Breathing problems when going to sleep.....

***I also posted this in the Pregnancy forum***
For the past 3 nights I have noticed when I try to fall asleep, I can barely breathe or actually stop breathing for a few seconds. When I am just about out, I wake up all of a sudden and have to take a deep breath because I wasn't breathing! It is really scaring me. I thought it was because I wasn't elevated enough, but I tried adding an extra pillow and it doesn't make a difference. It only happens at night when I am about to fall asleep. It will happen 3 or 4 times before I actually am able to fall asleep completely. What would cause this? Anyone else experience anything like this? I will be 33 weeks tomorrow and I have an appt. then, so I plan on asking. Also, I sleep on my side not on my back. I thought something like that would happen easier if I were on my back, so I can't figure this out. I'm kinda worried and wonder if I should call my midwife/OB today instead of waiting until tomorrow.  this never happened with my first pregnancy. Thanks for any help.

[have 2 kids]

If you think you stop breathing you should definately call your Dr today.  

[jenstam]

This happens to me during pregnancy and I have always thought it was anxiety. Do you feel anxious at all? Stressed? I have never really worried much about it because it has happened with all of my pregnancies. If you are worried I would put a call in to your OB doc.

[chantal21]

have 2 kids...thanks, I just sent my midwife an e-mail..she is pretty quick about getting back to me, so hopefully I will hear something soon.

jenstam...I was just telling my husband 2 days ago that I felt like my heart was racing, I was hot and everything seemed to be happening faster than what it really was. This has happened to me several times when not pregnant, so I wonder if it is anxiety. I didn't even think to put the two together. I have been anxious/stressed lately. I have been on bedrest since 28 weeks and I have another 3 weeks to go yet. It can be very stressful some days, and I was getting a lot of contractions in the last 2 days and just not feeling well. so maybe that's why the breathing issue is going on? I will wait to hear from my midwife and see what she says about it. Thanks so much.

[jenstam]

I have had it happen on occasion when I'm not pregnant as well, during stressful, anxious times. Again, always anxiety related. My bet is that is what is happening. I know exactly what you describe. It's a very panicky feeling when it happens. I always jump up and drink some water and try to calm myself down. I hate it! But, I've always just realized that it happens at times of stress so never thought to see if it was anything other than that. I've had anxiety issues in the past. You will have to let me know what your midwife says! Good luck!

[Tanker Chic]

I get short of breath all the time, but never stopped breathing. I thik that is a pretty big deal and you should let your dr know.  I have the opposite problem, I keep waking up snoring.  :)

I hope you are doing good otherwise.

[mysty2001]

I had that frequently with my last set of twins

[chantal21]

Thanks ladies! I did call my OB and they wanted to see me but also I wanted to be seen because I wasn't feeling well pregnancy wise at all! I will post the update seperately, had a bit of a scare. I'm just glad I got in there to be checked! They told me I need to sleep more elevated and everything should be okay. We'll see how tonight goes.