40 weeks pregnant - safe space to moan/share experience

[spongelover]

I've read so many comments and posts that I think I've now read them all  hence why I've resorted to the making a post, something I would never do usually but I really want a "live" thread where other ladies can share their real time experiences!
I'll start... this is my 1st pregnancy and I'll be having a baby boy (God willing he's healthy and all goes smooth).
I've had probably had one day of minor (and I mean minor) cramps, very likely due to me eating lots of bread and dairy which I have an intolerance with, so this doesn't even count as a "sign". I've had bleeding/swollen gums recently which I'm glad didn't start sooner in the pregnancy as bloody hell it's uncomfortable! I've got a sweep booked in next Tuesday but I think I've decided against it, my body doesn't feel ready I can barely be intimate with husband because it's completely closed for business down there and I don't want any "disturbance" without it being necessary.
How's everyone feeling so far in their pregnancy? Feel free to chime in, any topic/comments welcome :)!

Have sex while you can. Business doesn't always open up when the baby exits.

Plus orgasms may help to bring on labour. It did for my first child.

I’m also 40 weeks pregnant (40 weeks + 2) also my first also carrying a boy. I also have the joy of intolerances! Ive been super strict not to eat any wheat throughout pregnancy - normally I can handle small amounts but I know someone who had several miscarriages and it turned out to be due to a gluten intolerance so didn’t want to risk it.

Pregnancy had been pretty rough. I spent most of the summer lying down feeling intense all day nausea or throwing up over the toilet - pretty much lasted until week 20. Second trimester I was just exhausted. I actually picked up in third trimester and was enjoying being pregnant until last week I developed PUPPS. I am now covered in angry red hives that itch - apparently common in first timers / those carrying boys 😬. Looking forward to meeting my little dude though! Especially as it should solve my PUPPS rash woes 😆

Even if it's painful ? We even tried using coconut oil to help but I have to stop after a minute or so as it becomes a bit unbearable and he can sense my pain which puts him off understandably! Makes me feel bad to be honest

OP don't have sex unless you want to. Ignore that very unhelpful post. I'm guessing it came from someone who isn't pregnant now and was probably last pregnant a very long time ago.

Having sex when you're massive, unwieldy and not feeling your sexiest is really not the one.

Oh no, really!! Thank you for mentioning that RE the gluten intolerance, I've had a couple biscuits here and there and some cakes but I'll go back to having none, that's really scary that it could affect the baby.
Omg, I've been itching here and there and have these little dots on my wrist and stomach, I have eczema so thought nothing of it but now I'm going to look up PUPPS (cute abbreviation but I'm sure there's nothing cute about it!) where have you had the hives/itching?
What are your thoughts on having a sweep btw?

Ps Eek sorry you had it rough with the sickness for a while that sounds really tough, specially in the summer where we're already sweating buckets and feeling zombie-ish!

Just sending a message of support- I went to 42 weeks and had to be induced with both of mine and those days overdue are horrendous. Vividly remember every day feeling like a month and wanting to throat punch everyone who said, "You must have just made such a comfy home for them in there!"

Go easy on yourself, do whatever you can or are able to do to relax. I tried all the wives' tales, and none worked for me, so I really think it is just waiting for your body to be ready.

I really think it's something people can't properly appreciate unless it's happened to them.

Hehe thank you!!! I know people have been able to but I honestly find it amazing that they can, like, how the hell is it even enjoyable specially when baby starts moving around during kudos to those

If it's painful / uncomfortable, then of course don't force it or feel obliged.

Admittedly it was awkward at times feeling baby move, but in hindsight I'm glad we were able to get past awkwardness. After DC was born it was uncomfortable for some months, and when you have a screaming baby, you certainly want to avoid creating another one lol

Good luck with delivery

@spongelover - Yup - PUPPS is evil. Just seen my GP today. There is another condition that’s more serious and they are doing a blood test to check it’s not my liver so it’s worth double checking any rash you get with either midwife or GP. GP is pretty sure it’s PUPPS but won’t prescribe me anything for the itching 😭. I understand but arrragh!

Rash started on my lower bump at 39 weeks and has since spread to the whole of my bump, most of my arms, backs of hands, tops of thighs and starting to creep down my legs. It started out just looking like stretch marks forming. There’s no cure except giving birth so starting to pray for labour now 🙏. I’ve scoured MumsNet for advice and got some things to try - oatmeal for bath and pine tar soap as well as moisturiser so 🤞I can find something to help.

I don’t think sex is an option for me for trigger labour either. For one I’m too itchy 😅 and when we last tried nope way too uncomfy with baby there. Got my birth ball to bounce on and long walks. Sister in law also gave me some clary sage so I may try that if it doesn’t irritate my rash too much.

I’m 40 weeks today, also expecting a little boy. I don’t know why I thought I’d have him early, my first I was 41+6 with a natural birth and an induction scheduled the next day 😂

Love the idea of a live thread, I’ve been reading old ones too. I’m so excited but also impatient, I have bracton hicks most days and some have been painful but no signs really

I’m nearly 39 so not quite 40 yet but watching this for any advice/tips to get things moving 😅 I’m trying all the usual: long walks, bouncing ball, sex, curb walking, squatting, stairs etc..

I’ve a real sore muscle pain down below in the last few days so hope I’m not over doing it and it’s things starting to dilate 🙈

coconut oil is a recipe for infection is would avoid it. There are safe water based lubricants.

Care about little ones on Youtube have an amazing video science based on the use of castor oil.
I couldnt get my hands on it and so used Flaxseed oil and within 24hrs I had early labour signs, lost my muvas plug then bloody show. Then 4 says later my DS was born.
There is something also called midwives brew.

Nipple stimulation is also proven scientifically but it has to be for aaaages.