Need some advice ................. huge and uncomfortable at 26 weeks?????

[mosschops30]

Is it normal?
This is my 3rd pregnancy so I am aware I should be bigger than with the first two, however I am now just as big and uncomfortable as I was from about 36 weeks with no.2.
I am unablt to turn over in bed, cannot sit comfortably for long periods, cannot walk far, am increasingly breathless, cannot bend down, have pain in my bump.
I am massive (was previously a size 8 and about 8 stone pre-pregnancy so not weight), and its not just me that thinks so, wherever I go people comment on how big i am with comments about twins and must be due soon, but i have 14 bloody weeks left.
Im scared about the size of my bump, I have no weight anywhere else really.
My measurements at the 20wk scan were 1 week ahead of dates so all fine.

Should I make an appointment to see MW, im not supposed to see her for another 2 weeks as am midwife led.
And more improtantly is this normal?

[ZippysMum]

Hi Moss!
I just posted and it sounds like we are going through the same thing! Are you able to slow down at all? I don't have any dc's yet so i am taking things really easy - I have no idea how I'd be coping if I had toddlers to run round after!
I think you should see mw if you want some reassurance. Maybe you are anaemic - that can really exhaust you...

[mosschops30]

I have been anaemic and had 3 weeks off from work on bed rest, however my iron levels are now back up to 10.8 so not that.
Also been tested for gestational diabetes and thyroid and no probs there.
Zippy how many weeks are you?
I have the week off this week but usually get up at 6am for work and then get home about 6.30pm which exhausts me.
I cant complain about the dc's, ds is 5 and an angelic easy child to please and dd is 13 so does as she pleasesm

[ScummyMummy]

Go to GP or midwife and tell them of your worries.

[ZippysMum]

Hi Moss,
I'm 31 weeks with twins (last week measuring 41 weeks of a singleton pg .)
Luckily my work is mainly during school term time, so I can keep in touch via e mail on my work laptop (which is always on next to me - I also have this marvellous little netbook of my own that I mumsnet on from the sofa!!). On leave this week though.
No wonder you are shattered with those hours - do you have any flexibility - could you sometimes work from home (I used to nap at lunch then work a bit later to make it up)

[mosschops30]

No cannot work from home, and although they are flexible I cannot afford to reduce my hours as I am saving every penny for my (unpaid) mat leave

Wondewr if I can have a few weeks sick for being tired and fat

[ScummyMummy]

Depending on the GP, I wouldn't be surprised, moss. Mine signed me off for a month for a pregnancy bleed a few weeks back. I was stunned by her generosity as I was absolutely fine once the bleeding had stopped and the scare subsided (about 2 days!).

[beautifulgirls]

Hi Moss - I'm 27 weeks with my 3rd as well and having had small neat bumps with the last two I am huge this time around with the same problems you describe getting about/comfortable - quite a shock! Like you I am wondering how on earth I am going to reach 40 weeks at this rate. I am seeing my midwife for a routine check later this week anyway so I guess I'll ask her about size then. I suppose though everything is just ready to stretch early on this time around and we get bigger quicker...hopefully we'll not be much bigger than this at the end.
Zippy....good luck!

[mosschops30]

scummy - do hope you are feeling better now and that your pregnancy is going well. I have a GP who is very good, I would just have to say I need some rest and she would be there with the pen and pad

zippy - wow twins, at least you have an excuse!!

BG - was just looking at photos of previous pregnancy and I was this big towards the end, not at 26 weeks

Think I might phone MW just to see what she says

[ScummyMummy]

Fine, thanks, moss. Just waiting for the baby to put in an appearance now(am 40 weeks on Thurs). Hope you feel better soon.

[Catitainahatita]

Hello, I am 25 weeks and practically as big as I was for DS1 at 40. My gynocologist tells me it is all to do with where the baby is lying. With DS1 he spent most of the time with his head in my hips (which is a wide area and means that your bump looks small). This time my future DD has her head near my ribcage and so the bulky part of her is in my tummy and making me look huge. I won't worry about it, if I were you.

Lots of sympathy on how you are feeling. I sympathise totally. Last time I worked until 38 weeks. This time I am not sure I am goii to manage it (lots of stairs to climb).

[mosschops30]

thanks for that, good to know Im not alone. I couldnt get hold of MW yesterday and she has no appointments at the GP this week. Will try and ring again today.

Does anyone know where you stand with your employer when you cant physically go on doing your job? I work for the NHS so major employer and good on stuff like H&S etc

[brightonbleach]

moss, just to say that if you're not getting paid for mat leave why not try applying for the government mat benefit? whatever its called; its not just for people who are unemployed but also for people who won't be getting mat pay from an employer. check out if you are eligible online maybe? or theres a help no, (sorry don't have it on me). Also, if you can't physically do your job and your GP will sign you off sick you are then entitled to sickness benefit possibly as well... I don't know if you would be eligible for these things, just worth you looking into.

[mosschops30]

Oh Im getting SMP whilst on Mat leave just not full pay from the NHS. However I have budgeted for 6 months off and cannot afford longer.
I get full sick pay when off so sickness benefit does not apply