Scared of third trimester

[Stefka]

I am 27 weeks and getting very nervous about the last trimester. The first 19 weeks were just awful. The weeks since then have been better but I am already suffering from awful backache and trouble sleeping. I am fearful of the third trimester - of the sickness coming back and of the back pain getting worse. I know it will all be worth it in the end but sometimes I wonder how I will cope.

you will get through it, a day at a time, simply because you have to. Take your mind off worrying with eg whatever reading material you find easiest to get lost in, some pregnancy yoga classes, swimming, making frozen dinners for afterwards.... just keep your mind busy, i would say.

try to think positive
plan in some treats and relaxation - i had regular reflexology which was total luxury but really helped. antenatal yoga also great for socialising and stress relief.
maybe get a physio appointment to deal with back pain before it becomes an issue?
it will go in the blinking of an eye

Hi Stefka - sorry you have had a tough pregnancy. Stay positive and look at this part as your closing stretch - which it is!! Hoorah!! Stay focussed on the end and as others on here say - try some pampering treatments to help you relax and sleep! Good luck in your final trimester. Are you posting on the October antenatal thread? if not, come over - there are lots of lovely people to give you support and get you through this final bit!

Stefka -- I am sorry to hear that you've had such a rough time of it. Sometimes it just isn't fun. I was sick for the first 20wks with my first two, thankfully with the 3rd not sick but bad heartburn. I also had back surgery prior to all three, so my back was a real problem.

Can you get to a swimming pool the wonderful supporting water can really help. It will also help gently mobilse the back and give it some relief. Get your self a mound of pillows and try placing them in various places to help. Under bump, between legs, under legs, etc. everyone is different, but given enough pillows you should find the combo that fits you.

And try and get some support and paper yourself. Possibly a pg massage might help. Good luck.

Nothing major will happen overnight, and you will adjust. A bad first trimester doesn't mean that the third will be bad too, so try not to worry. Also, as you get bigger, other people start to be more sympathetic as you are, in their eyes, "properly pregnant". In many ways I think the first is the hardest, you feel bloody awful but aren't supposed to tell people.

Good luck though and be sure to come onto MN and moan about all the difficult bits!!!

Hi Stefka, I'm right with ya! I'm having trouble sleeping too - or rather I was until DH bought me one of those V-shaped pillows that has really helped.

I do pregnancy yoga which helps with the backpain and use a birthing ball to ensure that I am sitting correctly (and therefore minimise the backpain).

Keep focussed on the end result

It's not always bad - my third trimester has been the best of the three, which came as a surprise. I think my body has adjusted to being pregnant and the anemia, dizziness, back pain etc. has gone.

Hang on in there!

i just wanted to add some positive vibes about the third trimester. I hated the first trimester up to 16 weeks, then everything changed. and in many ways, the final trimester has been the most wonderful and exciting. as previous posters have said, the great thing is that everyone knows and can see that you're heavily pregnant, and you will get a lot of help and support! you will be amazed at how everybody wants to know when your baby is due and wish you the best etc etc etc. It really is lovely and such a contrast with the dark early days when you're feeling crap but can't tell anyone because it's too early. Yes, it's tiring, but you can indulge in afternoon naps. And don't get me started on all those cakes you can eat without feeling too guilty!
i've been lucky, as i've been well and not had backache etc, which I know changes everything. but as I say, at least you'll have lots of support from people, not least on mumsnet.
best of luck...

I reackon the third trimester is not so bad. You get a lot more energy than you had in your first. I felt completely normal apart from my growing bump. The sleepless nights are a hassle but at 39 weeks you look back and think they werent so bad.
Take this time to go on holiday if you can. I wish i had. All i think about now is how nice it would have been. Oooh well.
In the third trimester you will probably notice you are a lot hungrier as well which allows you to indulge alittle which is a rare pleasure. Enjoy......It'll be over before you know it.

Thanks - it is good to hear that it hasn't been so bad for others.

I didn't know about the October antenatal thread - I will go look for it now