Due May 2020 (thread 5)

[sao81]

Carrying on from thread 4!

I'm 32 weeks and really, really struggling with tiredness. I'm mostly working from home and doing little around the house but I'm so tired I could cry (and often do). I walk the dog each day but have cut it down to about 30/45 mins at a slow pace. I dread needing a wee as climbing the stairs leaves me completely out of breath. I know I am anemic and I have increased my green leafy veg and I am taking extra iron supplements. Does anyone else feel exhausted 24/7?

@sao81 Lovely to hear such positive news.

@pastnowfuture how are you sleeping of a night? I've been getting about 4 or 5 hours as I keep having nightmares and its making me feel drained too. Are you able to rest much during the day? I know from when I've been anaemic in the past it really really drains you, I'd look into what will help absorb the medication quicker and what decreases absorption. I researched into this when my little girl was anaemic and found it really helpful

For those of you worried about Maternity leave and isolation, a routine daily would probably help you a lot.
That way you don't get tempted to just lounge all day in PJs and feel sorry for yourselves. Plan a few things at home you want to get done, a few walks or meeting people outside the house for a change of scenery, and proper resting in between.

@sao81 I'm in bed early but tossing and turning all night so that won't be helping. Thanks for the tip, I will look into what might help iron absorbtion from vegetables/tablets. My GP said it would be more quickly absorbed from eating beef- I am not vegetarian but it seems the baby is as I've only been able to eat meat twice during pregnanacy without vomiting!

@pastnowfuture yeahh red meat is a really good source of iron, I'd say try steak, but steak done any more than medium rare to me is a crime, and you have to have steak cooked thoroughly when pregnant so I just go without 😂 try things that will help you settle at night too, no blue light before bed, a hot drink etc. I should really take my own advice swigging cans of coke on mum groups until i close my eyes 🙈

@Pastnowfuture I’m vegetarian. Try green leafy veg (spinach is great if you can’t stomach meat). Also dark chocolate is a good source of iron too

@sao81 fantastic about baby and your appointment x thanks for the tips

@Caspianberg thanks x attended NCT class and suddenly it all feels real i almost had a panic attack during class. activities are good but i dread baby classes as it's all about baby feeding poo and shopping- i will crave non baby related adult conversation/ gatherings. i struggled first time too. don't get me wrong i love my time feeding and cuddling baby / my DD. i'm just a working person who loves my job. i contemplated sharing leave with husband ( it will make sense as i earn more) but i can't do it as feel i want to give baby the same time as i did with my DD and would love to breastfeed for the whole year😭😭😭 ... i’m my own worst enemy. i got tearful during a course yesterday and i have another one today ( i'm sure i'll cry again).

@Pastnowfuture oh babe i'm so sorry 😞 it's fantastic that u r walking the dog, i don't recall being short of breath so significantly at 32 weeks but i was uncomfortable in terms of my back! when did u have that blood test? did your gp check your chest ? do u have asthma? maybe have a conversation with your midwife again - i'm only 30 weeks now so i might feel as crap as you in 2 weeks ( even more than i feel now 😞)

@sao81 i had the most amazing fillet steak last saturday - i can't remember why it had to be medium to well done ? what infection risk was it? i love a rare steak - i ( baby really) also seem to prefer vegs food this pregnancy

@facevalue - Do you have to go to all these 'baby' classes if they just stress you out? I just wouldn't go.
There isn't really NCT, 'baby classes' etc where we live. So my ' activities' for next week first week of maternity include Hairdressers, x2 Meetings with architect type people, lunch out with friend, pilates class and then other rather boring random stuff to do. I also couldn't cope with everything being so focused on baby poop and potential problems.

Had 32 week scan this morning here, all looks good. Have another scan scheduled for in 4 weeks, then I think will be signed off from GP to hospital.

@facevalue this is off nhs website:
Raw or undercooked meat is risky in pregnancy
Do not eat raw or undercooked meat, including meat joints and steaks cooked rare, because of the potential risk of toxoplasmosis.
Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so it's steaming hot and there's no trace of pink or blood – especially with poultry, pork, sausages and minced meat, including burgers.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite found in raw and undercooked meat, unpasteurised goats' milk, soil, cat poo, and untreated water.
If you're pregnant, the infection can damage your baby, but it's important to remember toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is very rare.

I know people who have carried on eating rare/medium rare and been fine, I have just never wanted to take that risk!

@caspianberg NCT is good cos u meet couples that are local and having babies around same time as u so u are all off same time and u can meet up and support each other while u r off - usually make good friends. baby classes are helpful because it gets u out with baby ... sadly my friends live far and when u r working there's no time to hang out with new mums for random coffees etc x

Has anyone used a tens machine in labour and is it worth getting one do you think?

Just had my repeat 3D scan and the baby is still breach at nearly 31 weeks :( I'm gutted! I just feel like this will end in a c section!!! Anyone got any advice on turning the baby round? I'll do anything!!!!

Feeling all loved up seeing his sweet little face though ❤️

@november90 baby can still move at 31 weeks so dont worry! My little girl hadn't moved until my 36 week scan, she was always lying transverse, and this little one is the same. I'm sure I was told about lying upside down, I hope I haven't imagined it 😂 you will be able to find things online that may help but baby will keep moving position until those final couple of weeks so try to relax and see how he is next time

@november90 I agree with @sao81, there is still lots of time for little one to wriggle. If nothing changes I've heard swimming can help and there is a website called spinning babies.

Well I’ve just had my appointment and midwife says I’m measuring small so need to attend a growth scan. I’m slightly freaking out about this. Has anyone been there?

@GinUnicorn yes, my bump was way off the chart at 25 week appointment - bottom 1 percentile! We went for a growth scan and baby was in 58th percentile. So please don't worry - bump measurement is highly inaccurate.

Thanks @woollycat. Might be hormones but it’s really worried me

@GinUnicorn sending hugs. I was worried too when we got sent for growth scan. When is your scan?

@GinUnicorn midwife measurements can be way off, its all down to where they perceive the uterus to start and end. Ive been measured as below the 5th at 25 weeks and above the 95th centile at 28 weeks, had a scan and babys measurements were around the 50th so completely normal. Try not to worry too much I'm sure baby will be cooking away nicely xx

@Sunshine8888 I had a tens machine last time and it was really useful. Got me through early labour at home so I was 6cm dilated by the time I rocked up at the labour ward.
I'll definitely be using it again this time. It's weird, but it really detracts from how my contractions felt.

Thank you ladies! I've also heard of swimming and crawling around in all fours 🙈 I'll up my game! She said one leg was completely straight and there was a good amount of fluid. So I'm just going to have to keep it all crossed. I was a natural delivery SO much!!! It doesn't daft but I've been looking forward to the challenge since my last delivery ended up in forceps!!!

Ps.... I just can't not share! Look how cute he is with that little turn up nose and pouty lips! Just like his big brother ❤️❤️❤️