31 weeks, should I feel like this?

[Createcomet]

Nearly 31 weeks and I am absolutely exhausted!

Some nights I really struggle to sleep, otherwise nights I just want to sleep for 12 hours. I have very little energy and motivation in the day which is very unlike me and I'm finding even going for a walk a bit of a drag, despite fhe fact that I was regularly running before pregnancy with 2yr old in running buggy and running with him on and off until 2 weeks ago.

I'm just tired, fed up, achey, feeling very depleted and now starting to feel very nervy about birth. Also suddenly very overemotional and panicking that I've forgotten what to do with a baby when its here 🤦‍♀️

I only work 2.5 to 3 days a week but I'm self employed with both of my jobs and I'm finding it hard to function properly there too 😭 then I spend the rest of the week with our 2 Yr old who is...busy 🤣

We've gone away for a weekend to a holiday cottage and I've surprised myself at how knackered I feel 🤦‍♀️ but I still have 10 weeks to go (maybe more!).

I didn't feel like this with my first, so I'm a bit concerned now. Is this normal? Anyone feeling the same?

Midwife (and FTM) here. I didn't have the toddler to contend with, but I did work full time in a non clinical management role and had a boisterous puppy to manage on my own as my husband was away with the military for the whole pregnancy. I. Was. Knackered. By 2pm I'd be almost asleep at my desk it used to be a running joke amongst my team 😂

You should have had your iron levels tested at 28 weeks, were they OK or a bit on the low side? If so they may have dipped a bit again which can add to feelings of tiredness. Anaemia may also make you feel quite Breathless with a feeling of a faster pulse rate. Might be worth a chat with your mw at your next appointment? Otherwise maybe try little and often small carbohydrates snacks to help the flagging energy levels. I used to have a banana about 1pm to try and prevent my slump

@USaYwHatNow thank you for your response! I can well believe you were struggling by 2pm. I find after lunch at work really hard work.

My consultant said we "couldn't have asked for better 28 week bloods" which surprised me and I thought I was a bit anaemic to be honest. Goodness knows what's wrong with me. I feel suddenly very detached from the baby and a bit scared about what's to come. Which I'm finding very unnerving!

I m 29 weeks and feeling same!!
I work 5 days a week and I currently wfh but work is very very exhausting and it's taking all my energy, i sometime feel bad that I m not able to spend much time with my 2.3 hrs old toddler!!
I have no energy left for everything I wake up exhausted and work is stressing me a lot!
I m thinking to go on maternity from 34-36 weeks but however that's still 6 weeks long!! I feel getting passed by each day is very hectic 😥

I want to spend as much as time with my toddler before baby comes also I want to enjoy my pregnancy as this will be my last pregnancy but work stress, body aches, mood swings irritability everything is making me exhausted 😴😭

2.3 yrs old toddler* typo there!!

@Shinea I can completely relate. I'm sorry you're feeling that same. It's an overwhelming juggle sometimes isn't it? I'm running 2 businesses and finding the work stress too much this time. I bought a hypnobirthing course 2 weeks ago that I haven't even started because I'm always too tired after 8pm when I finally sit down with my husband to do it 🤦‍♀️we'll get there, it's just hard work!

During my second pregnancy, I realised how is taken for granted fist time round being able to have the odd nap. I used to go to bed early a couple of nights a week and have a nap on at least one weekend day. No chance to do that second (or third) time room. So I think its pretty normal to feel run down. When will you start maternity leave? That should help a bit.

@Createcomet yeah it gets very overwhelming and stressed!!
@TinyTeacher I m planning to start maternity leave around 36 weeks but if it gets very tough I ll start around 34 weeks! But still that's 6-7 weeks long 😥😭 which I feel eternal

@TinyTeacher I think you're right. My husband and I run a small business so my plan really is to keep working until I'm due 🤦‍♀️ then take anywhere from 8 weeks to 16 weeks off and then return to the office one or 2 days a week with the baby. That in itself is stressing the life out of me. Very jealous of anyone that can just go off on a proper mat leave 😭

I think it sounds 'normal', although it is bloody tough. I am knackered- have a full-time job and three older kids (quite a bit older, thankfully not toddlers). I'm going to start taking Spatone again even though my 28 week bloods were fine. I'm 30+2 and like you, energy fluctuates significantly. Of course this heat doesn't help!

I'm 100% the same! From 32 weeks (now 35) I have been exhausted, emotional, and worn out - I'm working full time and contending with a suddenly very headstrong 2.5 year old. Every morning I'm waking up thinking SURELY today is the day, I can't get much bigger and I can't go on much longer!
My first was born 3 weeks early and was perfectly healthy so I'm hoping desperately that this one follows a similar schedule - obviously not at the cost of health or development, of course. This heat is making me think about starting leave a little earlier than planned though!!