Is this a symptom of OHSS??? Fluttering sensation in abdomen/diaphragm?

[mommyof3andhopefully4]

I just need to see if someone can give me some insight on this.  I went online and googled forever and found maybe one thing that could prove my theory....

I am almost 9 week pregnant (this wednesday) from IVF.  I have experienced bloating, which I was sure was from the IVF.  I almost had my transfer cancelled due to high estridiol numbers, but they went ahead and did it anyway, but warned me I could develop OHSS.  Well, I think I have been experiencing mild symptoms, but the one symptom that has me going nuts is this fluttering sensation/feeling in my upper abdomen/diaphragm area.  It comes and goes and is only for a second, but it stops me in my tracks and makes me catch my breath...doesn't hurt, just feel very strange. I just started experiencing this sensation.... I also have been experiencing some shortness of breath, but nothing scary, just a little uncomfortable feeling.  I take (short) breaths to feel relief, but really have to concentrate to take a deep breath.

Does anyone know if this could just be the OHSS?  I know how to treat it myself, but, should I be contacting my doctor?  I know there comes a point where you have to seek help, I just want to know what this fluttering sensation is!

Thanks for any insight anyone can give me.....I posted this on the pregnancy forum, but thought some of you IVF ladies could give me some insight?

[kramik107]

I hear you on the bloated part - LOL - with my son I wore jeans and tight shirts until up to 7 months because I was not showing at all - I only gained 20 pounds with him - he was born on his due date and was only 5 1/2 pounds.

This time around I am 8 weeks 3 days and all my pants with the buttons are too tight - but I guess you show quicker with your 2nd 3rd etc. and I guess I will show even faster since there are 2 in there instead of 1 - LOL

When do you go back to the dr?

[mommyof3andhopefully4]

From what I am reading when researching further, if there is quite a bit of bloating it can cause your upper GI tract to press on your diaphragm and cause spasms.  It can also be a symptom of acid reflux/heartburn, which I have been having too.  I don't think it is anything to worry about, it's just really uncomfortable and annoying.

I know every pregnancy is different, although my three were pretty similar with symptoms...no morning sickness, only fatigue the first trimester, low weight gain and 7-8 lb babies...this is totally different, but I attribute that to the IVF and knew it would feel totally different because of that.  I was always very active with my pregnancies...I could wear my pants/jeans/shirts until about 5 months, nothing bothered me (again, just really tired the first few months...) so this is all new to me.  I feel, right now, like I did in my 8th or maybe even 9th month.  

The paplitations/fluttering is just so frustrating and annoying....I'm not a very big person and I think the fluid retention is just wrecking havoc on my body...which my dr. warned me with my size along with the estridiol, could happen.  I guess you just never know what to expect!

Thanks for your help!

[ALT76]

P.S. - I've also heard from ladies that every pregnancy is different.  For instance, my friend had zero morning sickness with her first pregnancy, and her second she's still throwing up at 20 weeks.  My mom had four kids, and said each of us were completely different.  So I think it doesn't have to feel exactly the same each time.  I too have never heard of fluttering as an OHSS symptom.  Hope all is well!

[ALT76]

It didn't even occur to me that I stopped the progesterone at 12 weeks!  That's when my extreme bloating stopped!  So it probably was the progesterone that caused it for me.  And of course I was ridiculously bloated after my IVF's as well!  I've also HAD OHSS, but I was in unbelievable pain and discomfort when I had it.  My ovaries felt like they were the size of soccer balls and I could feel them every time I moved.

[mommyof3andhopefully4]

Yeah, had I not been pregnant three times before and never experienced this any of those times, I would not be questioning it.  I think I have had OHSS (mild) symptoms since a few days after retrieval as well as all along, but I expected it.  He said if I had a positive pregnancy test to prepare for it because of my estradiol levels.  And, speaking with other IVF'ers, bloating is a symptom after IVF, even though I have been on my PIO for two weeks.  

I guess it just doesn't feel right or normal.  I look very pregnant, when in all three other pregnancies, I didn't look like this until 5-6 months....

Thanks for your insight!

[Heather5]

I haven't heard of fluttering being a symptom of OHSS either...but I'm definitely not expert ;-) As for the bloating, I can totally relate! I felt sooo bloated after my IVF! And the progesterone we're on after transfer makes it ten times worse!!! I felt so much better after I stopped the supplements at 11 weeks!

Good luck with everything!!!

[ALT76]

I'm not totally sure, but I think if you developed OHSS it would've been much much more immediate after your transfer - not this much later.  You can experience ALL KINDS of things in your belly in early pregnancy!  I had random crazy pains all the time, so even though yours aren't pains I'm sure it's fine.  As for shortness of breath, that is totally a pregnancy symptom (I had it), as is extreme bloating.  I think I looked bigger from weeks 4-12 then I do now at week 18 when I'm actually showing!  I was so unbelievably and uncomfortably bloated in the beginning.  Personally, I wouldn't worry too much but I think the best way to make yourself feel better is to just call your doctor.  That's what they're there for!  I must've called mine practically once a week early on.  Just run it by them and see what they say.  Hang in there!