Suddenly feeling really bad at 33 weeks - is this normal

[gloucestergirl]

I am a teacher and after the very welcome christmas holidays went back to school last week, and my so-far so-good pregnancy has become really uncomfortable. Stomach feels as it is being constantly stretched, can't walk any faster than an arthritic old lady and I feel as if I have been permanently kicked in the groin. I walk/take public transport to school and school is more like an office block than a school, so I am up and down like a yo yo. I was absolutely fine before, walking for hours and swimming regularly. But last week I ran for the bus (!) and since then have been really uncomfortable (well in pain, but don't want to be a wuss).

Thing is I don't know if this is how you are generally supposed to feel at 33 weeks, or I had been lucky before and now have mananged to damage myself during 3 minutes of running? I have sort of diagonised myself with round ligament pain - but shouldn't that be over with by now? I am going to the midwife on wednesday, so will be getting myself checked out.

Obviously seek medical advice but i was the same as you - I worked til 33 weeks with my last dd and was fine up until that last week and had walked the mile to and from work easily until then!! Then at 33 weeks suddenly felt like someone had taken out the duracell batteries and put in some from Poundland - had to keep having a little rest when walking to and from work and I was so pleased when my last week at work was over! I had a belly bra that helped spread the weight of the bump which helped enormously!

Def. go see you MW. Could ba a late onset of www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/PGP/SPD ...they should be able to refer you for some physio and give you access to nice pain relief. Even if it isn't PGP/SPD, they will have a good idea of things it might be.

Meanwhile, try getting school to help you plan your day so you're not up and down stairs so often...they should be accomodating and legally need to be.

Thanks for your messages. I am getting worse and worse now. I have earned the nickname pingu from my husband! I will check out PGP/SPD and get onto the midwife. It is the suddenness that scares me. But it is nice to know that it is physically tougher in these last few weeks.

It makes me wonder how women manage to work in the 3rd trimester.

I have just checked out the PGP/SPD and that is exactly what I have. Bugger! At least I am armed with info to discuss with the midwife so that I can get a referral to the physio.

Thanks a million for your help :)

Hey Glos girl, am also in glos and 34 weeks. I suddenly felt really awful today after weeks of feeling ok, almost like anything more than 2 hrs of any activity is way too much physically and mentally. I think the general consensus is that things do get difficult again in the third trimester. I am doing my last day at work tomorrow, was hoping to go in over next 2 wks to do bits and bobs but have just had enough! You know its time to go when wrestling with a pair of tights brings you to the point of tears :)
Perhaps see you at GRH!

Ah crap! Forgot to check the link. For any followers: www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk
or linkylink
Lots of information about good positions to be in for birthing on there...i.e. def. not on your back etc.

I'm glad it chimes gloucestergirl. There's lots of help available on here for PGP/SPD sufferers too...hang on..I think THIS is their latest thread. They will have lots of tips about birthing and be able to offer tea any sympathy.

As for work, with a PGP diagnosis they should be adapting your day to fit round the issue. Make sure they're doingtheir bit to keep you well.

Oh and it was you phrase of "...can't walk any faster than an arthritic old lady and I feel as if I have been permanently kicked in the groin..." what made me think PGP. Many sufferers describe it like this. I only thank the all-seeing-sky-pixie I'm not one of them.