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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

pregnancy 2 how to cope with exhaustion when already a mum

26 replies

mummymoppet · 08/03/2014 11:26

I just found out I am pregnant again. I already have a four year old and am absolutely exhausted, I am going to bed when my daughter does at 7pm sleeping through till 7am when she gets up and I am still thoroughly exhausted, I have all the symptoms of last time too, the sickness, my boobs are in agony... But this exhaustion I just don't ever remember it being so bad, I ache physically and spend the day struggling to keep my eyes open and doing silly things my memory is shocking does anyone have any advice on how to combat the exhaustion because I am needed to be a mum and not fall asleep every ten minutes.

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snickers251 · 08/03/2014 11:32

It is tough I remember how awful it felt trying to entertain a toddler when I could have slept for days.

How far are you? I found 2nd tri was easier but first and last few weeks were unbearable. I used to get crippling migranes too which didn't help.

have you got any support?

I promise you it gets easier, I found it a breeze once no 2 arrived compared to being pregnant

Original poster
mummymoppet · 08/03/2014 11:48

Hi thanks for replying, I am only five weeks, this time last time I was successfully holding down a job and had no idea I was pregnant for another two weeks, but this time I couldn't miss being pregnant from week 2... Are they symptoms always worse the second time? Do you think them being so different to last time everything is ok?
I have support, my husband is wonderful when he gets in from work he tries to take over everything so I can rest.... But I'm so worried about my capabilities as a mum when I am this tired, we always go to the park when it's not raining but we can't now, I physically cannot, feeling like an awful mother.

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MyNameIsKenAdams · 08/03/2014 11:49

Oh god im in the midst of this too. Dd is 2.3, and im working random shifts and so so tired. My MS hits at about half eleven at night (every bloody night this week), and wakes me up too.

I cannot wait to get past the tired stage Sad

MyNameIsKenAdams · 08/03/2014 11:50

Oh god im in the midst of this too. Dd is 2.3, and im working random shifts and so so tired. My MS hits at about half eleven at night (every bloody night this week), and wakes me up too.

I cannot wait to get past the tired stage Sad

MyNameIsKenAdams · 08/03/2014 11:50

Oops

MyNameIsKenAdams · 08/03/2014 11:51

My house is an utter state atm too. Im out of knives and nearly out of knickers but just too exhausted to face it.

Im at work 3-11pm tonight so am currently lying on the couch trying to muster some energy. Dh will have a tidy tonight once dd goes to bed.

purplebaubles · 08/03/2014 11:52

Don't know..31 weeks pg here with a 15month old who has only just learnt to toddle and is obviously still in nappies.

I'd say having a four year old would be a breeze!!!

You just do?! Sorry, I know that's not helpful. This too shall pass and all that!

Original poster
mummymoppet · 08/03/2014 11:58

A four year old.... Can open stair gates, and the front door.... And is willfull as hell lol but yes I know it's a get on with it thing and I am, it's good to know I am not alone, I just don't remember feeling so exhausted before and was wondering if something was wrong but I'm glad I am not alone.... I was wondering if anyone knew if energy drinks were really awful in pregnancy and what the dangerous ingredient is? Only there is a can in the fridge and when looking at it longingly I noted that the caffeine amount is actually pretty low.... Lower then in a cup of coffee if my math is correct....

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babyboomersrock · 08/03/2014 12:45

I think energy drinks will be packed full of sugar, OP. You need good food - lots of protein and not too much in the way of carbohydrate or sugar - to keep your energy levels up.

Having said that, if you are sleeping 12 hours a night and still nodding off during the day, I'd have a word with the GP. That sounds unusual to me.

snickers251 · 08/03/2014 12:48

Please don't worry about your capabilities as a mum, you have to do whatever you can to muddle through until you feel better and you will.

The early weeks are really hard. I felt awful for my ds as I went from being down the park and doing all sorts of fun to dozing in front of the tv in the afternoons.

I wouldn't say symptoms were worse but then I didn't have a 2yo to keep entertained during the first pregnancy.

Hopefully the 1st tri will zoom past and you'll get your energy back!

Original poster
mummymoppet · 08/03/2014 12:54

Thanks all, you are probably right about the sugar :S just a brief moment of weakness wanting a boost to take the little lady to the park. I have an appointment in two weeks it was the earliest one I could book, can't wait for it to pass. :) thanks all. It is good to feel less alone and less like a total failure.

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Original poster
mummymoppet · 08/03/2014 12:55

Also protein.... Meat makes me really sick any other suggestions?

