39 weeks and feel like I'm losing my marbles

[wasabipeanut]

Ok, this is DC3 and I am precisely 39 weeks. I just feel utterly miserable. I've spent the last 15 minutes sobbing on DH (who is sweet but frankly bemused) because I just feel so awful. The skin in my bump is really sore, my back usually hurts and evey time I walk I get evil stabbing, shooting pains right up my fanjo. Any movement also triggers off lots of braxton hicks type tightenings which are uncomfy enough to feel like I can't really breathe properly yet not actually doing anything to get the baby out. All they're doing is pissing me off. I get a lot of rib pain as well. Oh yes, and the need to wee all the time is overwhelming. It's getting to the point where I'm trying to drink less because I'm in the loo all fucking day.

DS was born bang on term due to an induction caused by my waters leaking but labour not starting. Had emcs in the end.

DD was born at 38+6 and we managed the vbac I so badly wanted - it wasn't traumatic at all. A bit of a tear but healed well and quickly.

I had high hopes for the baby being here by now and just feel really panicky that a natural birth might be slipping away again. Up until recently I've been quite scared by the thought of labour again and I can't understand why given that I've survived it twice already and last time really wasn't so awful. I'm now so pissed however that the fear is dissipating.

I just feel completely out of control. I'm snappy and keep obsessing over housework because I don't want to go into labour with a full ironing basket. Seriously. Just typing that makes me think "you mad bint" but, tragically, it's true. I work freelance and I've been working recently too which hasn't helped as I've had a project that needed to be delivered before DC3.

And my point is???? I don't know really. I just wondered if anyone else had felt like this prior to birthing their DC's and then returned to a relatively normal frame of mind. Or, is anyone else out there at a similar stage and feeling the same? Sorry for ranting.

Hello, I just wanted to offer my sympathies. I am "only" 36 weeks but a lot of the time I feel the same way as you do currently:

Ditto rib pain, pain when trying to walk (or turn in bed etc - SPD), fear of birth (having a c-section), back ache, strong BH contractions, plus vomiting if I eat too much, heartburn randomly and bringing up acid, especially if I bend over to pick something up and constant outbreaks of thrush!

Also feel highly emotional and have been crying at crazy things.

I have a DS aged 2.5 so obviously it is not possible to keep the house completely, there is always some part of housework that is not done as i carry on living my life e.g. unwashed dishes/ unemptied laundry basket - like you, though I try to chill, it is stressing me out!!

All I can do is commiserate and maybe this is "normal" for this stage (though that's not much comfort!) The one thing that helps slightly for me is having chats with girl friends about unrelated topics and trying to get out for a tiny (I mean tiny because of the SPD) walk each day. GOOD LUCK!

Ah Marchpoppy thank you for responding. You sound like you enjoy late pregnancy about as much as I do. I left out the heartburn/vomiting stuff! I think about 40% of my daily calorific intake is actually Gaviscon.

Glad it's not just me with the crying. I've just been at it again at that Volkswagen ad with the Dad and the daughter?

I really sympathise re the SPD. I've had a couple of friends suffer with this now and I know from seeing them how utterly crippling it can be. How was your birth with your DS?

I feel very similar to you, OP. Am 40 weeks tomorrow with DC3 and really thought baby would be here by now, even though DS1 was 2 weeks late and DS2 was born in due date.

Am also going bonkers with obsessive cleaning - hoovering several times a day, hating the cat cos it sheds hair everywhere, etc. I'm really not quite in my right mind.

Also similarly physically uncomfortable but at the same time feel I'm going to be pregnant forever - no signs at all of labour!

Argh! You have my sympathies!

Me too and I've got ages yet 35 weeks on sat finish work Friday ! I'm proper fed up my other two were 7 days and 5 days late I'm hoping this one will b early ! I get the stabbing pains in my bits when I get up I'm contantly peeing so I'm also not drinking nearly as much as I should but it's such a mission and painful getting up the stairs ! I'm trying to get thru a diploma then sat in the car crying this morning cause I dnt want to do it anymore cause my brain isn't working and I can't focus :(

Felt like this for 2 wks at least. Now nearly 41w.
Dr friend told me how cortisol levels are thought to spike about this time (puts finishing touches to b's breathing apparatus) so this could well be influencing your (and my!) moods. Explains restlessness, can have implications for sleep, as well as teary-ness and massive grumpiness.
Just like pmt this is obviously aggravated by other factors but might reassure you all ok?

