How does anyone get through those last few weeks?

[Didactylos]

Am 38 wks with dc2, counting down the days until ELCS at 39wks predicted large. Delivered at about 38 weeks with DC1 EMCS - (over 4kg)

Both pregnancies - from about 36 weeks onwards have been utterly miserable - oedema, carpal tunnel syndrome, pain, pelvic issues, no comfortable positions to sit/stand/walk, exhausted, dyspnoeic, heartburn, hourly waking, hourly peeing, generally not a walk in the park, and I am struggling to maintain my cheery self

How do people go on to 40 weeks - or even further in this state? I honestly do not think I could cope waiting for labour to start at some point in time in the next 4 weeks? And everyone says - put your feet up, get some rest, enjoy this quiet time

(rationally I know its all individual but just need a moan and anyones ideas for how they coped with the last few weeks)

I honestly don't know!! I do think every pregnancy is different though with my first I didn't find the last few weeks that bad. I was on mat leave and could sleep, relax do what I wanted. I was very lucky and had very few symptoms later on no spd or anything.
I found second and third awful in the last few weeks I was a sahm mum so had no mat leave and just carried on what I normally do. I find the first fe weeks with a new born a million times easier than those last few weeks of being pregnant.
I'm 27 weeks with my fourth and my youngest is only 10 months, I'm dreading those last few weeks have no idea what I will do Ds not walking yet but am trying to show him how to crawl up the stairs (with me behind him obviously!) because I just can't carry him up anymore.

Oh and Ds was 10lb 8 so god knows how big this one will be the idea of carrying and 11 pounder around for the last few weeks isn't exactly filling me with joy!!

Im just whinging, I know! now feeling v glad that DC 1 is mostly capable and at a lovely empathic stage where he will pick things up for me and try and tie my laces.

I will be thinking of you in the next few months as you approach the birth. Ive been thinking the same thing - having a newborn and my body back to more function/normal will be a million times easier than this!

I was ok physically with my first pregnancy which went to 40+5; still walking a few miles a day etc and eating reasonably normally. Pelvis was sore at night though-sleep minimal-and I was GRUMPY!

I honestly think people whose babies are born early* don't know how lucky they are- each day becomes like a year!

*i mean a few days or a week early-not prem obviously....

I also found newborn so much easier than pregnancy.

I don't know. 40+6 and want to cry.

I'm only 31 weeks and already feeling the symptoms you've listed. IME they start earlier with each pregnancy; first I was perfect until 36-37w, second until 33w and now at 31 w I have pelvic pain & pressure, heart burn, dizziness, needing to pee ALL the time, fetal movement that is so strong it takes my breath away, back pain, leg cramps at night, severe braxton hicks.

I think I should keep this written somewhere in case I feel broody next year

Chin up OP, you're nearly there x

Foodie mum - you may just have helped me decide my family is complete!

There is no way of coping other than moaning. I'm 37+4 & I'm about to start trying the old wives tails to get it out.

Like you I'm in agony every day, can't sleep, it's to hot, I'm permanently uncomfortable, I've been pregnant for nearly a year & I want my body & sex life back!!! A very strong alcoholic drink, some blue cheese & rear steak wouldn't go a miss either

makes me feel better not to be alone

Rationally I know in the grand scheme of things I am so lucky that I will soon have a baby and that my discomforts and miseries are temporary but today I have just had it with playing Pollyanna...