[NIKKOLE121896]

Currently in 38 weeks pregnant and have had no complications whatsoever; but lately (The last month) I have had several different concerns and was wondering if you guys can help
•I don't snore or breath heavily but lately I can't get air when I sleep my husband has woken me up countless times for snoring so loudly I even wake up gasping for air.
• when I wake up my eyes are bloodshot as if I've been smoking weed for hours;and they are so sensitive.
• my legs both feel like they aren't getting enough blood flow through them; and on my right side I have a very swollen spot at the top of my foot;
Between my big toe and the second toe in the vein or muscle so bad to the point I have to limp on it to be able to walk.
• I also wake up with not nesscarily a headache but head pressure.
• I have a horrible rash that just started on my stomach that itches; to the point where it hurts I have bumps everywhere a couple weeks ago there was nothing and now my stomach looks like I've been attacked.

I'm also concerned about my babies weight,when I go to prenatal appointments they aren't weighing my baby; they said the reason for that is because there isn't a high risk reason to and that's the only reason they would do a weight scan. But I'm concerned because I cannot even roll over in bed; at all like I have to grab my stomach and physically move it; and I feel like I'm laying on top of her if I lay even on my side.

I know this is a lot - and I know maybe some of the things I listed might not nearly be related but please I need help if you know any reason for any of this HELLP

[NIKKOLE121896]

I'm 38 weeks pregnant and I'm continuously seeing this snotty goo when I wipe I'm guessing it's my mucus plugs. I'm only 1cm dilated and have been since I was 35 weeks I've been to the hospital 2 times to stop labor. But there are some things I'm concerned about on December 31st and even the beginning of January I had not stretch marks but now I'm covered in them all over my stomach and they hurt and itch and have bumps everywhere I was told it looked rashy , but how did I get them over night it seems?
I also feel like my baby is huge I haven't had a weight scan because I was told he pregnancy wasn't high risk but the baby was guesstimated to be around 7 or 8 pounds and I feel like I could carry that I'm not tiny at all pre weight was 155 I'm 204 now 5'4 but what makes me so worried she is so big is when she moves a certain way my stomac will slant and all you see is a huge lump on one side an it hurts also I can't even switch sides anymore when I'm 'sleeping' I have to completely lift my stomach to even move , is this normal

[J_9]

This is all completely normal. Make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water to help cut down on the stretch marks and itching. You can also use cocoa butter rubbed on your belly to help with those issues.

[J_9]

I'm guessing this is your first baby. This is all pretty normal really. When you sleep, try propping yourself up with a couple of pillows. Place a pillow or two between your legs and try to sleep on your side.

Baby is growing right now and giving you limited lung capacity, that's what is causing the breathlessness. Again, common at the end of pregnancy.

[Dchdman]

Yep it is completely normal.

At birth, the average baby weighs about 7.5 pounds — though the range of normal is between 5.5 and ten pounds (all but five percent of newborns will fall into this range).

As for using Cocoa Butter , yep that is correct though I've heard Neutrogena Body Oil can help to.

Note = I've also heard just after you've had a bath or Shower , when your skin is still warm is the best time to use Cocoa Butter on your skin , though it's up to you when you want to use it.

Hope this helps.

[J_9]

Neutrogena may work, but my practice recommends cocoa butter. Some girls even use coconut oil.

FYI... Pregnancy, labor and delivery is my profession. 😉

[Dchdman]

Hello

If you have concerns about swelling of your feet or even hands you could try this.

Keep the swelling down by elevating your feet above your heart, perhaps on a couch with pillows propped beneath your tootsies. Cold water soaks and daily exercise, such as walking, may also help. Or you could ask your physician about purchasing compression stockings, which help boost circulation in your legs.

Warning: If you notice significant swelling in your hands and face as well as a persistent headache, call your caregiver right away. “Those are signs of high blood pressure and that type of swelling is a concern.

Snoring while pregnant affects about 1 in ever 3 pregnant woman.

The most likely culprits of your sleep symphony are nasal congestion caused by surging pregnancy hormones, which cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, and excess weight gain, which results in extra tissue around your head and neck – both of which are common among the pregnant set.

Things you can try

- Stick on a nasal strip at bedtime (they're completely drug-free)
- Try using a warm-mist humidifier in your bedroom at night
- Try sleeping on your side (your left is best for circulation)
- Plump up your pillows and try sleeping with your head slightly elevated.
- Keep an eye on your calories to make sure extra weight doesn't contribute to snoring.

Anyway if you are worried about your snoring , see a specialist , they can tell you if it is sleep apnea which is a disorder that can deprive you, and potentially your baby, of oxygen (particularly in the third trimester and in women who are overweight).

Hope this helps.