I am with you! I keep being told to real and chill.....I mask restless I can't! Just mowed the lawn, I hope he doesn't notice otherwise I will get a bollicking!

Hang in there....we will have our new bubbas soon

X

I'm 38+5 and I'm so glad I'm not the only one like this. One minute I'm crying (latest episode was because the sheets werent dry and I'm fat!!) and the next minute I'm shouting at DH for no reason. I have cleaned all the cupboards out and am obsessed with keeping the washing basket empty. And I'm stock piling loo roll. Currently 32 and counting. I'm getting stabbing pains when I walk as well and totally wiped out after waddling to the corner shop and back. And after wishing for maternity leave im now going totally stir crazy by myself at home.

I just need the baby to get out of me but no signs that it's going anywhere soon. Like the explanation of cortisol levels - makes me feel a little less crazy! Thanks cosmo

Hello, can I join the 'frankly batty at near full term club' please? I'm 39+5 with DC2 and really struggling with the last few weeks. Restless legs, painful full bladder, lack of sleep, acid reflux, and an obsession with having the house tidied before DC2 arrives. I just can't bear the thought of coming home to a tip!

Having said all that, I really want to wash the kitchen floor but can't be assed right now, so lying on sofa watching crap telly.

My dd, who is 2.8, was born 40+1 so everyone seems to think that this one will come in the due date, but I just have a feeling I will be a week over. This baby is really squirmy, so I don't think it's ready yet to be born. I see my MW on Thurs and I just know that I'm nowhere near engaged (although I know that might not happen until labour starts)

My DH says its like living with a grenade! He just doesn't know what will set me off, be it a massive strop because I can't bend, or an emotional rollercoaster because I've seen a sad advert for RSPCA or 3rd world poverty or something.

Anyway, we are not alone! Hopefully we'll graduate very soon and become calm, level headed paragons of motherhood very soon! Well, perhaps...

Lovely to meet you all :) Whilst I would never wish to see others suffering I do feel reassured that I'm not a complete nutcase. Cortisol explanation is interesting. I feel so restless and just can't settle.

39+3 today. I had loads of Braxton hicks last night that crossed the line from uncomfortable to becoming painful but then......nothing. Just petered out. Will be a long few days at this rate!

I guess thats what I need to focus on - i will have this baby soon!!! Just surprised that this last bit is not just physically uncomfortable but I appear to have lost my marbles and am making myself unhappy...

Going to force myself out for a walk now after putting another wash on...

Kitty I do believe that walking makes most situations better. It's a nitch when you get the stabby pains when walking but even a short waddle perks me up a bit.

If it makes you feel better I have stock piled loo rolls too ;)

I do like the cortisol explanation - always good to think there is a real chemical reason for bonkers behaviour like I've been exhibiting for the past couple of weeks!
So am now 40+2 and had a sweep this morning - MW said she was "hopeful" sthg wld happen in next 48 hours, but I've felt nothing so far.
Yesterday DH said he couldn't understand why I was getting upset about lack of labour signs when I must be "closer now than at any time". Words fail me... I stropped off like a petulant teenager and downed a small glass of wine .
This is such a weird time / mix of emotions: frustrated, excited, scared, anxious, hopeful, bored, mardy, etc etc...

Back from walk and feel much more positive!

wasabi - thanks for support. I ignored the stabbing undercarriage pains for the sake of my sanity and they kinda wore off after 20 mins and only came back at the end.

jambon - your DH comment made me laugh - think you were restrained with the wine. it is such a logical man observation and obv factually correct. But just not so helpful!
Hope the sweep makes magic happen!

Maybe all our labours will start tonight.

Hey ladies,

I am now 40+11 and feeling your pain! Haven't had a decent nights sleep in ages as I can't get comfy and have made it through two 600ml bottles of gaviscon in the past 14 days (part of me is almost impressed by this!!)

Jambon I think you were very restrained with the wine! My DH just looks at me in confusion when I start crying. I know he's trying to be nice but he just doesn't get it. And why would he? He's never had something the size of a cat lodged in his abdomen.

