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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Coping with third trimester

11 replies

Oiwiththepoodlesalreadygg · 27/04/2022 17:07

Hello, this is my first post here, though I've been lurking since I fell pregnant and found lots of great advice from you all!

I'm 28 weeks pregnant and after two relatively easy trimesters, the third trimester has hit me like a ton of bricks. This past week, I've had pelvic pain which I'm waiting to hear from the midwife/physio for advice on, I'm exhausted all the time (due to be prescribed iron but it's been slow to process due to issues at the GP surgery) and I'm getting horrible leg cramps at night.

I work full time as a teacher, so on my feet a lot, and I'm also studying a part time masters and I honestly don't know how to cope with it all! My final essay deadline is when I'm 37 weeks. I could definitely ease up if I need to but I'm hoping to maybe hear from anyone who's managed a demanding workload while pregnant? I've worked so hard to get this far, I'd be sorry to give up but I know I also need to take care of my mental health and this week has been a struggle! My partner is very supportive and is doing almost everything around the house so at least I don't have that to worry about as well! Any advice from any who's ever been in a similar situation would be great!

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dancingmice · 27/04/2022 17:16

Hi, you can buy iron tablets over the counter in Boots for about £2. Much quicker than waiting for your GP to faff about and prescribe them

Snoopy28x · 27/04/2022 17:22

Hey! I feel your pain. 37 weeks with baby #3 and it's been rough. I'm also trying to do an evening course in accounting, a lovely toddler who is home with me most of the time. Twice daily school runs. I have pelvic girdle pain which is worse as I'm carrying a giant baby (estimated 10lb 5oz). Aneamic and I got diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks. I am so at the point I need this baby out!

The advice I can offer with the pelvic pains is trying to keep legs together. So when walking up stairs take one step at a time, when you get out of the car put a plastic bag on your seat keep knees together and swivel out. Sleep with a pillow between knees. Try to limit pushing a trolley or carrying things on one side, as that really aggravates mine. If you have a gym ball then that helps to sit on that to take the pressure off your pelvis. Also worked wonders during labour for me. Have a look online for a bump support. That takes a bit of pressure off to.

It's a rough ride towards the end so go easy on yourself. Rest as much as you can xx

Original poster

Oiwiththepoodlesalreadygg · 27/04/2022 17:34

Thank you - that's a good tip, will head to boots and see if that helps!

OP posts:

HiKelsey · 27/04/2022 17:43

Drink orange juice with your iron tablets, helps for absorption. I was anemic most my pregnancy and that's why I was exhausted all the time. Good luck :)

Original poster

Oiwiththepoodlesalreadygg · 27/04/2022 17:46

Thanks for replying and well done for getting to 37 weeks with so much going on! Especially having a toddler, I can only imagine how much harder than makes it. Really appreciate all the suggestions, will definitely take on board those tips. Most people I know were pregnant in lockdown, which definitely brought it's own challenges and I wouldn't want to trade places, but there's no one I know in real life who's had to struggle through work at this stage, so it's nice to not feel alone! Best of luck to you in the final weeks - hopefully not long now!

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BlueBeeSpots · 27/04/2022 17:47

I’m 28 weeks too and oh my god the pelvic pain 😩 it’s stopping me from sleeping.

Snoopy28x · 27/04/2022 18:10

@Oiwiththepoodlesalreadygg it is rough but it will be all worth it in the end. The time seems to have sped up closer to the end I get. So hopefully the same happens for you.

Do you have long left until your maternity leave? X

Original poster

Oiwiththepoodlesalreadygg · 27/04/2022 18:47

Sorry, not sure how to reply to people individually!

I've heard that about orange juice, definitely worth a try!

Night time is bad for me too, lying on my side with pillows definitely helps, but then my hips get so sore.

At the moment I'm trying to go to the end of term (Scotland, so end of June) when I'll be 37 weeks. Then I'll have two and a half weeks of holiday until my due date to finally rest! But I'll go earlier if needs be or maybe explore dropping a day if that's an option

OP posts:

BlueBeeSpots · 27/04/2022 19:06

When’s your due date? 😀 mine’s July 15th. I’m working up until the 11th July (desk job and my babies are always overdue). I couldn’t cope with being on my feet all day at this stage, hats off to you!

Original poster

Oiwiththepoodlesalreadygg · 27/04/2022 20:49

14th! So nearly due date twins 😁 there's no way I could teach until the 11th! Impressed you're making it that far 💪

OP posts:

Snoopy28x · 28/04/2022 07:07

I really struggle with sleep at the minute. Because of the gestational diabetes, I am always thirsty so drink loads, then am up 5 or 6 times a night to wee. Then I cant get comfy, baby turns and crushes my lungs lol then my dh starts snoring 🥴 my youngest keeps waking up once or twice in the night but seems to be for no particular reason! Then my dd wakes at the crack of dawn 6am full of beans and wanting to chat lol I have 3 hours this morning when dd is at school and ds is at pre school so plan to sit and do nothing!! However my car is broken in the garage so have to walk them there and back 😖 the struggle is real lol xx

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