Last weeks of rainbow pregnancy - how do I cope?

[Rubytue]

Hi,

First post here on mumsnet. I don’t like posting about loss on pregnancy groups as I never want to upset anyone so I won’t go into any detail just need some advice.

But after a difficult year last year I can’t actually believe I’m nearly there with my rainbow baby. I’m due to be induced in 7 days but it feels like a lifetime away.

I’ve had scans every couple of weeks last one being at 36 and consultant said he is fine. I am having CTGs weekly which are all fine and movement is good. There is no reason to think that this baby won’t arrive safely but my anxiety is through the roof.

The whole pregnancy has been a mental struggle but this last week and week coming up I feel like I can’t cope. I feel like something bad is going to happen this last week when I’m so close.

I read everyone else’s posts and would love to feel the excitement that other mums feel. Physically I feel totally fine, I have a small bump and hardly know I’m so far on which I feel very lucky for.

Just mentally im a mess. I can hardly sleep and keep obsessing I’ll wake up and he will have stopped moving. Can anyone relate to how I am feeling? Is anxiety at this late stage normal anyway.

Thanks for reading.

I am sorry for your previous loss. I didn't want to read this and not post, as you do sound very anxious.

I think everyone is anxious during pregnancy. We all just want our little newborns born safe and happy. Seven days will actually fly by and then you'll get to cuddle your little baby.

Have you tried mindfulness? I find it really helpful when my emotions are running wild and I need grounded.

I haven't had a loss thankfully so can't relate to how worried you must be but was still crazy anxious even at the end worrying that something was going to go wrong. It didn't and it is exceptionally unlikely for anything to go wrong for you either. This time next week you'll be cuddling your new baby! Mindfulness is a good shout from a PP and I found falling asleep listening to meditation type stuff helped block the negative thoughts from my mind. Good luck for your last few days. Take it one day at a time

When I had my rainbow baby the following helped me:

1. don’t google anything related to pregnancy
2. remember this pregnancy is new and different. It won’t be a repeat performance.
3. talk. Saying my fears out loud to my partner helped so much.
4. let yourself day dream. Your baby is nearly here and you need to start believing it’s true. Try and focus on how your baby feels, their movements and closeness. Pretty soon they will be on the outside (hooray) and it will be lovely to remember this feeling. Best of luck xx

I haven’t had a loss but good luck in this final stretch and try to enjoy it 💗 it’s bizarre to not be pregnant once baby is in your arms 🤭 Enjoy every moment and wishing you the best 💗

Sorry to hear about your previous loss. I know how you feel though as I am going though the same. I suffered a loss last year and this has caused me to be very anxious about this pregnancy, I am at 36 weeks and have had more scans through out this pregnancy too and everything is showing all good and well. But you just can't help but think that something may happen.
I'm trying to think positive and I think that talking about your worries will help. Keeping them bottled up won't help and you will worry more.

Thank you so much for all your replies. I will try the meditation apps before bed. Suizeiief good luck also with your pregnancy, I’ve been telling everyone how I feel I’m sure they all think I’m mad but it does make me feel better!