39 weeks pregnant and toddler pushing me to breaking point

[Chickenl8ter]

Not sure if this is the right place for this but wondering if anyone can at least relate. I’m 39 weeks with baby no 2 today. First child is 3.

He is at nursery part of the week, and I usually have him two days in the week. Now I’m on mat leave as of 38 weeks I thought this set up would become slightly more manageable in the last stages of pregnancy. In fact I’m finding it impossible.

A combination of me feeling guilty for sticking the telly on, him knowing something’s up and wanting to climb all over me/behaviour going wild… every meal time seems to be a battle atm as does bed time.

Im already feeling a bit emotional due to the hormones and have found myself in tears over minor things last week or so, normal I know. Bring in the exhaustion and I have a short fuse to boot.

Husband is trying but works full time. Doesn’t seem to get the impact tiredness and toddlers general behaviour is having on me. Then I’m grumpy and lo and behold we argue.

Now I’m starting to worry I won’t be able to handle two and mat leave is going to be a complete disaster with the above extended for months plus a newborn to contend with. Spiralling slightly, handholds welcome!

Wasn't expecting this to be a walk in the park by any stretch but struggling to see how a second time mum is meant to be getting the oxytocin going to get this baby out in this situation…

@HiCandles thinking of you! About to do nursery pick up where I can anticipate I will find an exhausted toddler ready for battle!!!

@Chickenl8ter I hope it wasn't too horrendous tonight? I had to do some deep breathing to keep my patience but miraculously he's asleep now. 💪

@HiCandles good test of those breathing exercises haha. Not toooo bad today. Back to the grind tomorrow though so bath and early bed for me haha

I remember having this with my child when I was expecting another. It was exhausting! I think it helped that I took them to places where they could go mad and run around (soft play etc), and I would sit and have a drink while they played. It would make them tired. I also asked my other half to take them during the weekend so I could have a rest.

I even remembered sleeping through cinema films, just to have a couple of hours sleep with a happy child!

Good luck, I hope they have nice early bedtimes at least.

@Chickenl8ter how are you doing? I am utterly exhausted. Husband is doing what he says is essential DIY before baby comes, though it has waited for months already so I'm not convinced. Toddler has had far too much TV and I feel so bad for shouting at him when he hasn't really been doing anything wrong.

Haha could have written part of this. DH has also started some glossing that has been left undone for months claiming it won’t be done when baby arrives… well no obviously not…. I’m guessing this is the man version of nesting! Didn’t complain too much today as he has been doing a few more bedtimes and has taken tomorrrow off. Also feel a bit less guilty than usual as I took toddler to the park and coffee shop first thing before settling down in front of the telly this afternoon haha. Bought them a magazine with stickers/colouring/stories that I’ve managed to get a couple of hours peace(ish) from. Challenge for me is the sitting on playmat / at the table, I just need to keep moving or get really achy quite quickly. No sign of baby appearing! How about you?

@Chickenl8ter well done for getting out this morning!
Yes you're right I think re male nesting. I'm torn between being glad the DIY is getting done and wanting to sob with tiredness at managing toddler alone.
Also no sign of baby, I am so fed up. Induction is booked for Thursday, but I was really hoping for spontaneous labour this time since my first induction didn't go too well.

That’s the thing, at least something productive is coming from their madness!

Good luck with the induction! How far along are you now? My next appoint is Fri but also considering induction at this point!

Can I join?! 8 months pregnant and started potty training my 33 month-old this afternoon. It is not going well. 6 accidents and no successful trips to the potty. Really want her out of nappies before the baby arrives though, so will persevere!

Thanks! I'm 40+3 today. Had a couple of medical issues so hospital were keen to induce at 40 weeks, I've put it off a week though. Now wondering if I would rather just get on with it.
Glad your DH has been helping with the bedtimes, it helps to feel supported.
How was your first's birth, are you feeling anxious about this one? I definitely am!

@EastCoastExile that's quite brave to try potty training at this point, hopefully she'll crack it soon, good luck!

@HiCandles thanks! Not sure it was the best idea...

Best of luck for the week ahead. Hope you go into labour naturally soon.

Hi @HiCandles first birth was a planned section for various reasons, hoping for a VBAC this time! Although obv induction types are therefore actually limited so hoping baby makes an appearance by itself soon! Not feeling too anxious atm but def in the territory of wanting this baby to make an appearance sooner rather than later due to the tiredness really! Luckily don’t feel tooooo uncomfortable atm. Hope you get some movement v soon!!

Hello, how is everyone getting on? Hopefully all the toddlers are giving you peace and quiet to see put the rest of your pregnancies!