How on earth do you stay active in late pregnancy?!

[Fluffybastardcloudkittens]

I know I should be active, upright, encouraging my baby into a good position for labour but I'm sooo tired!

I'm 37+6 today, it's half past 12 and I'm still in my nighty on the sofa. Surely I can't be the only one who struggles to follow the advice to keep active.

Apart from general exercises and a prenatal yoga DVD, I've got loads of chores to be getting on with but I just can't motivate myself to get up!

[Fluffybastardcloudkittens]

Those of you who have been active right until the end for whatever reason - do you think you're labours were better?
I've just done a load of washing up but my back was hurting and I felt like crying (just a mood swing). Is it worth pushing myself?

[MinnieMouse5678]

I just used to go for a walk every day, I waited until whenever i was up and dressed so no pressure, and walked for as little or as long as i felt able too. Sometimes it was 15 minutes, other times an hour or so! Always perked me up in those final weeks and I'm sure it helped labour begin

[ThatBloodyWoman]

I ended up with 2 sections, and never even made it as far as active labour!

There's no guarantees.

Tbh there's a lot to be said for having a rest while you can!
Personally I don't think it's worth pushing yourself.If your body says stop, then listen.

[Cariad007]

I had a very straightforward birth - contractions lasted a long time but the yoga breathing really helped and second stage of labour was over in 90 mins. I felt quite tired for about a week after birth but 5 weeks on am all recovered and back in my pre-pregnancy clothes.

[SizzlesSit]

I live in a country where mat leave starts at 35 weeks (and is 16 weeks so it shows the importance they put on resting before labour) because they really believe that a rested woman has an easier labour.

Im 33 weeks and have already been signed off work for 2 weeks as Im exhausted, still being sick and in a lot of pain.

Im trying to rest as much as possible. DS is 2.6 and my parents look after him in the day but he still wants a lot of my attention. And Im getting up to him 1-4 times a night. The rest of the time Im in bed or on the sofa.

With my first pregnancy I was more active with walking etc but not amazingly active. Still lost all the baby weight very quickly after the birth despite eating lots of cake

[OrangeMochaFrappucino]

Fluffy, I was pregnant in a very cold snowy winter last time and could barely make it out of the house. I spent the last couple of weeks lying on the sofa. Had a 5.5hr labour in a birth pool, no need of pain relief, very easy and straightforward! Would prefer to be more active this time because I know it's better but like you, my back is so sore and I'm finding it very difficult! I don't know how much of a difference it may make to labour but I do think you have to listen to your body and rest when you need to.

[PenguinsEatSpinach]

I would not say to 'push yourself' ever but I'd say doing as much as you are comfortable for as long as you are comfortable (rather than just slobbing out because nothing is stopping you) is likely to help keep your energy up. With the luxury of your first that can still be combined with masses of rest.

[Fluffybastardcloudkittens]

Thank you for all your replies. Fx for a good nights sleep tonight then tomorrow I'll try and get a better balance of rest and activity.

[weebairn]

Once I was on mat leave, I used to go for a slow gentle walk or a swim in the morning, and rest in the afternoon. I found my mood was better if I got out the house , and I really enjoyed my afternoon naps

Got a 18 month old this pregnancy so think it will all be a bit different!

[moomin35]

Oh gosh I'm already doing next to nothing at 31 weeks Oops.