[talaniman]

I am a guy and have seen many females go through this and you sound normal to me. Just relax and listen to the older more experienced women (Guys are useless except for back rubs and foot massages, and even that is debateable) and you will be fine. First baby jitters? If so, concern, confusion and consternation is VERY normal.

So is being grumpy, grouchy, and out of sorts (That's what men are for really, to take it out on!).

[DoulaLC]

Your swollen vein may simply be a varicose vein, fairly common in pregnancy. You can see if elevating your feet makes a difference for you.

Itchy rash could be pupps, also somewhat common in pregnancy. Same as with stretch marks... not a great deal you can do to avoid them, but you may find some relief with the cocoa butter and perhaps an oatmeal bath. A cool compress may also help with the itchiness.

Share concerns with your midwife or ob. If something more significant is suspected, further treatment or action will recommended.

Try not to worry about baby's size. If there was a concern, you would have further monitoring. Ultrasound towards the end of pregnancy, while somewhat commonly used to estimate baby's size, is not considered very accurate and often causes unnecessary worry. It is rare that a woman will grow a baby who is unusually large.

Do your best to find ways to gain some relief and comfort in these last few weeks. Hopefully you won't have too much further to go! Wishing you a smooth birth!

[Alty]

All your questions have been answered very well, so I just want to post and say congratulations.

I've had 3 pregnancies, and 2 babies. My niece is now pregnant, nearing her third trimester. She's so worried about delivery. I told her that by the time you deliver, you'd be willing to cut off your arm to get that baby out, because of how miserable you are. You're at that stage, the stage where you can't sleep, everything is swollen or hurts, can't catch a breath, ask where the bathroom is everywhere you go, as soon as you walk in the door, have trouble putting on pants, forget about socks and shoes, and unless hubby is shaving your legs for you, it's not going to happen. Then there's all the discomfort, and well, the gas. I had gas that could empty a stadium full of people. Sorry for the TMI.

The lying on your side advice is very good. If you don't have one, get a body pillow. It really helps, can make a world of difference, and once baby is born it's great too, even helps with breastfeeding.

Coconut cream is a godsend. It's super absorbent, and super hydrating, and well, it smells like coconuts, and what's not good about that? :)

Lots of water. When baby comes, if you're breastfeeding, also lots of water. I bought a good water bottle and always had water right beside me while I was feeding. It's a big must.

Right now you're nearing the finish line. It's not easy, it's not pleasant, but everything you're going through, billions have gone through before you. Any concerns you do have, you should discuss with your OBGYN. Never be afraid to call, they're used to it.

Let us know how it goes, and what you have.

Good luck, and don't stress. It's almost over. :)

[Dchdman]

All your questions have been answered very well, so I just want to post and say congratulations.

I've had 3 pregnancies, and 2 babies. My niece is now pregnant, nearing her third trimester. She's so worried about delivery. I told her that by the time you deliver, you'd be willing to cut off your arm to get that baby out, because of how miserable you are. You're at that stage, the stage where you can't sleep, everything is swollen or hurts, can't catch a breath, ask where the bathroom is everywhere you go, as soon as you walk in the door, have trouble putting on pants, forget about socks and shoes, and unless hubby is shaving your legs for you, it's not going to happen. Then there's all the discomfort, and well, the gas. I had gas that could empty a stadium full of people. Sorry for the TMI.

The lying on your side advice is very good. If you don't have one, get a body pillow. It really helps, can make a world of difference, and once baby is born it's great too, even helps with breastfeeding.

Coconut cream is a godsend. It's super absorbent, and super hydrating, and well, it smells like coconuts, and what's not good about that? :)

Lots of water. When baby comes, if you're breastfeeding, also lots of water. I bought a good water bottle and always had water right beside me while I was feeding. It's a big must.

Right now you're nearing the finish line. It's not easy, it's not pleasant, but everything you're going through, billions have gone through before you. Any concerns you do have, you should discuss with your OBGYN. Never be afraid to call, they're used to it.

Let us know how it goes, and what you have.

Good luck, and don't stress. It's almost over. :)

Alty is correct , though all of that goes out the door , when you see your son/daughter for the first time and see what gift/treasure you have brought into this world , once you have that feeling, you know now you're a mother.

Good luck and if you want , post a picture of that sweet darling when he/she arrives.

[Alty]

Alty is correct , though all of that goes out the door , when you see your son/daughter for the first time and see what gift/treasure you have brought into this world , once you have that feeling, you know now you're a mother.

Good luck and if you want , post a picture of that sweet darling when he/she arrives.

Isn't it true. My niece is worried sick about delivery, the pain, even though she plans on having an epidural. I had both mine naturally, and I told her, it really isn't that bad. If it was, would anyone do it a second time, or more? ;)

Once you hold that baby in your arms, all the discomfort of the pregnancy, all the pain of labor, is forgotten. I call it baby fog, it's a way for mother nature to make sure that we humans continue to procreate. ;)