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Original poster

33 weeks and REALLY struggling, toddler help needed

13 replies

Raspberrybush · 31/05/2023 07:15

I am 33 weeks today and my back and left hip in particular are slowly but surely giving up. I can hardly move in the morning and I can’t lift my toddler or do an awful lot.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to how to get through the next six weeks of life hacks? No one around me being especially sympathetic!

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snickersicecreampls · 31/05/2023 07:32

I'm 37.5 weeks and have been like this since about 35 weeks. I'm seeing a physio, doing daily stretching exercises and regular paracetamol.

Also sitting down as much as possible and taking all and any help I can get!

I'm sorry, it's really hard isn't it. I really want to enjoy the end of my pregnancy and feel it's impossible to while in so much pain!

snickersicecreampls · 31/05/2023 07:33

Ps I too have a toddler, he goes to nursery two days which helps. Do you have any childcare?

GL123 · 31/05/2023 07:35

Sorry you’re struggling! Hopefully the time flies in for you. I don’t think I can offer much practical help, I’m in a similar boat as I’m 29 weeks with a toddler. We were away at the weekend and he took multiple tantrums (lying on the floor/road/pavement) and it was near impossible trying to peel him off the ground as he thrashed about. I could see people looking as if they felt sorry for me as I’m visibly huge now 🙈 I try to take the buggy when I can to avoid the lifting as much as possible and also avoid him running off but it is just unavoidable at times

Original poster
Raspberrybush · 31/05/2023 07:35

I think I’d be a sobbing wreck by now without it - three days a week! I do work on those days though (which is increasingly proving difficult to be honest but I also know that staying mobile with back pain is important.) I have him Thursdays and Fridays and I am thinking of things we could do and a bit flummoxed as everything involves lifting, chasing, bending … even going to the park would be so hard at the moment.

Did you get referred to a physio through your GP? Just really need something to help alleviate things a bit, my back is so painful and it is so tiring. This morning the toddler was crying and it felt like an eternity getting from bed to him and I feel so guilty.

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Raspberrybush · 31/05/2023 07:36

The worst is when you take the buggy and they want to be carried anyway! Staggering around with a pushchair and squirmy child! I think I might try to brave the park tomorrow, it’s flat and there is a duck pond so should cope … just!

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SummerBaby23 · 31/05/2023 07:37

I am 35 weeks with a 2 year old and could have written this myself!

If I drop things on the floor now they are gone to me, I don't try and pick them up. I do get my toddler to climb on a chair/sofa though to pick them up as its easier than from the floor, and I don't carry them on the stairs. I've had to give them a lot of independence which is great but things now take FOREVER!

snickersicecreampls · 31/05/2023 07:59

@Raspberrybush I go to a private physio, it's about £50 a session once a week and is worth its weight in gold. Noticed a real improvement but still in lots of pain but it is getting better.

Didn't really have the time to wait for an NHS referral.

Hope you feel better soon, lots of rest whenever you can, weekends and evenings etc!

Original poster
Raspberrybush · 31/05/2023 08:00

Oh god it’s so hard isn’t it?? I feel so guilty that we’re watching too much TV as well. I keep yelping and gasping too.

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Raspberrybush · 31/05/2023 08:03

Thanks @snickersicecreampls , where did you find them? Sorry to bombard you with questions!

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Tarantallegra · 31/05/2023 08:10

Honestly, I was not a good parent during the later stages of pregnancy. Lots of TV time and most meals were snacky bits toddler could feed himself. I find with mine that he doesn't care what I do if I sit on the floor so I used the bean bag to prop myself up, surrounded the area with toy cars and he was happy to play around me. Getting up is difficult to say the least but when I'm on the floor he lets me sit still for ages!

I've got my house to the point where it's so toddler proofed I could leave him in any room unattended without a problem, that cuts out the chasing them to stop them doing something naughty run. Do you have a sprinkler? Now it's getting warmer you could bang that on, that keeps them entertained for a while. Do you know anyone with a dog? When I meet a friend with dogs in the park he'll play for ages with the dogs and burn off some steam. Prolong baths for as long as they will enjoy it, get in with them if you can't bend over. Prolong everything!

New things are exciting, put them in a room they aren't used to, give them an ice cube in a cup. Literally anything new will keep them entertained for longer than their toys. Chuck the recycling round the living room. Make a blanket fort. Play "bed", my toddler loves bringing me cushions and blankets and tucking me in, you can lie down for ages with this one.

snickersicecreampls · 31/05/2023 08:43

@Raspberrybush I googled pre natal physiotherapists in my area - this lady came up and she seemed to have lots of knowledge in dealing with heavily pregnant women!

Wolbarker · 31/05/2023 08:45

I bought one of those long handled grabbers old ladies use, it was a game changer.

Original poster
Raspberrybush · 31/05/2023 08:54

The grabber is a great idea!

Thanks @snickersicecreampls , Googling now …

it is reassuring it isn’t just me, in a way. Just feel so bad!

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