Hi everyone

My name is Colin and my partner Julie is expecting our first baby (a boy) in May 2008. i've just joined the site so that we can hopefully benefit from all you more experienced mums and dads!

Julie has been very uncomfortable lately, short of breath, difficulty sleeping, aching back etc (all to be expected I know) and was wondering if anybody had some general advice regarding 'how to get comfortable'?

Probably a strange question I know but it hurts me to see her so uncomfortable and not be able to do anything about it like I normally can!

Any advice would be VERY much appreciated.

Thanks

I really wish I could offer advice, but I have yet to find the answers to this question myself. I don't think there is much she can do when it comes to the shortness of breath as her growing uterus is pushing against her lungs.

As for the difficulty sleeping, I have found that firm surfaces help me sleep rather comfortably. My bed is very soft and I find it only makes my hips and back ache when I wake up, so I decided to give the sofa a try and I wake up refreshed and pain-free. She can also try propping herself up with pillows and sleeping with a pillow between her legs.

And for the aching back, I recommend back rubs! My husband gives me back rubs with lots of pressure to help relieve my pain and if that doesn't work, then generally a nice warm bath does.

Good luck with the rest of your journey, guys! I hope she can get as comfortable as possible!

Don't really have any advice, I'm only in second tri myself and haven't had any of these symptoms yet. Wanted to welcome you both to the forum though.

Hiya! Welcome to BnB

Congrats on your blue bump.
As for reliefs to what your wife is going through, there really isn't much I can add to what Goldlion said.

The shortness of breath will go away when the baby starts engaging into position though, so that should go away in a month or so.

I hope the next few months fly by for both of you

Prenatal yoga can really help with those things. I have found it to be a godsend. There are positions that can help you open up your chest, and just get things moving and stretching. It is oh so good. If you can't find a class the DVD I like is Prenatal Yoga by Shiva Rea.

hello, welcome, not much advice from me I'm afraid. I find my oH gets stressed at not being able to help too, but a nice back rub, a loving word and a little chocolate always makes me feel a little better.
I feel guilty somtimes too, cos he feels so helpless.....if you know what I mean?

Thanks everyone. its nice to made feel welcome and part of something. will try all of the advice you gave Goldlion, and appreciate it very much.

Hey Colin and Julie!
Welcome to the forum! Im also due in May (26) and going thru similar "discomforts" that Julie is experiencing. Baths and husband-administered back and foot massages definitely alleviate the aches and pains of carrying that extra weight. The shortness of breath should subside when the baby rotates down, like the other girls were saying..

Welcome to the forum!!!

I agree with Goldlion. It's so hard to get comfortable that we all kinda just deal with it... But I've begun taking 2-3 baths a day, to ease the pain of the extra weight. You can climb in and hold her while shes in there too. My husband does that a lot, and we just relax together. Also like they said, back rubs are great. And sometimes when my ankles swell a bit, he will rub my ankles and feet, which feels nice. Loving words, or just trying to do something nice will help too. If you made dinner for her, she would probably really appreciate it. I know that after an hour in the kitchen, my whole body is sore. So when DH does it occasionally, its really nice. You sound like a great guy being so concerned about her being comfortable. Unfortunately it doesn't get much better as she gets closer to D-day, but it will be worth it in the end. Congrats and welcome to BnB. =)