Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy: Causes & Relief

Question
My daughter is in her second pregnancy, approx 32 weeks. About 2 months ago she began experiencing shortness of breath with or without exertion. There was also extreme fatigue. I urged her to ask the dr to do a hematocrit and Hgb to rule out anemia.  Sure enough, she was low.  With almost 2 months of iron supplements she is feeling better, but the SOB continues, and what bothers me is she says she has tightening of the abdomen, similar to early contractions each time she becomes SOB.  If she climbs stairs she is SOB and has tightening of the abdomen.  I do not like this cluster of symptoms and feel the dr should not just "brush it off", as it could potentially lead to early or pre-term labor. Other than this she is very healthy and has not gained too much wt, although her ankles are very swollen, even early in the morning.  There is no pitting edema, though.  Could you advise me on how she should get her dr to take these symptoms seriously?  Or, am I being a hysterical mother?  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Patricia,

The SOB was probably related to the anemia in the past and at this point could be related to the fact that she really just doesn't have the lung capacity that she had before (as the baby gets bigger it is not unusual for the mom to experience SOB).  This in itself is not a cause for concern.  It would be good for her to talk to her doctor, though and have she/he rule out any other potential causes that could be worrisome.  

The tightening of her abdomen is also very normal.  What you are describing are called Braxton-Hicks contractions and actually begin at about 8 weeks of pregnancy, although mom's don't usually feel them until much later.  It's one of her bodies ways of preparing her for labor.  Kind of like uterus exercises!  If she wasn't having these, it would be concerning.  However, if these are accompanied by any spotting of any kind, of course call the Doctor ASAP.  

My suggestion would be that if your daughter is open to the idea, that you go with her to one of her doctor appointments and that way you can talk to the doctor yourself about your concerns.  

I don't think you are being hysterical, maybe just a little worried (which aren't you supposed to be?  My mom says it's in her contract).  

Shawn House, LM