Thursday, April 3, 2008

Oh My Achin' . . . You Name It

I don't know how those of you pregnant with multiples do it. I really don't. You have my sincere admiration.

The aches and pains of pregnancy have really caught me by surprise. I expected to be uncomfortable, but I thought that didn't start until much closer to delivery. I wasn't really prepared for how weighty my stomach already feels, how my hip bones would feel as if they were rubbing against bone in their sockets, how my legs would cramp at night. I am not complaining, really, I am just worried about how much worse this is going to get.

Any discomfort is worth it for the health of this baby and I mean that with every fiber of my being. That being said, it is the fear that comes with the aches and pains that gets to me. Shooting pain when I roll over in bed at night - round ligament pain or the placenta detaching from the wall? Cramps in my legs - lack of potassium or a clot in my vein that will cut off blood supply to the baby? Yes, yes, I know. Normal aches and pains are part of a healthy pregnancy and I can't worry about every single one. And I don't. But the stronger, sharper pains do worry me, even when I reason with myself that they are normal, too.

As I told my husband last night, I can't imagine being pregnant with multiples, as I imagine those feelings would be even more intense. And I fear for the near future - if I can barely bend to tie my shoes now, what will I be like when I am near term? Oh, well, too late to worry about that now. Slip on shoes, here I come.

14 comments:

GibsonTwins said...

I wore slip on sandals from 14 weeks on! Motherhood Maternity has the most comfortable capri pants ever, if you like capri's I guess. It was my version of sweatpants :) It's hard for anyone not to worry about pains/aches etc, I think all moms worry to some extent and its so normal. I love reading your blog btw!

Mazzy said...

oh no!! i try not to think about this stuff, otherwise i fear i'd be childless for life.
my heart goes out to you, girl!!

Tracy said...

I don't think it's more pronounced in multiples, it just comes earlier. Of course, I'm only 14 weeks, so talk to me in another 10-15 weeks and I'll probably scoff at my own ignorance. Anyway, slip on shoes are the ticket!

Joy said...

Oh the pains and beauties of pregnancy... yes, it will be worth it in the end. But remember, you're not alone! Those stabbing round ligament pains and painful hips (which are actually rotating down so that baby will fit through birth canal---so there is a GOOD reason they hurt) are normal and about 90% of pregnant women feel it.

Instead of worrying about what might be wrong, think like this instead when you feel some ache or pain: "My body is doing it's job. My body is changing for my baby. It's worth it." Turn the negative to positive and you'll feel better!

HereWeGoAJen said...

Feel free to complain. Just because you had to wait for this doesn't mean that you aren't uncomfortable or that you should suffer in silence.

I hope you feel better soon!

AwkwardMoments said...

HERE HERE! I feel those same pains that you mentioned and have those early thoughts. I do not know how the multi's do it! It hit me too, last week. If I already feel this now ..wat will i be like in 10 weeks....? We will make it ..we have eacother

Adriane said...

The timing of this post is uncanny! I was going to blog today about my aches and pains, too. I woke up last night with sharp pains when I rolled over. It scared me to death. And, my belly feels so heavy already. AND, I can barely do my shoes, either!

We must have all thought that these things happen much later than they actually do.

I hope you are able to relax some. Knowing this is temporary is comforting. :-) Hang in there!!

Nicky said...

I've been having the same thoughts. ("Really? Feeling this crappy already?!? Before I'm even halfway?") But, I have managed to convince myself that every pain is a positive sign. A constant refrain of "Yep, I'm still pregnant...."

Mrs. Piggy said...

You are so darn cute! I say the same things. I talk about all the stuff that is ailing me and then I say "but of course its worth it and it could be so much worse"
I started getting uncomfy at 17 weeks or so, but really it hasnt gotten that much worse over the last 12 weeks...i didnt have any morning sickness either, so something has to make up for that. pelvic pain is my issue, i think from two heads sitting in that region.

I too am just starting to believe that this MIGHT happen for me. I'm scared to get rid of any doubt in the back of my head, I need it there. I just got my nursery furniture and bedding delivered. Now thats a committment.

Geohde said...

Would you hit me if I said it's been fairly physically easy thus far? Although my belly is getting in the way more and more,

J

Waiting Amy said...

Even though I am lucky enough to have been through this before, I too am surprised at how achy my abdominal wall muscles have been at times (mostly at night when I'm trying to sleep of course!). I think Tracy is right, with mulit its just a little sooner. Although I think its harder for me this time cause I'm OLDER!

I just wish the weather would warm up here so slip on shoes and such are doable!

Yetty said...

I know what you mean. My girlfriend got up in the middle of the night to google v-pain when she was pregnant. :) enjoy

RBandRC said...

I hear ya on the leg cramps. That started at the beginning of the 2nd trimester and hasn't gotten any better. And those little twinges of pain are scary--I totally understand. Hang in there! :)

Antigone said...

Ballet flats are still in. :-)