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pregnancy, increased heart rate, breathing probs

Hi
I am 42 yrs old and 19 weeks pregnant with twins.  For the last several weeks, I am having extreme difficulty walking at what used to be my normal pace, walking upstairs, etc.  I am extremely winded and my heart is beating very fast.  Also, I have had to sit down several times with my head down in order to prevent myself from fainting.  Should I see a cardiologist ?  Are the babies or myself in any kind of danger from the symptoms I have descriped ?
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Avatar universal
I am also carrying twins and I started to get winded around the same time as you as well. With twins, your blood volume basically doubles, vs. a 50% increase with a single pregnancy so you have a lot more going through your system. I haven't taken stairs since about 18 weeks due to shortness of breath and scared of falling so I take the elevator even if it is up or down one floor. I just tell those on board, "sorry, twins on board" and everyone understands : )

You need to take it easy and make sure you are hydrated. You will probably have fainting symptoms throughout the rest of your pregnancy if you are having them now. Avoid too warm showers or anything that makes you warmer than usual since heat shrinks the capillaries and will make you feel faint.

Make sure you tell your doctor that you are having the symptoms you mentioned above.

Welcome to twin pregnancy, the symptoms are truly double!
Helpful - 0
231441 tn?1333892766
Hi,

do talk to your doctor.  Yes, it is normal to have reduced breath and increased HR during pregnancy, but extreme is not normal.

I have been putting up with worsening breathlessness.  Finally my Obe referred me to a pulmonologist.  I'm now being treated for asthma (I just put it down to pregnancy not something treatable) and now I've got a chest infection on top of it all and now am on antibiotics and oral bronchodilator (in addition to inhaled steroid). Amlooking forward to feeling better soon.

Let us know how you go.




Helpful - 0
171867 tn?1271044148
winded and an elevated HR is very normal in pg ... though do mention it to your dr so he can at least monitor you. I had this with only one baby.. and dr said it was normal my HR 173 during labor and delivery and we were fine. It will return to normal after delivery. Good luck
Helpful - 0
480331 tn?1310403529
As babyprayers said, please let your doctor know.  Otherwise, feeling winded and accelerated heartbeat is most likely due to the "double luggage" you're carrying around : )  Try to get off your feet and elevate them as much as possible.  Get your rest, and try to lay on your left side for 15 minutes or so throughout the day...also drink lots and lots of water too!  Best of luck!!
Helpful - 0
159063 tn?1247272817
please let your doctor know, it could be nothing but the twins pushing on your diapraghm making it hard to breath, but with an increased heart rate, call your doc, and have them evaluate you.
Helpful - 0
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