2nd trimester and still exhausted

[afrikat]

The title says it all really. I am 17+3 and despite everyone telling me that I will have loads of energy in my 2nd trimester it just hasn't happened. Most of my other symptoms have died down (nausea etc) but am also getting awful headaches every day. Am doing all I can - eating well, drinking loads of water, plenty of walks and fresh air but come 3pm I am struggling to function and despite attempting to get to the gym or go for a swim after work I could cry I am so tired. Most evenings I have an hour or so nap before dinner then walk / TV / bed.

Am getting so fed up feeling this way, I am usually so active and feel like I am being so lazy but no matter what I do I can't get through this exhaustion

Has anyone else had this and did it ever ease up??

[babyradio]

So sorry - I've had this all the way through. Worth checking your iron levels with the midwife and supposedly taking vitamin D supplements is meant to help. I've found taking a vit C supplement helps me too. If I'm busy in the day I'm comatose by 7pm but on an easier day I'm pretty much back to normal.

It may still pick up so try not to worry too much - and if it doesn't you know it won't last forever. Don't let 'helpful' observers tell you it will get worse when the baby comes - it won't get worse, because when the baby comes you won't be bloody pregnant anymore!

How is your sleeping generally? Mines been awful since 4 weeks and it really led to a meltdown around 24 weeks so if you're having trouble do let your midwife know and she can keep an eye on you.

Hope this helps, it is really rubbish and you have my sympathy!

[LouiseD29]

Hi Afrikat, sorry you are still feeling knackered! I am 23+3 now and my first trimester exhaustion didn't wear off until almost 20 weeks (although I'm still waiting for the glow - ha!)

Hopefully yours will ease soon as well, but babyradio is right about iron and vitamins.

Also, I've genuinely had to adjust my expectations of what I can manage - even when I feel energetic, I just don't have the stamina to do as much as I used to. Baby making is tiring business!

[HPsauceonbaconbuttiesmmm]

It's exhausting. Just sleep whenever you can. I remember sleeping 12 hours a night at weekends and napping for a couple of hours in the afternoon too, with dc1.

Unfortunately I never got the second trimester glow, but did feel less exhausted between weeks 20-26 ish.

I'm now pregnant 40+4 with a toddler requiring my attention. Have to admit it does make pg the first time round look very easy! It wasn't at the time though.

You will get through it, and then be even mad enough to do it again.

Agree with pp, even with a high needs, non sleeping baby I never felt as bad as when I was pregnant, ignore any unhelpful comments such as, "it's just getting you used to sleepless nights". Rubbish. Completely different.

[javabean]

I'm currently 28 weeks with DC2 and have struggled with tiredness all the way through both pregnancies. As far as I know, there was no other cause (iron levels fine etc) and the only thing I can do is get as much rest as possible. DH has had to do more than usual as I'm just not capable! I also found that the newborn days were much easier to handle than being pregnant.

It's not just the tiredness though, it's hard not to feel lazy and frustrated when you're used to doing so much more.

[afrikat]

Thanks for the comments ladies - nice to know it isn't just me being lame! My iron levels were normal at the initial screening but I will ask mw to check again. I am taking a multivitamin with D and C etc in it so that should be covered.

I just had such high expectations of the 2nd trimester and feel so frustrated that I am still so tired - but I think revising my expectations is a good idea then at least I won't constantly be annoyed at myself for not being able to do more. Fingers crossed I will get a boost eventually

All credit to those of you going through this with a toddler to run after!

[LemonPeculiarJones]

I was exhausted all through pg with DS1 and am now 21 weeks with #2 and the same thing. It wasn't my iron - my iron levels are high apparently, as with last time, too!

Sleep as much as you can and rest too, and don't apply non-pg expectations to yourself now, you are growing a whole new person inside your body....!

It is a pain when you're waiting for the second trimester to kick in - longing to feel energised again - but it doesn't happen.

This is how I described my first pg: I was absolutely exhausted throughout my first trimester and kept waiting and waiting for the second trimester energy to kick in....then I had a baby