Is it meant to be this hard??

[Ins0mnicat]

Hi I know it sounds like a stupid question but I’m 18 and 6 months pregnant. I love that I’m having a baby and I love that I am pregnant but it just feels like my body is deteriorating. I’ve had constant pains since I hit about 18 weeks and it’s draining all of my energy. I feel like there’s something I’m doing wrong as I’m always scared or worrying or upset and can’t appreciate the good things, you know? I’ve struggled with my mental health before but this feels worse as it’s almost justification for all my worry if I can’t handle the pregnancy, I just want to know if anyone has any advice for what I can do to make it all a bit easier.
thank you to anyone who responds :)

Pregnancy can be so difficult.

You are literally growing a human inside you and they are taking loads of the nutrients and energy.
You’re carrying around extra weight all of the time too.

I would definitely make sure you’re eating enough and enough healthy food.
But I would also speak to your midwife as you could be lacking something.

I don’t think the time of year helps either.

Hiya
first off, it’s most likely normal. You are growing a baby, so all sorts of things need to change in your body - to accommodate the growth. Some people feel this more than others.

Mental health: you say you’ve had issues previously - are these being watched while you’re pregnant? Talk to your midwife / GP so that they know you’re anxious and they may be able to help; it’s important that they are aware as you may be at higher risk for PND with existing issues and they can make sure you get quick help.

I used to rest for an hour after finishing work with my ankles raised, a nice warm drink and a snuggly blanket with my DD; from 18 weeks onwards I found a warm bath really helped too.

Good luck xx

Also, good luck xx

Honestly its completely normal. Up until about 18 weeks i cried because i was so exhausted. I would sleep from 7pm at night right through to 5am get up for work, come home at 5pm, sleep until 6 and then go back to bed at 7pm. Repeating that cycle. I was miserable, i didnt have a life, i never saw my OH because i was too busy looking at the back of my eye lids.
20 weeks + i struggled with PGP/SPD. I got to 34 weeks and i couldnt walk. I was sofa bound and had to try and walk upstairs to the toilet in plenty of time. There has been times i pee'd my pants because i couldnt get there quick enough due to pain in my hips, i wasnt sleeping because of constant pain in my hips.

Pregnancy is so hard, dont be hard on yourself. You're growing a little human being. That shits difficult. Take a breather, go for a walk in the fresh air if you can, do your nails, have a bath. Just try and do things you enjoy even if its binge watching a programme you've seen a thousand times.
And when baby is here dont be tough on yourself when theyre screaming for what you think is no reason. Sometimes a baby has to cry.

Im saying this while i have my 7 week old laying on me asleep after hes been screaming all day.

It will get easier and you'll sit back and wonder why you put so much pressure on yourself. You are only young as well. Everything will be ok. Good luck xx

I have had two pregnancies and I hated them both. Riddled with worry and exhaustion. It’s a lot to get your head around in just 9 months. I would certainly mention all your mental health concerns to your midwife, it’s good to make sure they can support you.