Anyone else struggling with body changes and emotions in the third trimester?

[Sunflowersaretinysuns]

Hi first time poster I'm currently third trimester and just wondered if anyone else found this part to be s struggle, I've gone up 4 sizes in clothes and I know I should be happy I just never expected it to hit my self esteem like this.
I'm exhausted and crying all the time and I'm always uncomfortable. My partners Great but it would jist be nice to have other new upcoming mums to compare notes with, thanks for listening to my rant lol

Hi OP sorry you’re feeling this way- it’s hard in third trimester isn’t it?! I’m currently 39 weeks and been feeling this way on and off for a while. I’ve gone from being relatively petite to what feels like huge- didn’t help that I got called a ball by a man at work the other day too 😱 and my MIL comments on my bump every time she sees me without fail.
comfort wise, I was trying to stay in non maternity clothes or sizing up but recently bought myself a pair of maternity leggings and now asking myself why I didn’t do it sooner! SO much more comfy with a long shirt or jumper! Would recommend treating yourself! I also got my nails done in an attempt to feel half normal 🤣 but not long to go now - we can do this! X

I found this pregnancy extremely hard. Not only I have had a lot symptoms but also extremely huge and immobile, in particular now. I’m 41+4 today. I find walking even hard. I’ve gone up 20 kg, there’s a bit of concern whether I’d be able to get back down, my maternity dress is also fine hard to cover my bump! On top of all that, I don’t want induction but midwife’s and hospital are making its mission to scare me with stillbirth and partner isn’t exactly thinking but kept making passing comments… so all in all third trimester is hard! Not meant to rant but just wanna share the struggle is universal.
do treat yourself if you have the means, if the sizing up is bothering you then, get some maternity clothes, Vinted is just a few pounds, you will find you can still fit your normal size or just one size up!

I don’t really understand the “4 sizes up” part — if you’re wearing maternity clothes, how would you know exactly how many sizes you’ve gone up?

Personally, I’ve always gained weight (20+ kg) during pregnancy, even though I eat healthily and don’t overeat. I’ve never worried about it because pregnancy is a time when your body is meant to change, and that weight gain supports your baby.

After my previous pregnancies, I was able to get back to my usual size (8) within a few months, so I never worried too much on the number on the scale during pregnancy.

Third trimester is definitely hard for not feeling like your body is your own. I really miss wearing jeans and feeling like me but they simply don't fit, even maternity ones. I also feel a mess as haven't dyed my hair in ages because of being really sensitive to smells during pregnancy.

Ignore the sizes on everything, 4 sizes with a bump is not really 4 sizes. I'm 31 weeks and still wearing all my pregnancy clothes (cami tops & cardigans) but just with maternity trousers/leggings instead of jeans. Would that make you feel like you hadn't gone up 4 sizes? I also don't weigh myself, unless I'm eating complete rubbish it's out of my control. A lot of the weight gain is temporary as it's just extra fluid plus obviously the weight of the baby, placenta and waters which will all be gone the second you give birth.

Discomfort is definitely an issue for me too. I have heard that yoga/swimming/baths/massage can help.

Hi thank you for all your nice words and I think I just got in my head too much and by 4 sizes I mean I've gone from a size 6 to a size 12 to 14 so it feels like a massive jump for me but its nice to have it put in perspective and reassurance that this is all temporary, and it's reassuring to hear that I'm not the only one struggling with third trimester it has by far been the hardest one by miles.