I know, I've had a basically symptom and complication-free pregnancy thus far (except for the dreaded GD and the sleepiest baby ever, but neither is particularly serious) and I'm not writing to complain, but just wondering ...
Is it really normal to get out of breath and feel like you're going to faint? I find that this has been happening for the past several days, mostly in the mornings. Dr. Google indicates it could either be the baby squashing my lungs or anemia, but I'm already on the maximum dose of iron. Any suggestions for how to deal with this? I am more than a bit nervous about fainting on the streets of NYC, and since I don't look all that pregnant people very rarely offer me a place to sit ...
And speaking of which, I have an event every evening next week and the week after. And a million deadlines before December 1st. Oh yeah, plus prepping for the spring. The great benefit of being a graduate student is that I can control my own schedule. The downside? No time off and no adjustments in my deadlines for 'the rest of my life.' Fun, eh?
Update: In response to Melissia's detailed questions, I tend to get dizzy and out of breath most often in the morning when walking around, but definitely not doing anything too intense. I'm sure it's not low blood sugar because I test my blood sugar pretty often and I've never had a low. I also drink at least a liter of water before leaving my apartment in the morning, so I doubt I'm dehydrated (and then I squirm all the way to my desk). My blood pressure has also always been normal, although I know GD puts me at much higher risk of pre-eclampsia. Also no headaches in weeks. I guess I'm a bit puzzled because it tends to be around the same time of day and not when I'm doing my most intense activities (usually running around late afternoon for me). I did mention it to my midwife, but she was as ever unconcerned and said it was probably just the baby squashing my lungs - but I'm not sure why that would only bother me at a specific time of day. She also assured me that first-time babies rarely 'drop' until right before labor, so I shouldn't expect any relief for weeks ...
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3 comments:
Does this happen when you are first getting up from a standing position? Having to walk a long or any distance? Are you short or breath with talking? Any swelling in your face, hands or feet or ankles? Are you drinking enough fluids? Do you think it could be low blood pressure? Fluid shifts can cause that feeling of lightheadedness and the causes can be edema, or dehydration or preeclampsia or the ever common low bood sugar. Please mention it at your next OB appointment and if it gets worse please go in sooner because it indicates that blood flow is having to shift to your internal organs, including your uterus, (from your brain), to compensate, for some reason, on a regular, but temporary basis. It is a exactly how the pregnant body is supposed to compensate during a temporary shift in fluid imbalance but you don't want it to occur on a daily basis on the streets on New York!
Of course if it is your sugar that can be fixed easily or if it is dehydration, also easily fixed. The edema could indicate more serious issues and should be evaluated by your midwife, as should this issue if it gets worse.
Man, I'm so useless. I have no ideas or assvice, just a generic "Hope you don't faint on the streets of NYC."
Could some stretching help? My mom said when pregnant with me she used to reach up and grab a doorframe and stretch to get some space internally to breathe. Jusy a thought.
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