Warning: Dragon Bell unleashed early!

I know this is going to sound sexist, but I have often wondered why it should be up to BOTH a man and the woman to decide if they want to have more kids or not, I mean the reality is, the woman has to go through the pregnancy ups and downs, the pain of childbirth, the dramas with breastfeeding and the sleepless nights when getting up to feed.  Don't get me wrong, my husband is often referred to as 'Super-Dad' because he is so hands on and really is an amazing father and huge support to me, but the thing is there are certain things he just can't do, even if he wanted to.

So I mentioned this pondering of mine to him when we started talking about having a third child and said perhaps all I need to do is politely inform him of my decision once I've made it (tounge-in-cheek) since a lot of the the things that were potentially putting me off getting pregnant again wouldn't affect him.  His immediate response was "Yes, you do have to put up with a lot when you get pregnant BUT I have to put up with YOU!"

At the time I was suitably shocked by his response because my rose-tinted glasses were on and all I could remember was this chilled out, relaxed, blooming, mother-earth preggie Māmā from my last 2 experiences and couldn't understand what he was getting at.  Now, I do.

When I was teaching last in 2009, my 12 year old kids gave me the nickname 'Dragon Bell'.  I wasn't offended by this as I actually had a great relationship with my kids and only heard about the nickname when I finally told them the happy news that I was pregnant with my first child, to which they replied "Ohhhhhh, so that explains it, we've started calling you Dragon Bell lately because you have been so grouchy!"  This was one of many grouchy pregnancy stories that had conveniently slipped my mind before my conversation with my husband, however, I still couldn't believe that I was as bad as they remembered!  I did have some vague recollections of the odd restless night or complaining from me last time with my 2nd but only in the last couple of weeks before I was due.  Once again - this is what I seem to remember, not what my husband would attest to!

This time though I have hit a wall early.  Dragon Bell has been unleashed on my poor husband, children and anyone who comes within a 10m radius of me and I can't seem to shake my alter-ego.  I can hear myself complaining or snapping at others and know I am being unreasonable but my mind is made of mush and I just can't seem to pull myself out of these black moods.

I was in a really scary car accident almost 2 weeks ago and until then I was doing well.  I don't know if the accident has anything to do with it or not, or it's just the fact the I am bigger now but I am struggling to sleep which in turn causes havoc with my emotions and patience.  I am tired all the time and suffering from the worst heartburn ever which is hindering what and when I can eat.  And anyone who knows me well, knows that even at the best of times, if I am tired or hungry-beware!

I don't want to beat myself about it because this seems to be quite normal symptoms for many pregnant women but I hate feeling like this and I don't like that my husband and kids seem to be wearing the brunt of it, as they are in striking distance most often.   If I was due next week, I would happily say "Tough luck peeps, I'm being a bitch and I know it - just deal with it!"  The problem is I am only 30 weeks and still have a LONG 10 weeks ahead of me, which will feel probably even longer for those who have to put up with me too!

Did anyone else turn into a dragon while pregnant and if so, what did you do to try and control the monster within?