Should I be struggling this much already?

[Havetobecrazytolivehere]

Hi, I'm 17 weeks pregnant with #4 and am finding it quite different already.

I started showing a few weeks ago and my bump feels huge and heavy already!
I've got a bit of pelvic pain but tbh I had that last time, if I am on my feet for a few hours straight I get a really achy bum and groin and have to sit down for ages before I feel better. In my last pg I noticed I had horrible varicose veins which started at my bum and went all the way down one leg (it looked like my leg was 30 yrs older) they did go away afterwards but I am worried as I can see them now at 17wks and I think they were nearer the 30wk mark last time.
Obviously it is going to be a bit harder on my body this time as I am older and have had 3 dcs in the last 7 yrs but I don't usually show until 20-25 wks.
Can anyone reassure me if this is normal and what if anything I can do? I am usually quite slim and do a lot of walking, my job involves being on my feet a lot so a bit worried about how the next few months might go.

[reddjango1]

Apparently the more pregnancies you have the quicker your ligaments loosen up which is why you feel heavy and achy earlier. Also if you're on the other side of 35 or built for comfort not speed these factors all add in to feeling very pregnant from pretty much day 1!

[readingrainbow]

Start wearing supportive tights asap, is my suggestion. You need to accept that you deserve to slow down as much as possible and give yourself as much rest between bouts of activity that you can. :)

[Havetobecrazytolivehere]

Yes I am 36 now and after the last two pgs my stomach didn't ping back and I started the pg almost a stone heavier than I used to be (but just under 9 stone not overweight).
Might be a stupid question but where can I buy maternity support tights from?

I am self employed so have started letting my clients know but am hoping to keep working for the next 3 months. I am on my feet from 7.30am until just after 4pm every day so not much I can do there.
Will doing my pelvic floor make a difference?

[readingrainbow]

Sorry, I don't know the best place to get tights - I've had many pregnancy complaints but not varicose veins!

Pelvic floor exercises are always worth doing, though. I recently found this website with very specific exercises that I think looks good.

hab-it.com/videos-preg.html

(not advertising, just sharing information!)

[Afreshstartplease]

havetobe!

Hello from the October thread!

I am 16+2 with DC4, had the other three in the last 8 years so very similar to you there

I'm a few years younger (28) but I'm knackered!

My right leg / hip / pelvic joint is fucked, literally fucked

I stand up and crunch and grind , my bum aches all day and even sitting is uncomfortable I have to lie! But only lying on my back or left side will do.

I think our bodies have just had enough

I had to take my mat leave at 29 weeks with DC3 as I just couldn't face dragging my leg around anymore , I don't even know how I'll get to 29 this time!

Your not alone I feel your pain

[Havetobecrazytolivehere]

Hey freshI think you are right our bodies have had enough. I kinda wish I had done this a bit sooner as I always wanted mine close together but it doesn't look like being younger helps much.
Funny it is my right leg giving me all the trouble too, I get pains in my hip/bum when I am walking and my leg gets more veiny and heavy as the day goes on.
Just spent two hours doing the shopping a buying stuff for my daughters birthday and am completely spent now.
I worked until 34 weeks last time but can't see me getting this far!

Found an online shop called pebbles that sells maternity support tights and leggings, they are a bit pricey but the reviews are fab. Have ordered some support leggings and tights.
I've never been any good at the pregnancy bit, nice to know it's not just me.

[Afreshstartplease]

My right leg was pushed / held back during the birth of DC2, I'm sure that's why it's my most fucked up body part!