I am currently almost 34 weeks pregnant with my first child. I am very thrilled at her impending arrival, and up til a few weeks ago, my emotional state had been fairly stable except for the occassional grouchiness in bad traffic or bad day at work. But lately, it seems like nealry everything is getting to me. I cry soooo much more than I had been....my poor husband is just trying to be supportive but feels like he can't help me like he wants to. I also get so angry over small things. I am a nanny for crying out loud for two school aged kids and they really push my buttons! I worry what kind of mother I will be if I can't be more patient. Praying it is hormonal overload and not a bad reflection of what kind of mother I will be. Is it normal to have such erratic emotions this late and not have had them earlier on in the pregnancy?
Thanks that nanny advice may just work out! I am only 6 weeks away from the end date I gave them. I will not be a nanny anymore after my leave is up due to the fact that most nanny employers frown upon hiring someone with their own kids since they have other comittments and such and can't be as flexible. Hoping to get a flexible part time job or something. Anyway, yes the negativity is a concern of mine, but I will try not to beat myself up over it.
Thanks so much ladies! Glad to know that I'm not a total nutcase or least this phase of it will pass :) Hoping the last weeks do go by fast. I'm so ready.
Yep, welcome to the third trimester. It's hormonal hell, happy one minute, crying the next. Ain't it grand?
Yep, this is normal. I remember bursting into tears when the keyboard tray on the computer desk broke. DH didn't know what the heck to do because I am one of those people who never, ever cry. He was flabbergasted.
Of course this is no reflection of what kind of mom you are or will be!
I'd suggest some good quality you-time (sounds like your DH would be totally on board for this!) Commit to getting a pedicure every week until the baby comes. It's amazing how a little TLC and pampering can make you feel better. It'll feel good, relieve some stress, and you'll have some funky looking piggies to show off during delivery!
Maybe a movie by yourself every week too? A dark quiet theater watching a comedy can be quite refreshing and cathartic. Just stay away from the mushy chic-flicks!
Good luck!
Yes-- so normal. This was one reason I quit my nanny jobs at around 5/6 months. I was exhausted, and knew I was heading for Bitchville and it wouldn't be fair to the kids.
What worked for me, when the kids were driving me nuts, was to put myself in Time Out when they weren't getting along. "I am feeling pretty frustrated and need to take a Time Out for five minutes." (One minute for every year would have been a 36 minute break, ha!) It turned out to be rather attention-getting, actually. They'd be outside the bathroom door (where I would go) and I could hear them talking "Boy, she's upset. You think she'll tell mom?" It remarkably changed the situation for the better.
Toward the end of my pregnancy I had a friend comment on my negativity. I loved her, but really wanted to punch her at the time. She didn't have a little foot kicking her in the sternum and throat, now, did she?
Yes, give yourself a break. All kinds of changes going on that you've never been through before, and this is just the beginning!
T., you know that it can't just be you when the TV show "Bones" has Constance crying while very pregnant and at the scene of a crime. She even gives the scientific explanation for why she is crying while she's crying!
So please don't worry about what kind of mother you will be. You will be a wonderful mom with experience from your nannying, and love for that beautiful baby. And you'll cut yourself a break from being emotional.
Just make SURE to give yourself breaks so that you don't yell at anyone. Lay down when you can because that helps. Tears are okay - they are a release.
Count down by weeks. You'll make it through. Leave your job in the most positive way as possible and give those kiddies lots of hugs in front of the parents so that they all know how much you care. You never know how that might help you in the long run.
Dawn
Yep. Normal. And when the baby arrives and you think you finally will get back to normal, then your body goes through another huge hormonal shift.
It's amazing what we are willing to go through for our babies, isn't it?
Oh yes. I do think this is totally hormones!!
Once the baby is here, if you don't feel any better...perhaps your could mention it to your Dr. I feel like what you're experiencing is quite common!!
It's common and can happen anytime while you are pregnant.
What helped me was keeping a snack with me at all times.
My blood sugar level would be fine one moment then go to HUNGRY! in no time flat.
When I was hungry - I was NOT a reasonable person AT ALL.
Never get between a pregnant woman and the food (or a bathroom). :-)
Once I was fed - I was my pleasant self once again.
Hormones, hormones, hormones. I remember crying at the drop of a hat.
Congratulations!!
I know it's hard...but try not to worry now, because it will all melt away once you finally get to hold your baby!
I once cried watching an episode of Hannah Montana with my little sister...and could cry pretty much at the drop of a hat. First trimester suck because of morning sickness...but Third trimester sucks due to the flooding emotions and it's SOO damn uncomfortable.
I watch other people's kids all day, along with my own (run a daycare), and can say it is DEFINITELY not the same. Sure, sometimes I get frustrated with my kids...but I love them so unconditionally. The other kids I watch? I just get frustrated...but not much love lol. For some reason you just have a little extra patience for your own kids.
In fact I know some people who downright despise other peoples children...but LOVE their own. It IS different, you will see.
There are alot of nerves and anxiety with pregnancy...especially the first time around when you don't know what to expect. Just try hard to tell yourself that everything will be fine. Remember that many, many women have gone through this before you and have had these same fears...and have turned out to be wonderful moms!
Best of luck...hope these next 6 weeks fly by for you!
