Grrrrrrr. First pregnancy frustration - Help!

Daisy · #1 01-31-2008, 06:40 PM

Ok, I am 7 1/2 months pregnant. I am getting so darn frustrated at how hard it is to do everything! I can barely reach my feet, so I'm having a time trying to tie my shoes, paint my toenails, shave my legs, stuff like that. This blasted belly is in my way!

Plus, I can't see my feet at all unless I kind of bend over, and I've got these blasted spiky ball things falling off of my tree outside, so I'm tripping over them every time I go out. My boyfriend works 10-14 hours a day, so I'm home by myself quite a bit, and he wouldn't begin to know how to help me with this stuff. (Though he does help with the shoe-tying when he's here - he thinks it's hilarious) Any advice on how to cope with this for the next 10 weeks?

CaroPhoenix · #2 01-31-2008, 07:41 PM

If possible, get some non-tying shoes. When I was pregnant with my daughter, it was fortunately, late spring/early summer/summer. I went to K-Mart and bought some really cheap-o, birkenstock-rip-offs and lived in those until I gave birth. XD

Also, the night before, have your S.O. help you put out stuff that you might need the next day.

Sit as much as possible. Sleep as much as possible. Take care of yourself as much as possible. It'll get better - honest!

RecoveringKinkoid · #3 01-31-2008, 07:53 PM

Well, you're almost there and it will be done before you know it. Idrinkarum has it right...get some nice slide shoes of some sort. I wore those thick soled flip flops with soft straps on them in the office for the last trimester. They were the only thing that fit, and I could slide them off under my desk and go barefoot, which is better for circulation. Not exactly dress code, but hey, I was hugely pregnant and didn't care. neither did anyone else. A pair of Croc type shoes would be awesome, I wish I'd had some when I was pregnant. I have a pair of cheap Kmart knock offs that feel like wearing pillows under your feet.

I was very frustrated with my lack of mobility, too. Being a very active person, it made me nuts. Just dress comfortably and get some hippie shoes of some sort. You'll be a lot happier.

Der Cute · #4 01-31-2008, 08:07 PM

And those spikey things are called horse chestnuts.

I've not been in your shoes yet - but speaking of shoes - try clogs? Something slip on? With traction? Or thick socks with traction on bottom?

And yes, water, rest, have honey help. Get ready!

Cutenoob

Daisy · #5 01-31-2008, 09:24 PM

Oh yes, I'm resting as much as possible. I'm normally pretty active, and like RK, it's making me crazy. I've got that whole duck-walk thing starting to happen too

Some slip-on shoes would help a lot. Dunno why I hadn't thought about those cheap croc knockoffs - will go shoe hunting tomorrow!

sportsmom · #6 01-31-2008, 09:26 PM

I have to agree with the slip on shoes idea. Also, if you cannot do that, try propping your foot on a chair to tie your shoes, you don't have to bend that far that way.

Painting toenails, sit on the edge of a chair, or an ottoman if you have one, and spread your legs as far as you can, when you lean forward your belly should fall in between them. I painted my toenails that way the night before my third was born.

Shave in the shower if you can, it's easier when standing, or at least it always seemed to work better for me that way.

**If you get leg cramps in the middle of the night, try snacking on a banana before bed. Or drink a glass of milk if you don't like bananas.

NightAngel · #7 01-31-2008, 09:46 PM

You're much more aspiring than I ever was when I was hugely pregnant.

I always wore slip on shoes and long pants to hide the fact that I didn't shave my legs (way too much hassle) and I never paint my toenails anyway.

XCashier · #8 01-31-2008, 10:15 PM

BTDT. When I was pregnant, I was so big I had to use a back scrubber to wash my lower legs and feet, and wore slip-on mules. Didn't even bother painting my toenails.

Rest as much as you need to (listen to your body!), and try to enjoy the last few weeks. May you have a happy, healthy and bright baby!

RecoveringKinkoid · #9 01-31-2008, 10:27 PM

I quit shaving often, too, unless I was doing the bathing suit thing. I just wore long pants and long skirts mostly. I suffered from horrible leg cramps. Bannanas are good, but I think cantelope has more potassium in it than even bannanas. I ate a lot of melon, and it seemed to help some.

I can't imagine painting my toenails when I was pregnant. .

You must have been far more motivated than I was. But then, I have ugly, ugly feet, and that would have been like putting perfume on a pig anyways.

Daisy · #10 01-31-2008, 10:35 PM

Heh, right now I've still got what's left of the polish from my pedi before Christmas. I've managed to keep the nails trimmed, but I just can't get enough leverage to get the polish changed. At this point, I'm thinking screw it until I get my tax refund, and then I'll go up the street and let the nail ladies take care of me

Also, probably TMI, but I've always been one to shave...well, um, everything, and it's dang hard to shave what you can't see! But if I don't shave my legs and stuff, I feel grungy.