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MyNameIsKenAdams · 08/03/2014 13:01

Eggs

Original poster
mummymoppet · 08/03/2014 13:04

Worth a try :) thank you

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NoIamAngelaHernandez · 08/03/2014 13:06

I feel your pain!
I have 4 year old twins and work full time and am 18 weeks pregnant with number 3. We had 18 for Christmas (when morning sickness was at it's height). THank God for DH.

Original poster
mummymoppet · 08/03/2014 13:27

Wow I feel for you! I find one four year old exhausting right now.... How did you get through it? Has it eased up?

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NoIamAngelaHernandez · 08/03/2014 13:35

Yes, it is better now, thanks :)
I did find Christmas really hard, though I don't think most people noticed. I felt really detached from it all because all I could think about was when I could next go to bed or how ill I felt!! I felt much better at 13 weeks and onwards - hope the same happens for you.

I am still tired now - the boys go to bed at 7 and I go at half past - I have to be up at 6.15 for work. Fridays at work are the hardest. I have a nap in the afternoon at weekends.

Unfortunately we have a whole room to renovate and redecorate before the baby arrives in 20 weeks!! Eeeeek!!

Pregnantagain7 · 08/03/2014 19:53

Totally hear you mummy! Am 8 weeks with my fourth i have an 8 yr old, 3 yr old and a 5 month old in am officially knackered! Can't wait for the second trimester at the moment I am unable to anything except for grunt after 7pm ;)

MrsSpencerReid · 08/03/2014 20:00

It's awful isn't it, have some Biscuit&Brew my motto was and still is just to make it through the day with everyone still alive!! If dp is that bothered about the state of the house he'll sort it himself Gringood luck for the next 35ish weeks and beyond

Original poster
mummymoppet · 09/03/2014 11:54

Thanks all for all the replies I am so relieved not to be alone and I feel for you all :) good luck and if any of you figure out magic boost remedies please let me know. I feel detached a lot at the moment too.... Very difficult to focus. Thank you all.

OP posts:
TwoThreeFourSix · 09/03/2014 12:00

Can you get any help from relatives? Ive just been signed off work as I've been struggling since the beginning and am now 31 weeks and in permanent pain. DS is 2.5.

Fortunately as I work FT we have a 'nanny' (my parents) so now Im signed off they continue to look after DS and I can rest. The weekends are still a killer tho despite DH helping.

isitme1 · 09/03/2014 12:06

Im also in the same boat.
Eldest is nearly 4 has sn and is in hospital an awful lot. Ds2 was 4weeks when ds1 was in hospital for a procedure was very hard esp as I was ill for a while after having ds2. Im pg with 3rd. Both are ill
eldest is laid in bed. Kitchen is clean youngest is asleep and im laid next to him. Dh works long hours.

Im 4months pg.

Being that tired is a symptom of pregnancy but can also indicate anemia.

chattychattyboomba · 09/03/2014 12:08

Looks like you have some lovely helpful replies here. I don't know the answer but when the morning sickness eases you feel a little better. I'm now 3rd tri and starting to feel like a turtle on her back when it comes to getting up off the sofa. First 24 weeks were horrific this time. I have a 2y/o almost 3 and swear she was extra hard work! Although at the time it really hit me we went on a huge trip to Bali and Australia. Bali I literally slept all day in between trips to the bathroom to throw up, while my mum watched DD. Perfect for all of us because she never gets to see her, but I felt sad as I didn't enjoy the holiday. Once we got to Aus DH pretty much took over in between family visits. I honestly don't know how I could have survived on my own. Although I also had the worse vomiting and nausea as well. Anyway just thought I would offer you my sympathy. It's really tough! Sending you energy vibes Wink

Mumof3xx · 09/03/2014 12:15

When I fell pregnant with dc2 my dc1 was only 9 months old

I didn't find the pregnancy with already having a baby too hard however I wasn't working

When pregnant with dc3 I had a 4 year old, 3 year old and worked four days per week

I was so drained! I still am tbh!

musicalmrs · 09/03/2014 12:39

I'm really struggling too. 9wks here, and a 22 month old. She's being adoreable and lovely, but I flake out in the middle of the afternoon and can't do much. Thankfully she's quite happy to watch a little bit of Cbeebies then, which is enough to get me through... and then I let her gallivant around the garden in the late afternoon to wear her out (rather than the park, which I can't manage at the moment).

In my case, I'm freelance so work evenings, weekends and during her naps if she has them. Wish I had your option of going to bed at 7pm -often I'm still up gone 11.30 :(

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