Measuring very big and really struggling.

[kickingking]

To give the full background, I'm 29 weeks with DC2. I have T1 diabetes and while this has caused no issues in either of my pregnancies, I do find keeping good control of my blood sugars while pregnant a cause of constant stress and anxiety.

At my 28 week appointment, my bump was measuring 34 weeks already. A scan found that the baby was average sized but I was carrying a lot of fluid. The fluid us just within 'normal' range, so apparently is not a cause for concern.

However, at only just over five foot, I am finding such a big bump hard work. I am breathless, have indigestion, backache and can't sleep. I am very slow moving - takes me ages to get dressed, get up the stairs, etc. I am mortified by how I look and all the comments.

I have 9 weeks til the birth (baby needs to be born at 38w) and 7 weeks at work (primary teacher). I have no idea how I will manage if I continue to measure six weeks ahead.

This is mostly a moan, but if anyone has any advice on getting comfortable at night or how to manage things better - please help!

Oh I forgot to mention all the nosebleeds as well

:( in sympathy. Not much advice except that I think people would understand if you finished work earlier than planned.

kicking do you have a maternity pillow? I have a giant bump, bump size is normal range, but baby is at the tope end of the charts. I'm 33+5 and baby is really having a go at me today.

I started to really struggle last week with sleeping. I rolled onto my back and could barely standup or move from the pressure and pain from my back. The pressure on my hips started becoming painful and preventing me from sleeping. I caved in and bought a pillow from mothercare cos I was so desperate for a good night's sleep and I've been sleeping so well since then. I didn't think it would make a difference, but it really does. You can get them for £20 on ebay, but I wanted to get one in my hands right away to try and sleep. Baby seems to like it too. He will wiggle around when I lie on it.

I hear you on breathlessness, indigestion, and being slow. On Friday, I was walking the dog and was passed by a man in his mid seventies. Shocking.

I have devised a new way to get on my socks because I can't bear the indignity of having to ask my husband to do it for me although he did have to help me put on tights cos I just couldn't do it.

Are you able to be sitting for most of the day? I'm also working until 38 weeks, but luckily, I can work from home, so I can try to be more comfortable than in the office.

In your situation I would certainly discuss with your doctor the possibility of being signed off sick in advance of your maternity leave start date. If this is within a certain time of your due date that will automatically kick start the beginning of your maternity leave. It does mean that you will have less time after the baby is born but given the exhaustion and possible health problems etc I think you need to prioritising your own health (& presumably that of your baby).

I finished work earlier than I had planned this time round and although I felt horrible about it (especially the implications for my colleagues etc) as soon as I had finished work my health improved dramatically as I was able to rest. It was such a relief to be "given permission" by my physio to stop and I really believe that had I struggled on to my original finish date I would have really used up all my strength & mental resources before the birth. Now I feel much better equipped to deal with that and the first few gruelling weeks!

If you were signed off now ML would only kick in at 36 weeks. So 2 weeks before due date at 38 weeks. I am a secondary teacher at 29 weeks and no diabetes but really struggling so I feel your pain. Any suggestions on how to get rid of a chest infection I have had for 7 weeks now!?

Thanks all. I actually have this w eek off as there is parovirus at the school, then it's half term. Phew!

Being scanned and seeing consultant again at 32 weeks, so will seek advice on work/being signed off at that appointment. Very worried as if I continue to measure six weeks ahead I will measure 44 weeks by the time I deliver at 38 weeks! I'm only five foot, I will burst!