Bump getting in the way!?

Question

I am 28 weeks pregnant and not especially big for this stage of pregnancy, but I am already find that my bump is really getting in my way and making everyday tasks difficult.
I find it really hard to reach into the washing machine and tumble dryer. Earlier I sat on a chair to try to make it easier to get into the dryer and the chair slipped back and I fell on the floor.
I feel totally pathetic, as all pregnant women must go through this but no one seems to moan about it. I wonder how I am going to cope as I get even bigger over the next few months.
Does anyone have any advice to help me cope or how to make everyday tasks easier?

Answer 1

Hi there honey! Wow....the stories I could tell you! When I was really, really pregnant I could no longer reach the faucet or the handles on the kitchen sink, I had to stand sideways at the sink. Talk about awkward. I could no longer reach the pedals on the car to drive, if I put the seat back far enough to get my tummy in between the seat and the steering wheel I could no longer reach the steering wheel or the pedals! It was funny but it made me cry! I think I needed longer arms....longer legs....something! I was determined that I would paint my toenails before I went to the hospital. I wanted a little girl SO badly and thought that bright pink polish would be good luck. I wish that you had seen me trying to contort my body around to where I could reach my toenails!! I finally got the older children to help...that was messy but we made it work! I could no longer tie my shoes, luckily I wore slip on sandals alot but my 6 year old was really sweet about tying my shoes whenever they needed it.
I don't know what to tell you honey except that "this too shall pass". Having the baby is the best cure for your problem! I can't say that I found any really clever little tips to deal with your problem. "Necessity is the mother of invention" so they say, just keep trying different things and some of them will work. Standing sideways seems to get you closer to things that your tummy wants to keep you away from. Personally I think it is natures way of telling us that we should stop doing chores! lol!
**I have to add that when the baby comes you will have NOTHING to moan about! Babies are heavenly! Just be sure to breastfeed your little one and the two of you can cuddle and sleep all you want. No getting up at night to fix bottles....just snuggle your little one down with you and the two of you can sleep and nurse and you will both get all the rest you want! You have every right to complain! It is not your fault that you are lucky enough to be home and that some women are working while they are pregnant. For many of them it is a choice and for some of them it is a necessity, either way it is not your fault! Don't let one grouchy person bother you! Moan away dear.... I agree with you!
Love and Blessings,
Lady Trinity~ p.s. climbing on chairs is NOT a good idea. You could have hurt yourself! In general climbing up on things when you are pregnant should be avoided.

Answer 2

There isn't much advice I can give. I am almost 31 weeks pregnant with my second, and whilst much smaller than I was the first time around, the bump still gets in the way. The best thing that you can do is accept a bit of help from people when you are getting too tired and uncomfortable, and you may not have heard the moaning but I think every pregnant woman is entitled to a little whine about their growing bump! Good luck with the pregnancy.

Answer 3

Oh yeah, I remember this! I got stuck in a pub toilet once, I squeezed in ok, but i just couldnt get back out again - the landlord had to remove the door! It was so embarrasing!

More seriously, it does get more difficult as you progress through the pregnancy, you just have to work out what is best for you. I found when I was really big i just couldnt reach the sink to do the washing up, so i left that to my hubby. bending over to use washing machine/tumble dryer/pick socks up off floor etc was nigh on impossible.

I used to use a wooden spoon to shove things into the washing machine, it gave me a little extra bit of reach. I also used kitchen tongs to pick up stuff off the floor like socks etc.

When you are bending over, spread you feet apart and make sure you are holding onto something with one hand as you squat down.

It is difficult, but just use your imagination and utilise objects around the home to help you a bit.

I did come to a point where I suddenly found it easier, and I the midwife said it was because the baby had moved down into the birth canal (about 34 weeks), so easing up your movement a bit.

All the best for your pregnancy, not too long to go now!

Lozz xx

Answer 4

I suffered from an aching back as well so I did alot of squatting to get down to things and to get socks on/paint toe nails had to sit on a low chair with legs akimbo, luckily I do have long arms. Older children are always very useful.
Oh and whingeing became a national sport for me in those last three months but my midwife always smiled and agreed it was all too bad. Good luck you are more than half way there now. ;-)

Answer 5

Wait until you turn around and clear off a table, like I did. We just aren't used to having all that much out front, and it only lasts 9 months, so we don't get too used to it.

The best advice I can give you is to relax, and don't get too down about the way you look. The more calm you are, the easier the birthing process, too.

Answer 6

I used to feel this way at about 28 weeks - people used to bump into me who weren't looking where they ere going - in shops and things. It's only going to get much bigger - just try not to fall over or get yourself up on chairs or anything like that. Take everything slower - it might be difficult because you are rushing or trying to go at your pre-bump pace.

Answer 7

Try not bend over not only is this more difficult it is bad for your back and can do damage, try getting used to squatting i found this much better and always support yourself by holding onto something while squatting down and getting back up, also while doing the washing why not kneel down and do it that way. good luck and congrats on your pregnancy.x

Answer 8

every woman goes through it, that's why no one moans about it because it is just one of those boring pregnancy niggles that we all just have to put up with I am afraid. Just accept thats the way it is for now but it wont be like it forever, you can't slip your bump off and leave it on the side so you can do your house work so you just have to get on with it.

Sorry!

Answer 9

sorry hun, this is just all part of pregnancy and you have to grin and bear it.
getting your husband/partner to do the stuff you cannot do is always good!!
If you dont have a partner/husband, then you just chuck the dirty clothes on the kitchen floor and sit on the floor to put them in the washer, same with the tumble dryer!!

Not very dignified, but gets it done!!

Answer 10

This can be a very stressfull time for you and tasks will become difficult! Let people help you! friends and family are more genorous wen ur pregnant take advantage of this