The utter, utter tiredness of pregnancy..

[vanimal]

I am 33 weeks pregnant with DC3, and am so, so very tired. I am taking spatone sachets everyday for low iron levels, and not sleeping very well due to the uncomfortableness of bump.

I am shattered from looking after my 3 and 4yos too, and on top of that, we have just moved house so I am trying to unpack and sort stuff out. DH is busy doing DIY on the house till midnight most nights, so not much help for me. I am also working 5 days - I'm self-employed so I need to keep working for as long as I can, and not let clients down etc.

But I am so bloody tired! I have to deliver a piece of work for a 5pm deadline tonight, I have a babysitter in watching the DCs and, thankfully, helping with the odd bit of house stuff too. But I just want to sleep. How will I get through today (and this week)?

I'm very similar - just got to keep going. My DH said I should think of Dory (Finding Nemo)... just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.... I could've punched his lights out

Haha! I probably would punch DHs lights out if he said that to me! :)

But the thought of being Dory makes me laugh - that's exactly how I feel, just ploughing ahead, but brain is definitely disengaged at the moment.

Another one struggling here at 32 weeks! I'm not officially anaemic, my bloods at 28 weeks were acceptable but not brilliant but I'm really struggling! Dd was up coughing in the night and had a temperature this morning so I couldn't send her to school (she's made a miraculous recovery now though and is full of beans and wanting attention ), and I've got my last full night shift tonight to stay awake for (I can't wait to officially start my leave next week! ) I don't remember being this tired at this stage last time, I'm good for nothing today! I'm sure having a newborn is easier (will I regret saying that? )

I too am at the point of thinking 'hand me the newborn, it will be easier!'

The only advice I can give is the advice I will tell myself when the newborn isn't easier - - "Don't think too much, head down and do!"

Try not to think about how completely freaking knackered you are and do what you have to do (no extras, just the bare mininmum!!!) Call in favours and get someone/anyone to help with the kids.

And tell hubby to put down the tool belt! Unless what he is doing is holding up the house/supplying water/heat/power then it can wait.

As I said 'head down and do' but remember everyone has a breaking point......stop before you reach it.

I'm so with you. I'm nearly 40 weeks, and every day wake up disappointed that I'm not in labour because it's got to be easier having a newborn - oh, and DH will be on paternity leave so can look after DS. It is SO hard being pregnant and self employed with a toddler. And you have TWO. Wow. Good luck. And if there's anyway that you can throw some money at the problem and have more hours/ days with the nanny, do.

Ok, so I figured a morning nap is the way forward. From 11-12.30, as the DDs are both at preschool/daycare today. I am functioning now, but summer holidays loom in 3 weeks, then no more daytime napping.

Amandine did you make it through your night shift?

Puffykins, wow, 40 weeks, exciting! Do you know what you are having? I don't live near any family, but am looking into getting some additional help at home, asking friends if anyone knows of anyone, but nothing so far.

Blueaddie DH is fixing up the kitchen and we are living off microwave meals until that's done, so it is urgent unfortunately.

I am going to bury my head in the sand and just try to get through these next few weeks. Good luck to you all going through the same!

I've just woken up having finished my last night shift for 10 months, just one more 5 hour evening shift to go! I made it! It'll take me a few days to recover though, the last few have been really tough going.

We did the whole no kitchen thing when I was pregnant with dd...I remember standing amongst all the mess and just bursting into tears, it felt like it'd never end but it will be worth it in the end. Up until 2 weeks ago we didn't have a bathroom as it was being renovated, why do we do these things to ourselves?!

I'm 36 weeks with dc3 and altho in actually sleeping v well at night im waking up Abso exhausted! I've done nothing all day and feel like I've done a day at work! I dnt no what's wrong with me ? Dr wants me to pick up forms and go and do a blood test over the hospital but I can't even be bothered to that! Seriously this is really hard. My older two are at school today but I'm just a zombie all the time I haven't even the energy to pack my hospital bag! Im wondering If it's also a bit of antenatal depression ? If wasn't on maternity leave I don't know how I would cope?

Err yes please can I join?! Have been feeling the tiredness since first trimester, now 25 wks and absolutely exhausted this week. Don't have the horror of looking after toddlers - really have utmost respect for you OP! - but I'm a sinary teacher and it's been a loooooong term! I thought after sats it'd be a nice cruise to summer, but hell no. An only just leaving work after getting in at half 7 and will prob do the same tomorrow. Problem is I have to try so hard not to take it out on the kids and other staff - just want to tell everyone not to bother talking to me cos I just don't have the energy to be civil!!! and as for poos DH... if can't get boy sense out of of past 8 and I'm going to bed without him every night. What will happen when the baby comes?! We'll be like strangers!!!

Vanimal your morning nap sounds GREAT. I currently sleep when DS sleeps at lunchtime - thank GOD he still has that nap . . . .
Apparently this time I'm having a girl - it's actually been a much harder pregnancy than it was with DS, and I wonder if it's related to the sex of the baby. You know, that old adage about boys making you bloom, and girls stealing your beauty? My hair has been falling out, my skin has been terrible, and I'm anaemic and have got low blood pressure etc. etc. Oh - and my nanny has quit! Now! At 40 weeks! ("Sorry, I realise it's probably not a very convenient time for you"!!) Admittedly, she was only working for me part-time, and she's found a full-time job, so I do actually totally understand.

But I have to give birth soon, right? I mean, nobody has every actually been pregnant forever, as far as I know . . . I look forward to reporting back very soon to tell all of you how much easier it is once the baby is out . . . .

Amandine, congratulations on the beginning of your maternity leave.