second pregnancy - tiredness!!!

[Bee182814]

I was wondering if anyone has any magic tips for tiredness during pregnancy without getting any extra sleep? Does anyone know of any magical supplements that are safe to take during pregnancy for example that will help? I am sahm monday - Friday to nearly 2 year old and work Saturdays (retail.) I'm 21 weeks and still struggling with the tiredness I had in early pregnancy. My DS isn't s great sleeper but has improved recently and I do regularly get 6-8 hours sleep a night so I'm getting enough sleep in theory just struggling mid morning and late afternoon in particular. Any tips gratefully received although I feel it might be a case of just getting on with it :)

[suspiciousofgoldfish]

It's so much more tiring once you've got a little one to look after.

On the one hand you kind of need to accept that you're going to be more tired this time around.

Forewarned is forearmed, so try to get to bed as early as poss (sometimes I put DS down at seven and go to bed!) because you will undoubtedly wake up being kicked by baby or needing the loo.

Try and nap when your toddler does during the day. Even if you don't sleep, just lie down and shut your eyes.

No caffeine after lunch.

I use Bach Flower night rescue tincture before bed - might be bollocks but I believe it makes a difference so who cares if it's all in my head? Seems to help me get off to sleep.

This Works pillow mist is also good.

Try not to panic or stress about not sleeping, easier said than done I know. If you have a shit nights sleep one night, you will sleep the next night, worrying about it will only keep you awake longer.

[suspiciousofgoldfish]

After that essay, i re- read your post properly! Thought you weren't sleeping OP but now I see that's not the case.

I am always tired late morning and afternoon - I just give in and nap if I can!

Sorry I can't give you any useful advice

[Bee182814]

No still helpful - thank you! I think improving quality of sleep will definitely help if I wake up feeling rested and not feeling like I've been hit by a bus!

[lornathewizzard]

I second the napping if you can. I'm 24 weeks and feel much better if I can nap with DD. Or at least sit down and relax.

[SmallBee]

I am feeling the same as you. I don't think DH 'gets' how tired I am when I say tired.
Not many tips but I've noticed between 1-4 is my lowest point, it's literally like someone has pulled a plug on my energy. I've started having some coke just to get me through as without it I've been known to nod off in the middle of playing. Luckily my toddler is pretty chilled and accepting that her mum is boring at the moment.

[mangocoveredlamb]

My DD is 2, and I work ft (but term time only), when I was off with her during the holidays I had an hour of to in the morning so I could snooze, and then slept while she napped too!

[Bee182814]

Thanks for the tips. My son is going through an annoying phase of only napping if walking in the buggy or being driven in the car not yet been able to transfer him successfully once he's nodded off but hopefully it will just be a short phase. I was also having a sugar boost in the afternoon but as my first baby was so big I need to be on low sugar diet to avoid having huge baby again and if I want any chance of natural delivery! Also nodded off for an hour or so whilst at home with my DS yesterday which promoted me to post - glad I'm not alone xx

[Missingcaffeine]

You're not alone! I am 28 weeks, work 4 full days with a commute and have a 18 month old and am really struggling. I struggled last time with feeling exhausted but I managed to fit in a lot more sleep and lazing around that time! Diet coke is my saviour in the afternoons - though if I have it too late it does stop me sleeping at night.

[skankingpiglet]

I'm 29wks with a 22mo. I'm permanently exhausted too. I'm surviving by ignoring the housework I used to do during DD's nap and sleeping/having quiet time instead (realise this isn't an option for you unfortunately), getting DH to do the night wakings of our badly sleeping toddler, and occasionally putting on an omnibus of Peppa and having a sneaky nap (the only thing guaranteed to keep her safely in one place). 4pm is my low spot.