38 weeks - tired, uncomfortable, scared

[RosaAbsolute]

I'm 38+1 with our first DC. We tried for quite a while to start our family and generally I've loved being pregnant and feel so grateful. However now I am at the point where it's very much a reality I'm scared and overwhelmed. We have everything we need (I think). I love buying stuff for the baby etc and DH is so excited but I'm worried about the reality of what's going to happen, in terms of childbirth (I'm terrified) and generally being a parent.

We both live quite carefree lives at the moment so it's going to be a huge adjustment. I'm so scared of childbirth and having injuries etc. I'm not great with pain and discomfort and I know it's possible to have an epidural but I worry about side effects of that too.

My shoulders are aching, I feel uncomfortable and huge... don't know what I'm asking here I guess I'm just wondering if anyone is feeling the same?

Not feeling the same - I have 2 dcs (7 and 10) but just wanted to send you a virtual hug. What you are feeling is not uncommon! I don’t really have any advice - but maybe focusing on the amazing outcome of holding your baby might help? Can you speak to your midwife and say how you are feeling - they might be able to reassure you or point you in the direction of people who can? It is a huge adjustment - but it’s so worth it. Xxx

35 weeks with my second and I feel similar. It's the unknowns isn't it- I just want baby here safely and us both to be ok now. Not long to go- I think for me the reality is easier than the anticipation. I was so relieved to not be pregnant any more last time after a difficult pregnancy and birth I think the high got me through the first few weeks with a newborn.

Just a little hug. It's a lot of big hills to climb and changes but honestly you will be ok. You only have to do one day at a time. Come back in a month and tell us about all the good moments you are having.

Thank you for the replies, I must be very hormonal because the kind words have made me tear up. I've probably got too much time on my hands to think and worry about everything.

It's so scary thinking I could go into labour at any time (equally it could be weeks) and I'm fed up of feeling "not quite right". Today I'm achy, feel a bit nauseous, I'm exhausted and weak... Then I think even once I've had the baby I'll have he birth to recover from, breastfeeding to attempt to navigate, sleep deprivation etc... Before pregnancy I was fit and active, I don't recognise myself now and wonder if and how I'll ever get back to that person.

I wish DC was the one who had to give birth and I could just be the supportive partner!

Everyone feels like that, weather it be your first or your 8th. Labour is scary, but when you are in the moment your brain just knows what to do, to help you through. As for afterwards when your baby is here, yes it is a big change and yes it will feel at times like you can't cope. I'm not going to lie, the sleepless nights are horrible and when you look at your partner sleeping next to you, while you are doing the 5th night feed, you will feel so much hate towards him lol. But after a few months of feeling like you have been hit by a train, you learn to adapt and you will look at your baby with such an overwhelming sensation of love and all the sleepless nights and worrying about labour etc will just be a distant memory. I know it's easy for me to say not to worry, but honestly you will be fine. Just focus on the end result xx

I'm 37 weeks pregnant, I've already got 3 kids.

Don't worry childbirth is not that bad at all!! It's over quickly and you get a lovely baby at the end.

Your life and you yourself will change and you won't be the same person as before, but that is a good thing - you'll find all this love for someone else you didn't know you had. Try and enjoy the new baby, picture going for walks and having cuddles. Breast feeding is lovely too. Meet other new mums so you're not isolated.

I just want my baby out at this stage!! I'm sick of being pregnant, I'm ginormous and so tired and incapable of walking anywhere especially upstairs.