Coping when you have dc's and heavily pregnant

[Lavenderdays]

School/Pre-school have started back today...and I feel like a weight has lifted!

I am currently 34+5 (will be induced at 39 weeks so max of 4 weeks to go). I have two dd's aged 11 and 4 and feel relieved that they have returned today to school/part-time pre-school. Usually, I look forward to the holidays and we get out and about - albeit not easily as 4 year old is very energetic and a bit of an escape artist (starts school in September) but also very loving. 11 year old, left to her own devices will plug herself into her phone/computer or basically stare at any available screen. Feeling guilty that this holiday, I haven't felt like doing very little - usually I do crafts, run around the park, bake etc. as well as take them out but my nausea has returned and I have felt like doing very little.
Well, it feels like a weight has lifted in that at least for a while...someone else is providing stimulation for them etc (usually I am a sahm). I am massive now (carrying excess fluid too, I think) and become breathless easily - checked out but this is obviously impacting on my mobility. DH has taken some leave to take dcs out but we are trying to save his leave for when baby comes along. No extended family unfortunately and no nice friends to help out...does anyone find themselves in this position where they are literally scraping by with caring for their dcs whilst pregnant?
Also, irritated because planning for dcs care for when I go into labour has been like planning a military operation...there are contingency plans for this that and the other scenario and the dcs will have to be shipped out to other peoples houses with their cases etc. Neighbour opposite has parents who turn up once or twice a week to pick up extra childcare needs (only one school age child) and do jobs like cleaning windows/cars etc. I try not to get envious...but it seems some of us have to work harder at this. Grrrh...end of epic gripe, just feeling sorry for myself I think and probably worrying about my lovely dds too x

I think most people struggle at the end of pregnancy especially when they have other DC. I have 3 under 5 and I'm due in May and I'm still tired all the time. We have no family nearby but my youngest two are in nursery 2 mornings. I had a few weeks in the second trimester where I felt things were okay and I had energy to run around but lately I have developed pregnancy insomnia so I'm up by 2 every morning. Most of my friends have family support and they still struggle with their 2DC. But I try not to complain or compare because we generally cope alright. I remind myself that pregnancy isn't forever and if I need to use Peppa Pig so I can lie down on the sofa looking at the mess around me, that is okay too.

Basically what I'm saying is but yourself some slack. Once the baby arrives, they be distracted by their new sibling and you will all discover a new normal!

Wow, elves...three under 5, that must take an enormous amount of energy! Sympathies with the pregnancy insomnia...I had that in my last pregnancy and it really messes with your body clock.

I try not to compare with those with extended family/support because there isn't much that can be done is there...but sometimes, if I'm feeling particularly tired etc. the green eyed monster does emerge. Yes, I have had to cut myself some slack (but I hate admitting defeat) and do feel defeated by the most simple things lately; it has been a hard lesson to learn to actually let things go.

It is all helped by the fact the dds have returned to their usual routine of school and pre-school - although a bit more driving is involved, it is great that they are out and about doing things again.

Hello. I've seen you on the March thread. I am 36weeks today and very uncomfortable!
Mat leave started last week but it was half term so I had the kids all week. I have a 2yo and a 4yo. 4yo is supposed to have preschool 3 mornings a week now but the car is broken down so I can't get him there.
No family help here either and I feel bad that I can't take the kids out much. My back hurts too much!

Oh no Blink, sorry to hear about the car. There are lots of ladies which seem to have a hard time with 2 maybe 3 under 5, pregnant and struggling...I just haven't come across them in real life but now I feel really bad for moaning about my lot...thinking nearly everyone had extended family etc. to help out.
I want to say to you not to feel bad...and then I need to take heed of that and apply it to myself because it is was it is and we can't change that.
Take care Blink and Elves x

Don't feel bad about moaning! We all need to do it sometimes especially when you are pregnant.

I think school holidays are just tough. I just booked a week away during the Easter break because the idea of being 30+ weeks and housebound with my 3 for the entire holiday made me break into a sweat. I'm going to try to book playdates during that break so I don't have to think about what to do to entertain them.

Sympathies. I’m a few weeks behind you and only have the one toddler. It is a struggle to keep up!! One of my friends keeps insisting that it is easier to have a newborn and toddler, than be heavily pregnant with a toddler... I’m not sure I believe her, but it is lovely she’s trying to give hope haha.

Not long left!! Hope you get some rest OP!

Yes, Kitty, I had heard that too: that it's easier to manage with a young child and a baby rather than be heavily pregnant and a young child...right now I'm hanging onto that as I'm struggling to get around!

Four weeks to go, doesn't sound like long (in my case) but when I think of another four weeks of this...it seems like forever!

The kids are being as good as gold and I've even managed to do some sorting for baby. Must get them out this afternoon!

I'm only 11w and toddler will be 21 months by the time newborn arrives... can't believe some of you are doing it with more than one!