Hard time breathing at night?

Question

I am currently 26 weeks pregnant, and starting about 2 weeks ago it began to get hard to breath at night. I am fine through out the day but as soon as i lay down to relax all i can do is take short shallow breaths...not able to take in those deep breaths or even make it through a yawn. Is there a reason, and is there something i can do to help?

Answer 1

unfortunately, all i have to say is: welcome to pregnancy.

you're going to have a tough time breathing (especially when you lie down) until the baby drops (about 1-2 weeks before you go into the first stage of labor)

it's tough, and i've hated it too. try laying on your side, or propping yourself up slightly.

it gets very uncomfortable at times, to where you feel like an elephant is on your chest and your oxygen has been cut off. but don't worry. it's because the baby and your uterus and all of your internal organs are shifting and putting pressure on your lungs making it tough to breath.

don't worry, it's normal!

OH!

also.

don't lay on your back if you can avoid it.

it tends to cut off the oxygen to your baby

the dr will recommend laying on your left side because that's the way the blood flows to the baby.

i say lay however is comfortable, you're not going to cause damage.

Answer 2

i was gonna say lay left side but u do.. she is just laying down a little later in pregnancy when she drops ull be able to breath better.. im 34 weeks now and i feel the same congrats

Answer 3

I hope you aren't trying to go to sleep on your back.  The doctor definitely does not recommend it.  That could be part of your problem.  Try sleeping reclined in a recliner.  Sleeping on your side should help too.

Answer 4

I'm 27 weeks pregnant and have had the same thing for about as long as you have. Just think, where the baby is growing bigger, he or she is pushing all your other organs out of the way and giving them less room- including your lungs. I notice that it sometimes gets better quite suddenly, which I think shows that it must be related to how the baby is lying at any given time. I rarely feel short of breath when she's kicking around down low. LOL.

Try getting up and walking around when you feel short of breath- that can encourage the baby to change position. Otherwise just take those shallow breaths and remember you haven't got too long to go! Also mention it at your next doctor's appointment, just to make sure it's OK.

Answer 5

Are you laying on your back? The baby is probably laying on your lungs, both my boys did it, I had to turn to my side to sleep. Try putting a pillow under your stomach, it might help :-)

Answer 6

When You find The answer to this,Let me know.

I'm wondering the same thing.

It's scary!

Answer 7

I had that problem as well though it was later in my pregnancy because the baby was pressing up against my rib cage and lungs. I would imagine the baby is too small to be doing that this early on. I would definitely check with your doctor just to make sure everything is ok. Good luck!

Answer 8

I have this same thing.  as the baby starts to move up it can cause shortness of breath when you lye down.  if you can try propping yourself up with pillows and sleep on your back slightly sitting up.  This is what my doctor said to do and as far as sleeping on your back while pregnant cutting off blood flow, it's not true according to my doctor.  sleeping on your left side can increase blood flow to the placenta but not cut down on blood flow to the placenta so if you can find another position that is more comfortable for you to sleep in try it or if you don't believe me, ask your doctor what he/she thinks because doctors do have a difference of opinion on this so it might be a good idea anyway.

Answer 9

Not sure of the problem, but you should probably go see a doctor just to be safe.