Pregnant + toddler = tired!

[mrsflux]

I've only jut got my bfp but already I'm feeling the tiredness. A lively toddler added into the mix doesn't help.

Does anyone have any top tips to manage the tiredness at this stage?

[Kity]

a very supportive husband and family!! I've got a 2 year old and just coming up to 40 weeks and there is no way I could have coped without those two things.
Its very very hard I wont lie, but there is nothing quite like those early weeks of total extreme tiredness. I was in bed every night by 9, middle trimester was better but towards the end things are exhausting. I think you just cope coz you have no choice really! but ANYONE who offers to take your toddler off your hands for an hour or so, then jump on them and sleeeeeeeeeeeep.
Good luck!

[annoyeddotcom]

you'll cope, i have 15 months between my two and when my dd1 was 9 months i was pregnant with suffering spd and in the middle of a loft conversion and extension! I coped by putyting her in the car driving around until she went to sleep and stopping for a macdonalds tea... steal those precious minutes to relax. failing that dvds and cbeebies helped me, but getting out everyday into the fresh air was the best remedy. you'll be fine promise x

[mrsflux]

Oh I know I'll cope! :)
I survived first time round and although I get no time to feel sorry for myself that's probably a good thing!

Just wondering if there was some sort of magical secret formula! :)

[thereisalightanditnevergoesout]

Does your toddler still have naps in the day? If so, make yourself go and have a nap (wear ear plugs if you have to).

It's what I'd do, (and I did with other pregnancies) but as well as an (almost) 2 year old, I have his 2 squabbling sisters (5 and 3and a half) to referee.

Happy napping!

[Allegrogirl]

No magical secret formula that I'm aware of. I often went to bed straight after DD at 7.00 in the first trimester. Mine hit two and all that brings a few weeks before I became pregnant. It was an interesting few months but we survived. On the plus side I've been more fit and gained less weight this time around.

[MrsLevinson]

Sorry to be thick but what's bfp? I'm 36 weeks and on iron tablets for anaemia which are helping a bit. Agree with the others that CBeebies and anyone who will take your toddler out for a bit is great! Also drinking lots of water and like annoyeddotcom I feel better when I force myself to get out of the house rather than lying on the couch. Oh and drink plenty of water! Good Luck!

[MrsLevinson]

I mentioned drinking water twice - I blame the tiredness

[mrsflux]

Bfp = big fat positive (as in a pg test)

Napping only works for me if I am exhausted. Not really there yet tbh.

Will try drinking more but the peeing more is annoying!

[MrsLevinson]

Ah sorry. In that case, I think the first few weeks are the worst for tiredness and hopefully you'll feel better soon!

[hollyoaks]

Make Cbeebies your best friend and enjoy looking after you and your toddler because when dc2 arrives the mayhem increases to a whole new level. :o

[SpiderWilliam]

My "magic formula". 28 weeks and still working to this kind of pattern.

1. Get out and do something in the morning
   
2. After lunch get DC to sleep by whatever means it takes. (car journeys in our case)
   
3. As soon as DC is asleep go and lie down yourself. Even if you can't sleep it's good to rest. Try one of the natal hypnotherapy CDs: absolutely guaranteed to get me to sleep.
   
4. Plan evening meals that you can cook once, and can be reheated for DH. In the first trimester I ate with DS at 6pm which kept the sickness to a minimum. E.g curries, bolognaise, casseroles. Or, v quick things that aren't a huge effort to cook twice e.g. Stir fry.
   
5. DH comes home and puts DS to bed and then he eats at 8ish
   
6. I have been able to stay up later in this pregnancy as a result of getting lots of afternoon sleeps: 10.30 rather than 8.50!
   
7. At about 7 weeks I decamped to PILs for a week whilst Dh was at work. They did lots of childcare, cooking etc and I did lots of sleeping.

[MigGril]

Hum I have a 3year old DD who doesn't nap anymore (hasn't for a good six months). I'm now 32 weeks' and finding it hard going.

Can't wait untill she's back in pre-school next week. She's going to go five days a week for three hour seasions, bliss I can't wait.