Due in 3 Weeks & Baby Kicks Are Killing Me! How to Function?

I am having similar difficulties trying to sleep. I am only 7 months and she is already a ferocious kicker! I love to feel her move, but at night I can't sleep on my side (even with multiple pillows) because she will move and kick the mattress (or so it seems). I do occasionally sleep in our recliner which seems to help. I have also found just being up and not sitting helps, but you can't do that on bed rest. I am also trying to cut back on sweets in hopes that will help her rest and in turn me rest. I might try the Benadryl to help me get some sleep too...

Good Luck! I hope you have a smooth delivery!
T.

Have you considered a Pregnancy Massage? Get a babysitter for your daughter and go get a pregnancy massage. You'll only be out of bedrest a short time and the relaxation from the massage will last a long time. I had one every few weeks the last trimester with my son, he too was a big kicker. I loved the attention, plus my massage therapist had a pregnancy table so I was able to lay on my tummy with no problem (there is a hole in the table for your tummy and the girls) it was heaven!!

My daughter drove me crazy because she had the hiccups quite a bit the last couple of weeks. I was so big, that my belly rested on my thigh while sitting at the computer, so every time she hiccuped, I felt it in my leg, drove me nuts.

If you're having trouble lying down, try sleepng in the recliner. If you may wind up having a c-section and don't have one, I would suggest you find one because it makes a huge difference the first week or so with the incision and not waking up in the middle of the night, forgetting, and sitting straight up instead of the weird sideways roll.

Anyway, if you are doing better standng or on your hands and knees, the recliner should allow you a bit more comfort and sleep. Try paying attention to what you are eating and if the baby seems more active with certain foods; avoid them.

Read up on strong-willed children! Ha!

My daughter kicked me continuously even in the end stages of labor. And my brother did the same to my mom. Both are, well, crazy!

I'm just kidding. I know how it feels, and all I can say is hang in there. My baby was 21.5 inches long, so that could be why she was killing me! It was like she would stretch out and just put pressure on my ribs for 2-3 minutes at a time. Ahhh I couldn't breathe! But now, it's all a distant memory. Do you have an exercise ball? One of those giant balls you sit on? I used to sit on that thing and watch TV. It was the most comfortable place to be for the last few weeks and all the way through labor. Try it! They are like $12 at Wal-Mart.

I sympathize with you! My son did the same thing to me, in addition to hiccups 2-3 times a day! His bottom and legs kept jabbing me in the ribs, which hurt every time I sat down, but my back hurt too bad to stand. I finally had to take off of work a week early (which was hard, b/c I didn't have paid maternity leave). I found that walking (it was more waddling at that point, lol!) helped, and I also used a maternity pillow. I don't remember what it was called, but it was long (like a body pillow) and "c" shaped. I propped my belly on the pillow which helped some. If it weren't for that, I don't think I would have slept at all. Even though those last few weeks were very uncomfortable (and painful at times), I wouldn't trade them for anything! I hope you can find some comfort soon!

I had a boy with my second pregnancy and he was bad - relaxation, Benadryl(approved by my MD) helped me relax so I could sleep. Hang in there - it won't be long - My little boy just turned 5 on the 10th of November.

Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for every kick. That is a sign of a healthy baby! It will still hurt, but see if you can turn the crankiness and frustration into thanksgiving. The last three weeks are the hardest. They want out and you want them out, we all have to plug through though.

Blessings and keep your eye on the healthy baby at the end.