfectly normal. It can be disconcerting though.

[LHcj2008]

I have definitely been feeling this way as well, and often! My father is an OB/GYN and I field all of my daily questions to him rather than badgering my midwife, and he mentioned to me that doctors can actually detect lung capacity changes before some women even know they are pregnant (so, I guess its an early indicator of pregnancy). Since we are pumping more blood and the baby is growing super fast in the early stages, our lungs are less capable and more taxed, I guess. Obviously I'm not the doctor and am probably not explaining it well, but I thought it was interesting nonetheless.

Anyway, it seems to be normal and it is frustrating- I can barely walk the 5 blocks uphill to my apartment without needing a break, when usually I could storm home carrying bags. Sometimes my heart also races momentarily for no reason and I have to catch my breath, even if I've just been sitting in the couch. Weird.