Pregnancy and Exertion?

[lalicopa]

So why is it exactly that people always coddle pregnant women? Is it because there is actually something that can happen from "overdoing" it?

Today I definitely overdid it. I feel like shit. I called my friend to come over because I felt like I might faint. I'm lightheaded and shaky, of course that could be sugar/Halloween related, but I don't know. Also, I am clearly not getting enough sleep.

Today I did some dyeing, sewing, cleaning...took the kids out for breakfast, took Laszlo to school...went to the hardware store to pick out paint colors...went into the garage to attempt putting things away after 2 weeks of construction (not in that order). I think between the up and down on the step ladder and cleaning the dust off the boxes I was putting away, I just did too much physical stuff. I always believed that if you weren't at risk for preterm labor, that you could still do everything you'd normally do...even at 7 months pregnant.

Am I wrong about that? Please someone in the know, clarify.

Comments

[jan-andrea.livejournal.com]

Well, you're the life support for yourself and a pretty big fetus right now -- your blood volume is much higher, and therefore more prone to wide shifts in nutrient content. Your heart is working harder, as are your kidneys, liver, etc. So while for most women it's not life-threatening to do what you'd normally do, you'll certainly feel it sooner, and what you're feeling is exactly what one would expect from trying to do too much. Eat a good dinner (or snack?) with lots of protein and complex carbohydrates, then rest as much as you can for a while -- for a good while, if you can.

[juptonrd.livejournal.com]

Being safe to do what you normally do and being capable of doing what you normally do are two different things.

No one ever ordered me on bedrest or even suggested I quit my job. I decided on my own that at around 24 weeks, I should quit. I couldn't waddle the 2-3 miles I normally walked around the hospital. By about 28 weeks (the time I measured 40 weeks) I found I could handle one major outing per day. I could go to the grocery or for a doctor visit, but not both. It just wore me out to do anymore.

[lozzy-pop.livejournal.com]

Your body is making a human being, basically the physical exertion from that is the equivalent of like running a marathon every day.
Gestating is an incredibly physically taxing process, your body is using the energy it normally would to do your daily shit to make a baby.

[tellinellen.livejournal.com]

i feel like it totally depends on the woman and the pregnansy. with banjo, i would get exhausted and bakk pain from doing a lot. i have been able to do more with the peakh.

[choptliver.livejournal.com]

I thought it was because your ligaments have loosened, making you more prone to injuries from normal activiities. And the ketones you get from serious exertion can hurt the baby.

[schmoomom.livejournal.com]

I dunno. I'm with you on the exertion thing, but I've never gotten my strength back from being in and out of the hospital. I cannot do much, and the dishes! I can't reach the freaking taps comfortably! Can't carry things well. Everyone is having me sit down, which bugs the fuck outta me, but at the same time, it's welcome :-).

I do have more pulled muscles and aches now. I hate feeling this weak.

How many weeks are you now? I just hit 34 today.

[lalicopa.livejournal.com]

I'm at 29 now...I guess it makes sense what everyone said...I always say, "It's a lot of work growing a person" but I guess I didn't realize I could crash like I did last night.

All the sugar didn't help either...I'm gonna try and eat very healthy today and see if that makes any difference in how I feel. I'm also not doing any heavy lifting!

[schmoomom.livejournal.com]

I wish I had your energy :-). Now you know what hard work it is, and your body's telling you to slow the hell down! :-)

yeah, the sugar is the problem. I snack on pears and the sugar in them affects me. No more heavy lifting, no no no no no! Look, you're gonna have 3 kids soon. Go easy. let the house become a tip, who gives a crap? :-D You should see our place!!!

[freshgroundfemm.livejournal.com]

^what they said.
I also can't believe you are 7 months pregnant! Where does the time go?