Tight chest and breathless.. what is going on?

[andi-mama]

Every time I am active for more than five minutes (seriously!) I wind up seriously breathless. It feels like my heart is racing (it isn't), I can't catch my breath, and my chest and stomach feel very tight (but above where my uterus is... it's sort of right under my breasts) and I feel warm and like I need to sit down RIGHT NOW.

Sitting down and drinking water usually helps, but that's not always feasable. A trip around the grocery store for ten minutes leaves me gasping for breath. I'm only 17 weeks- this can't be normal?! I don't remember this with my first pregnancy.

[thebeljur]

That happens to me sometimes, too. I think we're pumping, like, 50% more blood while we're pregnant (and our heart rate also increases). Maybe this has something to do with it? I know what you mean about the grocery shopping, too. Of course, shopping with a 4 1/2-year old and 2-year-old probably doesn't help my situation -- lol.

[AugustineM]

Hmmm, doesn't sound normal to me... has it being going on for long? I'd talk to someone about it. GL!!

[OkiMom]

I had this problem with DD's pregnancy and Im starting to with this one. However, I also have asthma that gets agrivated by being pregnant. Id mention it to your OB just in case.

[olive&pimiento]

I have this going on too, though not as bad as it sounds on your end. Do you know if you started out this pregnancy with a low hemoglobin/hematocrit? At this point in pregnancy, your blood volume is expanding, but it takes a while longer to produce the red blood cells. The relaxation hormones of pregnancy also effect your diaphram, making you feel out of breath alot easier. You could try a bit of Floradix, an iron supplement made from plant sources and very bioavailable. I would mention this to my care provider. Hopefully it will pass soon.

[gypsymomma4]

I always get this way when preg. just usually not quite this soon. Usually I get told that I'm anemic and start taking more iron, on top of the pre-natals. your BP can have an effect as well. It is definetly worth a mention to the doc. especially if it gets worse.

[andi-mama]

Thanks ladies. The MW did tell me at my last appointment that I have low iron, so I guess I need to find some supplements for myself (apparently I hate all food that's high in iron).

[kgrands]

My acupuncturist suggested (and OB approved) Floridix for low iron. It's sold in most health food stores. Its super effective. Some don't like the taste of it but I don't mind it at all.

They both blamed low iron on my dizzy spells.

Good luck to you!

[tessie]

Low iron sounds likely but I'd get checked out to be on the safe side.

[GreenFlower]

I have had similar feelings lately. I was at the grocery store and actually picked up What to Expect... and the page I opened to talked about shortness of breath, etc.

I found the link for it on their site:

http://whattoexpect.com/index.aspx?p...e51f8139da&p=1

HTH!

[Burnindinner]

One of my books said our bodies are increasing the amount of CO2 it lets out and increasing the amount of O2 it takes in, and somehow that makes it feel like you can't breathe. I am not sure how that works.