Feeling Awful Pregnant

I am SO with you. This is my fourth baby. I am only halfway through the pregnancy, and I'm already as achy and miserable as I usually felt only in the last few weeks with the others. The muscle aches and round ligament pain are unbearable...plus I'm exhausted and cranky. I have no drive, no energy. And all this after spending the first 3 months sick as a dog, puking every day (but that part is normal for my pregnancies).

I have noticed that the abdominal aches...the strained muscles and round ligament pain...is greatly reduced if I hold my belly up. I'm thinking about getting one of those maternity belts to reduce the strain on my poor, worn-out body. In the mean time, I cut a long strip of stretchy fabric I had, and have been wrapping it around the underside of my belly and tying it in the back. It helps some.

I know that diet and moderate exercise helps my exhaustion and energy levels, but my appetite is so screwy that it's hard to maintain a great diet. And needing energy - to do excercise - to increase energy is one of those vicious cycles of which I tend to be on the losing side!!

Prenatal massage sounds absolutely FANTASTIC!! But my husband is unemployed right now, and I just can't afford it. If you can...try it. I will live vicariously through the idea of you going. ;-)

My greatest solice has been to just focus on the fact that this isn't forever. Just a few more months, and my body will start to feel normal again, and I'll have an awesome baby boy in exchange. Just try to rest as much as you can. We'll get through this, girl!! I hope you are able to find some relief. If you find a magic cure...let me know!

C.

Hi K.,
I can relate. My pregnancies were ten years apart. My kids are 14 and almost 24. I was deliriously happy that I was going to have a baby both times, but pregnancy for me was extremely uncomfortable. Aches, pains, arthritis, constipation, hemorrhoids, nausea, depression, meanness toward my husband and daughter, anxiety...pregnancy can wreak havoc on some women's bodies. Other women are euphoric, and comfortable - they say they feel beautiful and they love being pregnant - we don't like them very much, do we? ;-) I am so sorry that you are going through this, but I promise it's temporary. You didn't mention your age...I was 38 the second time and I think that's a factor. I was also working both times and I think I should have gotten more rest. Is there any time when you can just lie down and relax? I know that's hard, especially if you already have two kids. Ask for help. This too shall pass. Remember to be kind to yourself and tell your family how much you love them and appreciate them.
Best of luck! Hang in there.
D.

I am in my first trimester with my second, so I feel your pain. Unfortunately for us, Eve ate of the wrong tree, so the Lord basically said that we would have pain and misery in childbearing. Ha! That darn Eve had to ruin it for all women. I know that you are miserable as I am miserable, but hang in there. It is quite temporary in regards to how many years we actually get to enjoy the outcome. I'm sure your family is sympathetic and understanding. Quit being so hard on yourself and know that your family loves you and is just as much a part of this as you are. Congratulations and may you be Blessed in your childbearing.

Seeing a chiropractor helped ease my pregnancy aches & pains big time.

Also if you are tired and cranky you might want to talk to the doc and make sure that you aren't anemic or low on thyroid or vitamin D. Easy to check via a blood test and sometimes levels change due to pregnancy.

Dear K.,
I can totally relate! That really took some of the pleasure out of being pregnant a third time. The doc told me that the discomfort factor only increases as we age and with subsequent pregnancies. Just remember to rest with your feet up as often as possible. That's not easy to do with other kids underfoot, but your body will thank you later! I also had a hard time dealing with the guilt of resting when I felt I should be cleaning or taking the kids to the park, etc. But, it's either rest and feel marginally better, or max out your work load and feel totally wiped out by the end of the day. Good luck, rest well, and feel better soon!
J.

Have you considered or tried prenatal massage? That is what I would do. As long as you go to a place that does prenatal specifically, it is safe. Also, I'm not sure about the safety while pregnant, but I have heard that chiropractors can help too.

You did not say how far along you are. If you are in the first few months, your body in getting adjusted most likely. If further along getting ready. If in the middle been there. Talk with your Dr. he may be able to help get over the hump. Remember in the end thing of the wonderful blessing that you will be able to hold in your arms.

I am right there with you! I am 30 weeks now with my 3rd and feel like I'm in pain & discomfort ALL the time. I hate that I am always complaining and really try not too but sometimes the pain is unbearable. I've been dealing with this pain in my groin/pubic area-hurts to walk even! I got this flyer from The Motherhood center that described my pain and a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal who might be able to help. It is called Symphisis Pubis Disorder & results when the pubic bones on either side of the groin do not shift together. I try to have a prenatal massage every 2-3 weeks and it helps only for a couple of days. So, hoping this chiropractor may help- they do accept insurance. Let me know if you wanna look into this too. I hope you feel better and wish you a safe, healthy delivery!

I was sick as a dog with both of my children. I can definitely relate. I was so sick I was off work for most of both pregnancies.
It's hard for you and your family but it's important you communicate with your family that this pregnancy is making you very sick so you're not in the best of moods. Ask for their help around the house and take it easy as much as you can. Just try to rest and relax and keep the stress down.
Most of all remember that it will be over before you know it! Feel better!

Your hormones are going nutts I would think this is normal.

I am right there with you. I am 34 weeks pregnant with my 4th baby. People have started asking me if I'm ready to be done, and my response is "yes--but I felt like that 3 months ago!" I have been in almost constant pain--with varying intensities--since late January, and I have been more exhausted and emotional than I ever was in my other pregnancies. I have cried so much in the past 3 weeks that I talked to my doctor about it at my last appointment and he prescribed an anti-depressant, though I haven't yet decided whether I actually want to take them because of the risks. None of that offers you much by way of solutions to alleviate your symptoms, but I hope it helps to know others can relate.