2nd pregnancy - struggling @ 34weeks!

[AlexandriaFlynn]

Evening all,

I'm relatively new to Mumsnet but hoped it would be ok to just post and ask for some support! I'm
34 weeks pregnant with my second son. My first pregnancy was an absolute breeze - no sickness or any other nasty symptoms. I'm a Zumba instructor and I continued to teach my classes right up til 4 days before I went in to labour. I felt so great (before you all hate me, a traumatic birth & then a milk allergy & serious case of reflux brought me back down to earth 😂)

This time I can't say I've had a bad pregnancy as I know many of you would have had so much worse but it's very different. I've got to 34 weeks and my body seems almost like it's given up!! I'm covered in a rash, I have heartburn, low iron levels (on tablets now) I've had sciatica and just this week my hips have started to sort of give way as I walk which I know is normal but seems to be very early? I feel completely fed up and I still have 6 long weeks to go. Anyone out there in the same boat?? I'm aware that I'm so lucky to be pregnant and be carrying a healthy baby but sometimes you just need a rant! Xx

I have total sympathy, especially for the rash! I had that in my first pregnancy and it was hellish. I’m 24 weeks pregnant and I’m wondering how it’s going to be at 34 as I’m always exhausted! The time will tick past, slowly but surely.

Around 30 weeks is when my body just seemed to be giving up on me. Same problem with hips (get referred to physio, the belt they give really helps when walking/standing. They will also give you advice and exercises to help), pain, sickness, swelling, no sleep etc etc. First 2 pregnancies were a doddle. Baby arriving tomorrow so hopefully body will start to go back to normal soon. Whatever you do don’t try power through the hip and pelvis pain or you will find yourself struggling to dance for a while, my boss tried to carry on doing almost as much as she had in pre/early pregnancy and she has ended up with very bad limp and chronic pain and hip operation 6 years after she had her baby

I'll join you with that! 35 weeks tomorrow and also hit a point where I feel like I'm falling apart! Same as you - first pregnancy was a breeze (and similar problems postnatally too) but so much harder this time round.
I'm crossing fingers that this one will be slightly earlier than due date like my first was!

With my second pregnancy, I ended up a total physical wreck by 35 weeks. By the time I went on mat leave at 37 weeks I was so run down I ended up with pneumonia! This time round I am making more of an effort to look after myself - I started mat leave at 34 weeks, I'm eating really well and keeping my son in nursery 3 days a week even though I'm off work! I think we underestimate how much pregnancy takes out of us when we already have children. Yes, pregnancy is not an illness, but it is a legitimate reason to slow down and look after yourself. Take it easy, and get as much help and support as you can. It really is important to rest! X

I can't tell you how comforting it is to not be told I'm being dramatic or moany! And to hear that I'm not the only one! Thank you all so much xx