16 weeks pregnant and mum to an energetic 3 year old

[Ahemily]

I know there are loads of mums out there with much bigger problems, but I am finding it quite a struggle keeping up with my DS, who is full of beans (as most 3 year olds are!) now that I'm pregnant.

The first pregnancy was so easy after the first 12 weeks - I had loads of energy - but this time round I feel sluggish, headachey, sick and emotional. I feel like I'm being a crap mum to my DS, who asks if we can go out and inevitably gets the response "mummy's a bit tired today".

I feel such a letdown. I don't want him to feel that life got more boring when I fell pregnant, and I know that I'm going to be even more exhausted when the baby comes. I feel like he deserves better than I'm giving him.

Anyone in the same boat? Any tips for an energy boost / kick up the arse?

You do need to go out though! You'd probably both feel better for it, and he'd have less energy afterwards!

Maybe take a trip to the park and feed the ducks, then nip into a cafe for a drink and a snack, tomorrow?

Sending you a kick up the arse and hoping that helps .

Or why not call up a friend and suggest popping round for a change of scene?

I personally think there is no tiredness on earth to match how tired you feel when you're pregnant, but it will pass.

Believe me, getting out the door now is going to retrospectively look like a walk in the park compared to when you've got a newborn, so make the most of it.

Sorry, I know that's not very sympathetic, I'm sure others will be more so!

If you're a SAHM, you could maybe coincide going out for a walk when you have the most amount of energy, and have a sit down and a cup of tea when you're feeling really tired?

If you work FT, then , I take it all back .

I was in the same situation as you a couple of months ago, i was 20 weeks pregnant when my DS was 3 and the tiredness was horrendous but i do echo what pp said.

Is your LO in nursery/preschool? This is a lifesaver for me especially now I've got a 6 week old and a 3.5 year old. It is much easier to manage the tiredness when your no longer pregnant!

Hugs! It does get better!

Thank you both so much for the lovely support / kick up the arse!

I do work FT but my hours are normal, i.e. I'm pretty much done by 5pm most nights. When the weather is nice and the evenings are light, I feel I'm wasting the opportunity to run the legs off him after nursery but just can't summon the energy.

Perhaps you're right in that half the battle is getting up and doing it. It's such a different pregnancy to the first, it's just knocked me sideways!

Just to update - forced my lazy arse out with DS yesterday, we went to the museum and the playground and it felt great. I was knackered, but felt infinitely better for getting out with him. Thanks for all the support