practice contractions or a moving baby

You're not complaining at all, and it's totally fine to call the midwife if you're worried. That's what they're there for, even if you call them every day.
If you have contractions, you'll feel your whole abdomen tighten up from top to bottom and side to side. Your baby is getting bigger, so if they're still moving around, it might not feel very comfortable. It could also be Braxton Hicks contractions. Those can be painful too, or maybe the baby is dropping and you're having engagement contractions.
These are all possibilities, but if you don't feel right, definitely give the midwife a call! They can always listen to the heartbeat and check things out.

Wishing you all the best!

I completely agree with the 3rd option. And if you're unsure, just call the GP!

That's really weird how they're reacting. I'm currently 30 weeks and 3 days. But I'm allowed to call them at any time, and they'll come if needed. And during office hours, I can also go there if I can drive.
At 23 weeks, I had pretty bad stomach issues, had to come right away. After my mother passed away, I had extra check-ups and ultrasounds. Because of this, I get a lot of hard contractions and can always call. The baby is very active and sometimes quite sensitive... especially my ribs and stomach, pff.. but I'm still managing. But if it doesn't work out, I'll call.
They're there not just for the baby but also for me. Good luck with it.

Your story is relatable too. Last year I had two minor procedures on my cervix. After that, I had complications and bleeding. Then I was told that a spontaneous pregnancy was very small.
Right before the procedures last year, we had just bought a house. After those procedures, I was busy with a new job.. just before I started there, I turned out to be pregnant my new boss handled it well, especially with my maternity leave. When I was 25 weeks pregnant, my mother passed away very suddenly. And since then, I've been sick at home. Not really my thing, but I'm really trying to stay calm and think about the little one and myself. My boss says it too.. the little one and I come first now. I'm glad about that. With my previous boss, she really didn't empathize..
I often feel completely overwhelmed by it too. The movement of the little one and feeling her is nice too. She keeps me going.. but sometimes it seems like she's doing major renovations hihihi and then it can be sensitive or painful. But just a little more..
But if you don't feel right, always call the midwife. Strength, girl..

Thanks Dammie, your message really hit home. I was already worried I might be dealing with depression, but maybe I just need to let go a bit more... My dad didn't pass away during my pregnancy, but it doesn't make the loss any less painful. That's why we're naming our little one after him. I'm going to talk to my boss tomorrow, and my husband is so kind and understanding—lucky me.

af = on, of course haha stupid phone...

It doesn't matter when you lose a loved one. The sense of loss and grief feels completely different during pregnancy. Whether it feels even heavier.. that's also due to the hormones. But you also really wanted that person there with you.. especially if it's one of your parents. You wanted to include them. To ask for advice.. ask if they can help with setting up the nursery, etc.

I can totally relate to that feeling. In my case, it happened during my pregnancy.. but losing a parent is just painful. I'm still carrying grief, and on the other hand, we're happy and joyful about the little one in my belly. That often makes the feeling double. Know that our mom would want us to move on and enjoy... but sometimes it feels double. One moment you can handle it really well.. and other moments I feel guilty.. last Sunday we were working on the crib... the base slats fell out.. I had to laugh at my boyfriend's reaction.. but that day I was emotionally just a wreck. At that moment I could laugh, and the other moment the tears came with "mom I miss you so much.."

When it all first happened, I was strong. Could handle anything. Everything to sort out. A psychologist said this is not a normal reaction, you're surviving... now that the house is empty and will be handed over next Friday, I'll only then realize it. The midwife asked recently how I'm looking forward to the birth.. I'm not afraid of the birth itself but I'm afraid of what comes after.. the moment I truly get that "mom" feeling and I can't share it with my own mother. With my own parent. A moment you also want to share with your father.

But when everything comes together like this, it's even more double.. and your body can only take so much, and then it says stop... and you have to take it easy.. and with a little one in your belly you feel that much faster, and then you have to. That little one doesn't make you feel that pain for no reason... I see it like this: she's saying "mom, take it easier. Otherwise I can't grow properly and you can't prepare for the birth.." I also really see our little one as a miracle now.. she keeps me going.. and if I didn't have her, I would have just kept going and going until the man with the hammer comes and then I'd only have to process everything a few years later. That would be even harder. So I see that little one as a real miracle. She's not there for no reason.. to pull you through all the difficulties, and when she's born in a few weeks.. you'll have something beautiful to hold. To care for, and you'll give a new life where a part of your father will also live on.. in my case, my mother..

And girl, you'll really get through this.. but really think about yourself now. You've been through a tough period.. just as messy as mine, a lot happened in a short time... but I'm sure it'll be okay.. and enjoy that fluttering and talk to the little one.. explain your feelings but also that it's sometimes painful... it helps me sometimes hihihi.. but I notice when it's really painful.. I've also done too much hihihi.

Same here with all this stuff... already 33 weeks pregnant with the 2nd, grandpa passed away 8 weeks ago, and now we're moving before the little one arrives pfff... luckily starting Monday I'm on maternity leave and I definitely think your body takes a beating from all this kind of stress... I'm still not over the loss of my dear grandpa either, but haven't had much time to really grieve with all the hustle and bustle!!

I think grieving will still take a while! I'm starting early leave from tomorrow. I've noticed that my pain is described online as back labor. I also lost a bit of mucus plug yesterday. I can definitely see myself calling in sick now.

It’s nice to read that you had a good conversation.. and that you’re choosing yourself and the little one.. grieving takes its time.. and with everything going on around you, it takes much longer. And even after the birth, it won’t be easy right away.. but give it time.. I’m also going to try to do that...
These last few days have been really emotional... keep a tissue handy... and I’ve been having quite a bit of discomfort in my lower abdomen and back/pelvis.. it really does take a toll on your body.. the pregnancy itself and then everything around it... I slept poorly last night... still officially 9 weeks to go...
And don’t feel guilty... you have absolutely no reason to feel that way...

True! I'm doing my best, and I'd love to hear how you're doing now and then .

I'd also like to hear from you sometimes, how you're doing. And everything will be okay

I had an appointment at the hospital, and they're checking if they can induce me at 39 weeks.

Ooo exciting.. but maybe it'll give you some peace of mind too... after everything that's happened, having a due date can bring some calm.. then you don't have to keep waiting and waiting until you can hold your little wonder in your arms.. and enjoy that..
Maybe the little one will show up a bit earlier... but anyway, you won't have to wait as long anymore...
I kind of feel that way myself.. if I were to be induced, there'd be a set date anyway, and that gives a sense of calm... you know it's going to happen and you'll be able to hold your little wonder in your arms..
Officially, I still have 8 weeks to go... I'm currently 32 weeks.. but it feels like it's still so far away, and I've also been getting those strong contractions again. On top of that, I'm on an antibiotic course.. two of them actually... which gives me cramps and stomach pain... not pleasant, but oh well..