Baby movement uncomfortable

[Edisnori]

Hello, I'm 30 weeks pregnant and sometimes (like just now when I'm cooking ) the baby feels so close to the surface of my skin. My belly starts to protrude out even more and standing becomes so uncomfortable. It doesn't hurt but it almost feels like she wants to pop out ! Slightly concerned as I'm starting teaching again next week... Is this normal for this stage?!

Yes it’s normal. I’m 31 weeks and exactly the same. It’s not painful as such but the pressure can be very uncomfortable - my baby is transverse too which doesn’t help!

Yeah, completely normal.

@Fleur405 Thanks for the reply! Can you feel when your baby is transverse? My last scan showed her head is pretty low down but sometimes I think she changes and could be transverse ... What does that feel like or you can't tell?
I am relieved this is normal but also feel like I want to cross my legs for the next six weeks!

Yes movements normal but hopefully your school will be facilitating a risk assessment to move you to working from home soon?
I hope you are being provided with an FFP mask in the meantime if they want you teaching face to face!

31 weeks here and I could have written your post!

@SouthwestSis Nope! My headmaster is the most mysogynistic pr*! I don't have the energy to even broach it with him. He's been quite difficult and even asking not to be in whole school assemblies felt like I was asking a lot. My midwife told me to go on this website pregnant and screwed but finding the mental energy to begin what feels like a long and uncomfortable process feels impossible to me right now . I have a good mask and before christmas, was the only teacher not to come down with Omicron so felt like the measures I've put in place are working...

Very relieved to know these movements are normal !

@maisiedaisy64 glad to know I am not the only one experiencing this! I haven't watched Alien but I'm pretty sure the actress felt sometime similar lol

Sorry to hear that, I know the feeling of not having the energy to fight, but it's certainly worth doing once you get to 34weeks when you are at really quite high risk! Talk to your trade union for support with handling the head.
You are replaceable at work, you are not to your baby.

@Edisnori I'm a teacher and had to get the union involved and subsequently be signed off work at 27 weeks in order to be out of the classroom setting as my place would have absolutely none of it that pregnant women are at risk

@SouthwestSis
Honestly it doesn't feel like I am! He has put quite a lot of pressure on me already by saying they posted an ad for someone to fill my shoes but no responses... But I am feeling a lot of guilt too about still being there, like I'm being a bad mum already!

@sasbiscuit I think we have spoken before! Did you get signed off on full pay? The last post I made was about this but I sort of gave in and didn't have mental energy to combat head teacher and 2 male deputy heads who all told me the school were under no obligation to get me to work from home.

Yes! And yes, was signed off for 2 weeks, no budge from my place, so went back to GP and was signed off further 6 weeks taking me to Christmas holidays. So yes, thankfully full pay but now a big chunk on my record as being 'off sick'

Yes it's totally normal.

On a side note @Edisnori I think it's against union guidelines and RCOG for you to not work from home in third trimester. Regardless of whether you head is a twat or not. I would really argue this. I know it's so hard when you're exhausted. I am a teacher. Schools are not safe packed and you must protect yourself and your baby.

Also. You can self cert for 28 days sick. On full pay. Just be careful because if it's 4 weeks before your due date abs is a maternity matter than you have to start your mat leave. Not sure when you were planning to start.

@sasbiscuit this is wrong, it should not be recorded on your record as sick leave as it is not sickness, it is schools refusal to provide work that fits the specifications of your risk assessment so definitely challenge this, and ask your trade union for support if necessary.

@Whatelsecouldibecalled I'm planning on starting February half term. I don't want my record to say so many weeks/months sick.
Just even contacting union and having that uncomfortable conversation with everyone and have him be horrible to me, I just don't feel like I can do... I will see what Omicron does and now I've had booster, I'm feeling a little bit more comfortable going in. It shouldn't be this hard really and I know they should be trying to protect me more.

Yes the union were in numerous communications with HR and senior managers but they would not budge, the union couldn't get any further unless I filed a grievance (at which point I stopped fighting as it was stressing me out).

So good luck if you have a stubborn workplace!

I’m not really sure how to explain it other than I can literally feel baby’s body stretched across my front. I’ve been having fortnightly scans since 20 weeks. Baby was breach until about 24 weeks and then turned half way and is still there. Couldn’t really tell position at first but bigger baby gets the more obvious it is.

@Edisnori why does it matter? Pregnancy related sickness doesn't go on your record. But even then. It doesn't matter and I think you would have a very fair chance of explaining it even if you did. I'm sorry you're made to feel this way but you need to fight for what is right to protect you and your baby. I'm sorry if I sound like I'm having a go. I really don't mean to be but it infuriates me when female teachers are made to feel like this.

@sasbiscuit This is exactly what I don't have the mental energy for. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I am planning on doing the bare minimum though and leaving everyday at 4pm

@Fleur405 Ahhhh ok well sometimes I think I feel this. Guess she still can move around quite a lot in there lol
She seems to prefer head down, butt up though so fingers crossed!

@Whatelsecouldibecalled
It has infuriated me/upset me but honestly don't want to go through what sasbiscuit went through. I'll have a look on the pregnant and screwed website maybe that'll give me a little courage

@Edisnori I virtually have your back. Totally. You really can do this. Be strong mama. Fight for what is right.

Pregnant then screwed are very good.

Mine was terrible at 30 weeks, it always was worse when I was trying to either concentrate at work or relax to go to sleep, I spent many nights downstairs because ds was either booting my bladder or settling on my sciatic nerve, I ended up going off sick at 32 weeks as my husband was seriously ill, I had been due to finish at 35 weeks anyway. I was glad I finished early as ds was born at 37 weeks because I had pre eclampsia. Are you planning to go back after your maternity leave?

Nat6999 Yes I am definitely going back. Love being a teacher .
When did you find out about the pre eclampsia? 36 weeks seems like a struggle now but I plan on taking it very easy.