Is it normal to be this uncomfortable at 16 weeks pregnant?

My second trimester was a breeze compared to the first - but I did get the tightness at the beginning & discomfort, I think it's just cause your skin is starting to stretch just a tiny bit - but it's still more than it's stretched before (and in different places) - and there's significant resistance to that stretching, unlike when you overeat & it's not a firm backing.

The dizziness I would be worried about - so I suggest just asking your doc at your next appointment...but it sounds like other women had this happen.

As for working well into your 3rd trimester - it of course depends on what you do, but I know a lot of women who did this. I was quite lucky & basically had unlimited maternity leave (I work for family - my father...and my son is named after my father...so I have a bit more leniency there than others!), so I took off when I was about 7mths pregnant since I have a rather high stress job & was worried about the impact that would have on possible early labor - but most women can work pretty much till the day the baby comes (you will be taking a LOT more bathroom breaks though). But don't be 100% certain you can simply because there's always a chance of some sort of complication that could result in you needing to stay home or even stay in the hospital. Usually not an issue unless you're having twins or have another condition that could affect this, but it's always a possibility.

Good luck!

I had dizziness through most of my pregnancy, and it was usually due to being dehydrated. When you're pregnant you need a LOT of extra fluids, so make sure to drink plenty of water! And try to limit your coffee/soda/caffeine-containing tea intake, since caffeine is a diuretic and can make you more dehydrated. It's also a good idea to keep some Gatorade or Powerade around for the next time you feel both dizzy and nauseated, since the electrolytes in it will rehydrate you faster than water. I've found that when I have nausea plain water sometimes makes me feel worse, but sports drinks go down a bit easier.

As for all the achiness, it's likely due to your uterus stretching and your pelvis and hips slowly adjusting to accomodate it. If you're like me, then the achy will come and go. In my case it was hip pain that was rough. Some nights I had such a hard time sleeping from my hips hurting that I'd just be in tears! I spent more than a few nights on the couch since sometimes it felt more comfortable than the bed. But the good news is that the hip pain rarely lasted more than a couple of nights, and then my body managed to adjust.

Pregnancy is definitely not the most comfortable experience in the world, LOL! The best thing I can say is to just experiment will pillows, chair cushions, sleeping positions, warm baths, heat/cold compresses, etc and see what works. And your body will probably adjust before too long. If you're really miserable then ask your OB/midwife about what pain medications are safe at this point in your pregnancy. Hang in there, it's a different experience for everyone, but our bodies are pretty adaptable. I hope you feel better soon!

From about four months I was always uncomfortable. Just be aware of pain just below your sternum, light headedness, seeing stars and swelling a they are signs of preeclampsia. Next Antenatal check, make sure you tell your midwife about ALL your symptoms no matter how small you think they are.

I didn't think mine meant anything and it wasn't until my partner mentioned it to my midwife did I find that I had preeclampsia and had to be induced that day.

That being said, pregnancy is a very uncomfortable time. I recommend buying a belly support and being on all fours for 15 mins a day to take the pressure off. Massages work too!

Try not being on your feet for too long also.

I'm a very young mum at 19 and your body may not be done growing which can cause extra strain on your body. Just be mindful of what you are doing as overworking yourself can be dangerous.

Always talk to your doctor of midwife. If you are like me, being open about all concerns could save you and your baby's life.

I believe I am 15 weeks pregnant. I get sweaty/clammy and dizzy and i have to sit down. My back is constantly sore, my belly hardly shows but my ribs hurt and so does my belly. I always feel nauseous as well. It's normal! Just part of being a woman ;) haha!

Have a safe pregnancy (: