[antigone_]

I'm waking nightly between 3 and 4am intensely panicked and unable to breathe. It's so hot and the four walls feel as if they are closing in on me and I have to sit up so baby moves off my lungs, but the feeling doesn't pass for an hour or so and I have to walk outside open my bedroom windows and blinds. It's severely interrupting my sleep and I feel like my whole body is burning up.

Surely this is the most miserable time of year to be heavily pregnant! Am soon to be 30 weeks and feel like begging my OB to take baby out at 38 weeks instead of 39. Don't know how I'm going to get through Jan/Feb

Is anyone else going through the same thing?

[BubbleBird]

I suffered really badly with this whilst pregnant with my second. I ended up pretty much always feeling anxious and claustrophobic after dark. Things I found that helped a bit: - going outside- leaving the curtains open- wearing as little as possible- No caffeine at all- putting the tv on- having a shower, even if it's in the middle of the night
It was at its worst from about 33 weeks to 36 weeks. For some reason after that is calmed down a bit. It really is horrible so I feel for you.

[antigone_]

Maybe baby dropped after 36 weeks so there wasn't as much pressure on your lungs? I find it's innately linked to how well I can breathe.

The cool shower is a really great idea too - will try that. Last night I was running cold water over my hands and I found that helped.

My first was a February baby and I got very claustrophobic in the hospital during his traumatic birth and afterwards, feeding through the night in the dark while recovering from a c-section. I also wonder if it's a bit of physical memory from those days, even though it was nearly 8 years ago.

Thanks for the sympathy - it really is awful

[Cyaira]

I'm due 2 days after you. I find it is definitely related to shortness of breath and baby's position and the heat makes it so much worse. I lie on my left side (best oxygen to bub that way) and take slow deep breaths. Sometimes I get up and go to the bathroom as that can relieve the pressure somewhat.

I also have really bad pelvic girdle pain (sciatica-type *and* SPD) and I well know the feeling of wanting him out now! And I am doing it naturally so I could go overdue too. I keep telling myself the longer he stays in there the healthier he will be and that it's just temporary.

[Natttmumm]

I have found listening to relaxation deep breathing CDs help me. I have the calm birth ones and the work great when I feel short of breath.
It's horrible I know.