As I near 38 weeks, I'm struggling to understand how women can manage beyond 40 weeks

[flawless29]

As a first-time mom, the pain and pressure in my pelvic region during the final weeks of pregnancy were excruciating and sharp. I tried to stay active by going to the pool and doing those antenatal ex, but even simple tasks like cooking and shopping became difficult.

Sleep, sitting, and standing were all uncomfortable, and my stomach felt tight and painful. Sometimes I experienced dizziness and blurred vision, and I couldn't help feeling envious of moms who had already given birth.

I'm finding it really tough to cope with the discomforts of pregnancy, especially as I approach 38 weeks. I'm amazed at how some women can endure this for up to 42 weeks without a hitch. May be it’s tough for me as it my first time ☹️😢

I went to 41+6 and the last 2 weeks felt longer than the entire rest of the pregnancy! I weight trained until week 41 but still had pelvic pain, sometimes it can't be helped. I found sleeping with a pillow between my legs alleviated it a little. I know it doesn't seem like it now but this time will seem insignificant when you look back on it. Try to use it to pamper yourself a bit and enjoy having some time to yourself x

How are you op? Hope you’ve met your little person and are both well.
My first came out early so when my second was over due I was really angry. I just ate crisps and shouted for 2 weeks!

Props to all the mothers on here who added comments just to tell the OP to get on with it because they did. I'm sure that's what she was looking for....

Thank you so much for your supportive comments. Yesterday, I went to the maternity unit and to be honest, I was feeling a little nervous. However, the doctors found that my blood pressure was high and they did urine dip and told me that I have UTI . It was a bit scary to hear this news, but the staff were so kind and reassuring.

At first, the doctor thought I might need intravenous antibiotics, which made me feel even more anxious. But finally they put me on oral Nitrofurantoin instead, which was such a relief. I stayed in over night under observation and also had scan to check baby. Baby is perfectly fine but the scan did show that the baby was positioned quite low in my pelvis, which explained the pain and discomfort I had been feeling.

I have to say, the staff at the hospital were incredible. The midwives and nurses were so supportive. I was discharged in the late morning feeling reassured and grateful for the excellent care I had received and support from you all. I think still few weeks to go in labour. I hope they listed me for C section ☹️

Even when I was over 41 weeks I was happier being pregnant than the thought of birth or having to cart a newborn everywhere with me.

I liked pregnancy. I felt healthier. My mood was more stable. I liked that I didn't have to hold my tummy in.

I was a bit of a beached whale at the end but DP did the housework etc.

UTI’s can make you feel really rotten so try and rest as much as possible. Maybe jump in bed and have a Netflix binge.

I was fine up until birth at 40+6 but ds didn't engage until labour so I never really had any pain/discomfort or pressure?

I was like that with my first. It was SPD and was agony, doing anything for more than 5 minutes was I’m-ossicle. My other two babies were 100% easier at the end. Try to rest as much as you can now and I hope tabby comes soon x

The last couple of weeks are tough OP. It's nature's way of making you ready for the birth when you don't want to go any longer!
My pregnancy wasn't too bad until the last month, where I just couldn't get comfortable or sleep and it felt like my bladder was the size of a pea 😅
The relief when the baby is out is amazing! DD is 5 and I'll never forget that wonderful feeling for relief I was no longer pregnant!
All the best to you, hope baby arrives soon

@Abreezeitheglade Thanks , that’s exactly what I am doing right now. DH is in a kitchen thinking what to cook for me 😉
bless him , he is lost for last few weeks .

I went to 42 weeks with my first. It's no fun but admittedly I didn't feel poorly, just heavy. Those last few weeks do drag.

@reddwarfgeek Thanks. In some way, I am really looking forward to my labor, although it is a bit of a paradox. Fingers crossed

Everybody's different. I felt absolutely fine at 40 weeks and was still working out. I've never gone past 40+1, but I don't imagine it would have been much worse than 40.

I had three 42 week pregnancies. The first two weren't too bad but the third was very low for the last few weeks and it was difficult to walk. It was not as bad as a stage IV prolapse which I developed much later!

I completely agree that everyone's body is unique. During my pregnancy, I felt pretty good up until 34 weeks, even though I didn't experience the severe morning sickness that many people warned me about. However, things have taken a turn in the last 4 weeks, and I've been feeling much worse. 😔 It's got me wondering whether I might go into labor earlier than my due date. 🤔