2nd pregnancy exhaustion - any tips?

[OrdinarySoup]

Afternoon ladies! Just coming to the end of 2nd trimester and have an almost 3 year old, and am finding it so hard to summon any energy for anything! I feel like I'm short changing DD - and I know this is to be expected and to a certain extent this is how things will be when No2 arrives - bug does anyone have any tips on how to increase my energy levels so I can give her more of me, and also to just get things done instead of wanting to sit in a heap with a packet of biscuits??

[DannyBoy10]

No real advice, I'm afraid, but watching with interest. I'm 28 weeks with DC2 and have a 2 year old DS and also exhausted most of the time. I try to take DS out every morning when my energy levels are highest so then I don't feel so guilty if I just want to slump in the afternoons.

[bigkidsdidit]

uh me too - 20 weeks with a 2 year old

Since I got pregnant he's watched so much cbeebies :(

[Emsyboo]

Bump - no help either I'm afraid I'm 33 weeks with DC2 DS has just turned 2.

We are trying to concentrate on one to one reading books and attention but now my bump is getting too big and my back hurts with him on my knee.

I tend to treat him like a puppy ATM taking him out for a run and throwing balls for him to bring back. I have high risk pregnancy so not supposed to do much like drive, walk too far, lift, swim etc but feel so bad on DS!

[milkyjo]

Morning activities out and about and then afternoon rest. Try sitting next to each other on the sofa and reading books. I find lying down is more comfortable. I can put a load of pillows on the floor and play cars/ trains/ etc. Lying on my side. After tea cbeebies goes on and I lie on the sofa!

[Themobstersknife]

I have no advice. I was you a year ago, and the exhaustion was staggering! All I would say is that I felt 100 times better once DD2 was born and I got over the complications - unrelated - that I suffered. And it does get a lot better. A year on DD2 is not sleeping through and sometimes DD1 gets us up in the night but I still feel loads better than when I was pregnant. Don't beat yourself up about getting thing done and don't feel bad about using the tv as a babysitter! Get through it any way you can and it will all be worth it when DC2 arrives!

[Needalifeagain]

21 weeks with a nearly 2yr old.
Absolutely exhausted but suffering insomnia to boot.
With DD was still running swimming etc at this stage.
Thinking it can't be any worse with a new born!!

[wanderingalbatross]

I wish there was an answer to this! Am 17 weeks pg with a 20mo DD, and I've started to feel like an old lady going to bed at 9 every evening :( My poor DH gets the worst of it as I only really have energy in the morning, so when I see him in the evening I just want to collapse on the sofa.

[OrdinarySoup]

Well it's actually really reassuring to read all those replies - I don't feel like I'm just being lazy so much! Milkyjo we tend to be out and about in the mornings so it's probably a case of doing away with the guilt at quiet afternoons. Themobstetsknife it's really interesting you say that as I've come across a few people recently who say the same, that it's easier when the baby has been born (all things considered). So, cake, CBeebies, blankets on the floor and early nights it is...

[Themobstersknife]

It is definitely easier! I felt so rough and dog tired when pregnant, and even though I was really poorly when she was born and don't have a great sleeper, I still felt loads better. Definitely a case of better out than in, in my experience! Enjoy that cake!

[BoxOfMonkeys]

Hi Girls,

Maybe I can help?? I am now 38+3 weeks into my second pregnancy and suffered fatigue like crazy with this one. I'm sure some of it is just the extra stress of having a toddler to run around after, but mostly it was down to low iron. I didn't get tested for this until into my third trimester and when it kept getting lower and lower, I went onto iron tablets and since then I've been human again. I still have days where the sofa beckons but there is a marked difference. I take vitamin C drinks to help absorb the iron too and can really recommend talking to your midwife, getting a blood test done and accepting the tablets from your GP. I wish I'd have started on them months ago. Hope this helps. x

[Longfufu]

My advise is to drink spartone and put cbeebies on in the afternoon.

[LittleDonkin]

I'm 8+5 with DC2 my DD is 27 months and I feel like I've been hit by a train every night! Its only the beggining

[OrdinarySoup]

Boxofmonkeys - thanks I will check this. My iron levels were low at 16 weeks (or whatever) but nothing has been said about it since so I may raise it at my next appt. Otherwise yep, CBeebies, Longfufu. And thank f*ck for iPlayer.

[abigboydidit]

I would have to say.. Give into it and rest. Having just had DC2 I was at the point of exhaustion by the time I finished work for maternity leave. I was balancing commuting, working full time, a toddler, housework - you name it. And it put me in hospital in the end. I know this probably sounds a bit melodramatic but if you're body is saying you need to then do anything you can so you are able to rest, whether it's catnapping during the day, farming chores off on DP or just ignoring the housework. It may be then that you recharge and are in a better position to cope with the 3rd trimester. Good luck!