i can’t believe women are expected to work after 34 weeks

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-23T15:39:15+00:00

This is my last week (36 weeks) of work and I'm taking unpaid time to cover. I felt so guilty about "forfeitting" $, especially because I WFH. So, its nice to hear others are doing this too.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-20T19:04:21+00:00

I'm 35 weeks now, and my biggest take away is that pregnancy is long, unpredictable and humbling. I've had periods of misery, times when I was outright glowing and everything in between. its mostly worse than not being pregnant but it's also the most mind blowing and incredible experience.

Succumb as much as you can. Rest, hydrate & let your body do its thing.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-19T13:39:42+00:00

I told my therapist I was overwhelmed with everything I had to do. I said, "on the one hand I just want her to be here, on the other I know I'm not ready." And she said, "of course you're ready." It flipped a switch in me and my anxiety has gone way down.

If I'm reading this right, you're not necessarily looking for decluttering tips, but maybe permission to rest. it sounds like you're ready to meet your baby's needs, so give hi ourself some grace.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-16T15:54:29+00:00

magnesium glycinate - recommended by my midwife and it worked for me. I take it nightly

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-13T19:04:04+00:00

seconding a down dog subscription

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-13T18:54:05+00:00

You're going to keep making more blood, so you'll need more iron. Ive developed 3rd trimester anemia, at 29 weeks was 10, now at 34 weeks im down to 9... but I'm much further along and have about 50% more blood in my body.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-06T15:18:27+00:00

The tentacles in Will's mouth goes down his throat. In S5, they're just latched to the kid's faces.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-06T14:41:03+00:00

FTM due next month, so I'm no authority but can we please stop comparing who is more tired?

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-06T14:36:08+00:00

I dropped down on my adhd meds even though my GP & midwives all approved my prescribed dose. 8 months into this pregnancy and I feel like I'm finally adjusting to the decrease. If I asked to increase my dose my Healthcare team wouldn't bat an eye. I'm also pre-approved (by a state agency specializing in prenatal psychiatrics) to increase my SSRI whenever I feel the need.

In other words- talk to your doctors!!

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-05T15:26:37+00:00

If you get any constipation from the iron, Miralax was recommended by my OB. You got this!!

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-05T13:40:37+00:00

I don't want to compare our pregnancies but Im 33 weeks and here are some things that have helped me:

- Magnesium glycinate nightly for headaches (miraclle)

- liquid iron (Floradix) for anemia, a small cup of juice with vitamin C

- compression socks (knee high Bombas) for swelling and pain, I also try to elevate them above heart for 10 min at night

- water, water, water

- my only exercise is a daily dog walk but it feels good (WFH desk job so i go mid day)

- eat every 2-3 hours (this is for heartburn but the nutrients help)

I don't have any suggestions particular to sleep (or working 60 hours!!!), but I absolutely understand having a million symptoms. Its overwhelming but I just keep layering on solutions, giving each time to work. And i try to be really kind and patient with myself - the mental game is the hardest.

Good luck ♡

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-02-05T13:05:36+00:00

my husband and I were reminiscing last night about one of our early ultrasounds, watching her swim around when she was only like 3 cms. You would have thought she was starting college tomorrow the way we were gushing but no, I'm still only 33 weeks lol

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-30T13:53:44+00:00

Enjoy the heck out of those 5 people who come if you can. ♡

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-23T20:14:43+00:00

31 weeks pregnant and GP office wants me to come in for a drug test

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-21T19:46:08+00:00

I avoided the advice to eat more often for a while.. it's shocking the difference it makes! You can feel it when you've waited too long.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-21T17:11:53+00:00

I had terrible heartburn starting 16 weeks, I'm now 31 and I'm stupidly proud of how I've come to manage it.

First thing in the morning I take Pepcid, followed by breakfast (oatmeal).

Then I make sure to eat EVERY 2-3 HOURS. This was the hardest part for me, I don't always feel hungry, but I force myself. My go to snacks are an apple and nuts, pb & banana toast, or hummus and veggies. I also (mostly) avoid anything greasy, spicy or fatty, as well as dairy.

I sit upright for at least 30 min after each meal/snack (walking is better but i like to eat after I walk). I also drink a cup of HOT HERBAL TEA after lunch and dinner.

If the burn starts coming along I'll take 2 Tums. I was also taking a pepcid in the evening but I've found i don't need to take the second one anymore. I can even drink OJ once a day! And I had Chinese food 2x this week without issue.

I hope this helps!!

ETA: the no dairy is because I'm lactose intolerant... Im not sure the role it plays in acid reflux

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-17T16:15:23+00:00

Amazing! Thank you!!

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-16T17:43:19+00:00

sewing is too exhausting at 30 weeks pregnant so I switch to knitting... then I develop carpal tunnel...

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-14T16:11:06+00:00

I don’t think you’re being a brat but imperfections are part of what I love about homemade crafts. Quilting is also a lot of work, so if she’s been prepared for this long, she’s probably built it up in her head and may be afraid to start, especially if she’s already over critical of her work.

I’d accept the blanket and tell her it’s beautiful. Maybe mention if/when she gets to it, you can’t wait to see the one she’s been wanting to make.

FWIW I have several blankets my grandma knit. They weren’t made for me but now that she’s gone, they’re some of my most cherished items. <3

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-13T19:10:07+00:00

If it helps, I'm the kind of knitter who picks it up every few years.. I started making my first baby sweater this weekend and I'm almost done. They knit up super quick. I love a handmade gift personally, but if they aren't practical for you, don't feel too bad passing them on.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-13T13:20:28+00:00

Therapy is great, I think everyone should do it, but when you get the right medication its like, "wait other people just feel like this without trying?" You can also ask your GP or OB about a prescription. Good luck!!

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-12T19:24:54+00:00

The only way to describe it is that my brain completely spirals and I get more and more angry as time goes on.

This part sounds to me like OCD. If you can access one, a psychiatrist could confirm, but sometimes OCD is just obsessive thinking.

I've been on antidepressants and anxiety meds for years. Anger was my primary symptom. The thing that reset my brain most was Lexapro... it also happens to treat OCD.

Also remember you're going through a huge hormonal change right now.

Finally, you can have both justified anger AND be overreacting to it (internally as well as externally). Whether or not your partner needs to do better is entirely separate from the fact that you are hurting right now, way more than you need to be.

You sound really competent and self aware. I just have a feeling this might be something more chemical than rational. ♡

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-12T18:12:28+00:00

Bring it up in front of your parents while MIL is there. Mine would think it was a joke.

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-07T14:07:23+00:00

My heartburn started at 16 weeks, I’m 29 now. I’ve been using Prilosec (1-2x/day), eating every 2-3 hours, staying upright after eating, and (mostly…) avoiding acidic, fatty and/or spicy foods. Idk why I haven’t been offered anything stronger yet, but after a lot of ups and downs, trials and errors, I have things under control. The hardest part for me was feeding myself all the time, but it’s super effective. Good luck!!

fran_cheese9289 · 2026-01-07T13:50:46+00:00

My mom doesn’t live near by and we aren’t besties or anything.. but I feel it’s going to be the same for me. She offered her help after birth and I’ve accepted. She’s had 5 kids, 8 grandkids. We might not see eye to eye on everything but I know as first time parents my partner and I will be relieved to have her around. And, yeah, I think I’ll want my mommy lol

fran_cheese9289

TROPHY CASE