is it normal to be THIS uncomable?

[rubyinparadise]

i am in my 28th week, just entered the 3rd trimester, and just in the past few days i have become *extremely* uncomfortable.

it feels like someone has inflated a large balloon right under my diaphragm, in the center right at my xyphoid process, and then filled it to capacity with cement. it's painful and there doesn't seem to be any position that relieves it. it doesn't seem to matter if i have a tummy full of food or an empty tummy-- the sensation is the same. i wonder if anyone else is feeling this way or if it's normal.

i'm scared to think that i still have ~12 weeks to go and i can't imagine getting any more uncomfortable than this! i seriously feel like i'm about to pop. but i really want to carry him all the way to 40 weeks if at all possible.

could this be a symptom of something wrong, eg a stomach virus or infection?? i'm going to call my midwife on monday but just wanted to pose the question- thanks!

[rubyinparadise]

So, I saw my GP today, and her diagnosis at this point is gastritis (ie. stomach inflammation), but I'm going in for an ultrasound tomorrow of my upper abdomen, just to be sure it's not gallstones, appendix, or some other kind of obstruction. Turns out the stuff I was taking for constipation actually makes gastritis worse-- hence the mixed results I was getting. I'm glad it's probably just gastritis. It's painful but nothing serious!

[rubyinparadise]

Nancy - a corn allergy would totally s*ck!

Pum - sounds like a lovely vacation, good for you. You most certainly have options to consider, including sorting out "good" sperm and "good" eggs. It's nice that there are choices in-between "all-natural" and expensive IVF!

[rubyinparadise]

Thanks faye! My concern is that the extreme discomfort seems to persist even on a completely empty stomach, e.g. when I wake up in the morning.

I must tell you guys (sorry TMI) that after taking various natural laxatives the day before yesterday, I'm feeling some relief. So, being constipated was at least part of the problem.

My upper abdomen still feels really tender and a bit painful to the touch. Continuing to play it by ear for now, since I seem to be improving slowly.

[faye83]

I'm 28 weeks pregnant and I always feel SOOO uncomfortable every time I over eat. And believe me, that's almost every day lol I don't know how I haven't gained more than 10 lbs, God bless my genes. Anyways just try to relax and lay down, it's probably just the baby. Of course its good to ask the doctor but as long as you are not bleeding or getting painful cramps, then the baby and you will be ok!

[Pum]

I'm well. I've just returned from a lovely holiday in the Malborough Sounds (a beautiful fjord area). I know it is a bit mean to talk about summer to you. We will  be trying again this month but my doctor friend who was visiting us suggested I talk to a specialist and maybe consider help to sort the good eggs from the bad. I'm not sure I'm ready for that step. Will have to ponder that one. Today I'm taking my son to an island bird sanctuary (Soames Island) and it is a calm blue sunny summer's day, perfect.

Good luck with the doctor.

[Fugitive06]

Yeah.  Back in college I worked with a guy who was allergic (yes, allergic!) to CORN!

[rubyinparadise]

Good call Nancy-- I don't do so great with gluten either. Frustrating that it seems to be in everything! Going to the store for more veggies today...

[Fugitive06]

I hope all is well Ruby.  I'm sure it is.

Just a thought...
When I was pregnant back it Sept-Oct, I had major bloating issues due to gluten.

Namaste!!

[rubyinparadise]

Thanks Pum... I will. How are you doing?

[Pum]

I'm glad you're getting it checked out. Some people do complain of breathlessness and pressure but yours seems to have come on quite quickly. Take care of yourself. You're on the home stretch.

[rubyinparadise]

Will do. We ended up paging the midwife last night, then decided not to go to the ER. I am trying a bunch of different stuff to rule out constipation as a factor... I really don't think that's it, but I'm willing to try anything. If I'm not better by tomorrow, I'll try to get my GP to send me for an ultrasound just to rule out gallstones.

I'd love to at least know the cause, and whether or not it's serious. :/

[Courtcoop]

Hey Ruby, I am only 23/24 weeks and I feel the same way.
I am completely out of breath and the pressure is horrible. Going up the stairs is such a task.

All sounds normal to me albeit brutal. Let me know what DR says as I have 4 months to go!!!

[rubyinparadise]

thanks Amanda, i'm definitely calling on Monday morning. (or sooner if the pain increases).

from what i'm reading, the most likely cause is gallbladder issues, worst-case scenario could even be gallstones. my symptoms are almost a perfect match-- abdominal bloating & pain, back pain under my right shoulder, etc.

we travelled for 10 days over the holidays and my diet was just horrid during that time. not enough vegetables, too many fatty & sugary foods, etc.

i'm going to try just using a low-fat careful diet to see if that relieves the pain/pressure at all, between now & monday...

[adgal]

Well, you know I always think it's best to get things checked out if your concerned.  One of the things I have learned through out this pregnancy  is to trust my instincts.  That being said, being uncomfortable at this stage seems to come with the territory.  Baby is often pushing on the diaphram or just taking up so much room that he is pushing everything else out of the way.  I find I am much more uncomfortable after a big meal, so I graze throughout the stay and skip big meals.  It could also be gas, water retention, or just his positioning.  Hopefully you get some relief soon.  However, congrats on that third trimester....your in the home stretch!!!!!!  Give your midwife a call just to be on the safe side.  Always better to err on the side of caution.  

[rubyinparadise]

um, not sure why i typed "uncomfortable" and it posted "uncomable". LOL