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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Haven't been walking - worried about labour now

14 replies

Flowermum · 27/01/2011 09:29

I'm 34 weeks and have started to get really worried about my lack of excercise during this pregnancy. This is my 3rd baby, and on the last two we didn't have a car and were living near lots of friends so I was out walking all the time. Also, never had any problems during pregnancy.

This time round however, has been the pregnancy from hell. From day 1 I've had nausea and dizzyness, so just getting up the stairs was difficult. And also have a bit of a recurring hip problem left over from DD1, so walking too long makes it hurt, and I pay for it for at least a day after. Hoping to get my sturdy boots back from the cobbler today or tomorrow which will help with that though.

The last two labours were fast, DD2 was only 2.5 hrs. But I'm worried that this time because I'm not as fit as I was then (we got a car before christmas so that's been a major scapegoat!) that I might be in for a long or difficult labour.

Has anyone got any tips on what I could do to fit up before D Day? I'm always pottering round the house, doing bits and pieces, generally busy. But I feel its not enough to get my heartrate up.

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Poledra · 27/01/2011 09:35

Can you go swimming? It feels fabulous, as the water takes the weight off your back (and will probably give your hip some relief also).

Getting out of the pool is the only problem. Do NOT do what I did when 36 wks pg with DD3, and try to pull yourself out on the side - you won't be able to do it. Use the bloody stairs [bgrin]

CrawlingInMySkin · 27/01/2011 09:37

Hi I was bed bound for my entire pg and in hospital for about 5 months because of illness on one of my pg and fit as a fiddle on the other. I would not say that it made my birth worse personally. My first was that way and although my second was faster it followed a similar pattern.

However it did make me more determined to push him out and I felt I didn't give a shit about the pain because after this one last pain it would be over and I wouldbe healthy.

Original poster

Flowermum · 27/01/2011 10:07

Yes, had thought of swimming alright. There isn't a pool close to me but I think there's one within reasonable distance... I think the shame of getting into the pool would be enough for me though, don't think I'd add to the debacle by trying to drag myself out the side!

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Original poster

Flowermum · 27/01/2011 10:16

Crawling, I guess thats one way to look at it. I am really looking forward to getting back out walking again after. At the moment if I walk DD to school and home again (about 30mins altogether, maybe a bt more) I have to go back to bed for at least an hour. Disastrous!

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RememberToPlaywiththeKids · 27/01/2011 10:19

I think you'll be fine - I was like that with DC2 and birth was quick and easy and I've been sore again this time so haven't done much. Believe it or not, I think it might make it quicker/easier because everything is looser due to the lack of muscle tension.

People that horse ride are meant to have harder labours because their pelvic floors are too strong on the other side of the coin....

Original poster

Flowermum · 27/01/2011 10:38

Oh this is making me feel a bit better now. Although its cold out today I might just put on my Birkinstocks (they're the only decent footwear I have at the mo) and go for a short walk, take baby steps.

It kind of does make sense that everything is loose (such as my pelvic floor, that's like a deflated balloon these days!) so the baby might just fall out. Am all geared up for a fast labour so will be a bit annoyed if i have to have a loooooong one due to lack of fitness.

Good thing I don't have a horse then, I'm not into difficult labours!

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Scruffyhound · 27/01/2011 10:51

I disslocated my knee during my first pregnancy it was horrible. I did not move much for about 14 weeks. I have physio which made me sick and was always worried about my knee popping back out. I had a full leg cast for 6 weeks from my ankle to the top of my thigh. I found my labour long but ok on the same score it was my first baby so not sure if that would of happened anyway. Im hoping as I have been mobile this time and looking after a 5 yrs old it migh make a difference but we will see? Good Luck

RememberToPlaywiththeKids · 27/01/2011 11:01

ah but your uterus is the muscle doing all the work and you can't exercise that - that's what raspberry leaf tea is meant to do!

I would say go for a short walk and take it easy and not worry too much.

RememberToPlaywiththeKids · 27/01/2011 11:01

scruffy - ouch - that sounds awful!

going · 27/01/2011 11:05

Flowermum - I had really easy pregnancies and labours with my first tow and was aslo quite fit, did plenty of walking. My labours were easy.
With my third I put on loads of weight and generally felt awful. Was so tired that could sleep about 20 out of 24 hours by the last couple of weeks. Thankfully I had another easy labour and felt so much better once ds was pout and felt much fitter.

Original poster

Flowermum · 27/01/2011 11:18

Right, thats it! I'm going to stop worrying!

I have actually put on less weight this time than the last two because I had no appetite till about two weeks ago. Eating was a huge ordeal, I had to really makemyself do it.

Am taking Iron now because I was constantly sleepy for a while. It seems to have perked me up a wee bit. Maybe I should start my baby steps regime by actually getting dressed... Being in pyjamas at this hour of the day isn't doing me any favours!

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irishqueen · 27/01/2011 11:43

flowermum, i am you. I worked with my other 2 pregnancies and walked everywhere> This time round I barely move off sofa and walking exhausts me. DD was about 8 hrs labour but ds only 1 hr 31 so i want another easy short labour and am worried my laziness will slow things down. My weight gain is about the same (im 35 wks today) but exercise is minimal.
and im in my jammies too still lol

cookingfat · 27/01/2011 13:28

V pleased to find this thread, as woke up in a panic about how lazy I've been through pregnancy, and wondering how I'll have the stamina to give birth. Now I feel I can relax a little... back to the sofa!

Original poster

Flowermum · 28/01/2011 09:43

Irishqueen, I, also, was in my jammies at that time yesterday! Only dressed now because I had to bring DD to school.
Am wearing Birkinstocks today. Feet frozen but I feel like I could walk a bit more now. Maybe if I got off my arse and actually did something they'd warm up...

Cookingfat enjoy the rest! I feel that once this baby is out, even though I want to get back to walking, I'll feel I HAVE to get out, to make up for the last few months of doing next to nothing.

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