Struggling with third trimester - your survival tips

[Sickscared]

Need a bit of a handhold and some practical advice on how to survive the next 8 weeks as I'm losing the will at the moment.

Constantly hot, dizzy, nauseated, vomiting, weak, feel tired from not sleeping, can't concentrate at work, feel trapped at home because walking or exercise gives me horrible vertigo, can't drive due to dizzy spells which are caused by low bp which hasnt been fixed despite taking iron. Emotionally I'm a wreck, feeling hypersensitive and totally irrational all the time (usually v pragmatic so it just feels awful) and breaking out in tears at the drop of a hat. Feel like I need to lie down constantly and sitting upright makes me feel sick and dizzy. Was very anaemic so am on iron, still mildly anaemic but not enough that they want to increase the dose.

Very aware this is all par for the course for pregnancy, and midwife told me to just get on with it. I understand it is what it is, but if anyone has any tips for surviving the next 8 weeks I would really appreciate it.

Big unmumsnetty hugs.
I've only got 5 weeks to go, but I relate hard to all of that. Are you still working? Do you have other DC? Can you take a day or two to just lie in bed?

I've given up being veggie to try and help with the fatigue. And I spend a lot of time sitting. And my other DC are watching far more TV than I'd like but... they won't remember. And nobody is going to give me a medal for knackering myself further taking them to more activities when they have more fun at home anyway.

Thank you so much, even reading this has made.me tear up!

Luckily I don't have other kids so very much can be selfish with my spare time, the problem is that it just doesn't seem to help. I had covid last week and spent 3 days lying in bed resting, and I still feel like absolute shit now. I wfh a lot so have a lie down during lunch time but nothing seems to help 😔 I can't even watch TV as I can't sit comfortably and it gives me travel sickness type nausea.

Well done to you for soldiering on when you have other kids to look after! I really hope the next 5 weeks aren't too brutal

Covid too! Honestly 3 days bedrest won't be enough. Be as selfish as you can. Take as much time as you can to be comfy. Tell work you still haven't recovered from covid and need more time - recovery isn't linear.

Make a fuss with your midwife, you need better anti nausea meds or some to start with. Lots are safe. And you need a different iron preparation maybe? Have you tried all the options?

Don't listen to her put up with it narrative, if anything I think you need to feel powerful going through into birth and beyond. It sets you up better mentally postpartum. Get righteously angry and demand better from her (whilst sitting ). Whenever I feel awkward advocating for myself, I remind myself that I'm someone's Mother which guilts/spurs me on to not feeling so bad for asking/complaining.

You can do this, but you absolutely should get more help and support.

I have 9 weeks to go and I’m exactly the same as you. Everything has become a massive effort and I’m exhausted! The hot sweaty nights are slowly killing me off as I cannot get comfy. I think last night I had around 3 hours and I have a full day at work!
My only advise would be to listen to what you body needs, if you need to slow down then don’t feel bad about it.

I feel the same and can really relate. I have 4 weeks until due date but knowing my luck I’ll go over. I have a toddler and just feel like crying or screaming all the time. I have never been more tired and the vomiting is still awful. Unfortunately I’ve noticed mw are not that helpful and just really seem to care if the baby is healthy and moving. The way I’m getting through it is to have a twix on my weeks day eg at 37 weeks and just ticking off things from my to do list which makes me feel accomplished. I’m worried I haven’t exercised and how this will impact labour I don’t know but I’m just too hot and tired to move. Maybe we can motivate each other ?

Same boat here too OP, hope your okay. I'm 31 weeks & off work at the minute with covid & just really struggling- but even before I tested positive on Monday I was feeling miserable!

This is my second baby & I've had zero energy to do much with my toddler past few weeks so feel guilty about that too.

Rest as much as you can but I know what you mean about feeling trapped at home, if you need to lie down do it! Covid while pregnant really takes it out of you! I've been listening to podcasts this week while lying down for a change if that appeals to you at all?

Earlier I was laying having a rest & someone started knocking my front door- thought I'd locked DH out again so jumped up to go check only to find 3 neighbourhood kids asking can they come litter pick in my back garden - poor kids I nearly bit their heads off then nearly started crying - third trimester hormones are crazy🤦🏽‍♀️