Paintyourbox - 40 + 11? Respect. If I go that long I think I'll be attempting a DIY breaking of waters! Are you being hassled re induction?

Please let me join you! Am 38+3 today with dc2 and feeling rubbish. Got the whole stabby foofoo pain thing, back ache, shoulder ache, can't breathe at night cos of blocked nose, sweat rash generally all over, loads of Braxton hicks, feet in ribs etc etc. Been having palpitations as well but have been signed off by the cardiologist today as having nothing worrying.
But it just struck me in the middle of the night last night (when I was lying awake for 2 hours), that I don't really want to have this baby after all. I mean, I do want the baby, but I don't want to give birth and I don't want all the sleepless nights and relentlessness of it.
Feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. The only way to get rid of the pregnancy symptoms is to go through childbirth and then have a newborn to care for!
I'm not ready for it yet! Nooooooo! What was I thinking?

Pleeeasee can I join you too, I'm only 36+1, is that still ok?

I had my last daughter before 30 weeks so this has felt like I am gestating an elephant, for a while now. I am not wishing another premmie, I am just sick of being pregnant; less so from a physical point of view, although that has been no picnic either, but I have morphed from a very laid-back and sensible strong woman into an anxiety-ridden, gibbering wreck. I can't even begin to tell you what I am worried about because, quite frankly, I am too embarrassed even to complete strangers in a completely anonymous setting. My DH, who is a rock, is away at the minute, which doesn't help, but I haven't even tried to tell him what is screwing me up, because my sensible head says, 'you know that is insane, and you will be fine once DD2 makes her appearance'. Love the cortisol, explanation, as someone said, great to be able to attribute the madness to a chemical.

I have intermittent pains up my fooflar, intermittent pressure, I can't stay out of the bathroom for more than half an hour, and have had painful Braxton Hicks, bordering on sadly, irregular contractions. Amen, to empty laundry baskets, clear benches and no dirty dishes. The only thing I really can't be arsed to tackle is DD's bedroom, but I figure I can shut the door on that Sorry to completely burst in and spill my guts moaning, but the relief of beginning to realise that this might actually be normal at this stage and I am not some raving loony, is immense.

Any news, Wasabie, because you opened this thread on Saturday? We're a whole 4 days further on now, and there is a possibility........

Hi ladies, apologies for not checking in before now buuuuut Baby Peanut III was born at 12.36pm on Wednesday. I woke up about 3am having mild contractions, thought "at last" and went back to sleep. Reported to hospital about 11ish, in the pool for about 11.40 and was 5cm. Less than an hour later, hello baby! Home for tea :)

Now, 2 days on am knackered and my nipples feel like they've been attacked with a cheese grater but my beautiful boy is worth it :)
How are you all getting on?

Oh congrats Wasabi! And Welcome baby peanut!!! Nice and quick too!

Nowt happening here, 40+1. Well, I'm having the odd cramp but nothing consistent and I think they're purely coincidental!

Sleepyfergus - I had on off cramps the day or two before so fingers crossed! :)

Had them again last night for about an hour or so and they're sore but not enough to stop me falling asleep. Baby was also squirming about something chronic so reckon s/he was pinging off the top of my cervix.

Am in a foul mood today. Thrush and/or piles itching like crazy. Have applied canesten and anusol liberally to not much effect. DD seems to sense I'm tired and fed up and is sweet one minute, wee terror the next. DH trying to be helpful but you know the way guys just manage to do stuff that really isn't helpful......and had calls and texts already from family asking how things are. I'm only 40+2 but already I'm acting like its 40+12 and I'm like Rachael in Friends when shes all arsey about being late.

I know baby will come when it's ready, but so f*cked off today!

Wasabi - many congratulations!! Great news that your baby boy has arrived and sounds like quite a quick/good labour?

I'm now 40+6 and no signs of imminent labour whatsoever. Heigh ho!

Congratulations, Wasabi

Ooo congratulations wasabi. Sounds like a fantastic birth too.

I'm now 40+3. nothing doing. DH just physically removed the Hoover from my hands.

sleepy cramps are good- embrace them! I'm jealous!!!!! Hope things are happening for you and you get to meet your baby soon.

Doing a daily walk up a serious hill to try and encourage things along. Induction booked for 12 July (42 weeks) and really want it to decide to come out before then....