Where the FUCK is my second trimester glow?

[IHateThinkingUpANewUsername]

Second pregnancy, first was two years ago and had horrendous HG so once that was under control and I wasn’t in hospital, everything was on an upward trend. This time the HG has been better controlled from the start but I’m now 18 weeks and I feel lousy. Tired, fat, back hurts, slightly nauseous, so tired, mushy brain, constipated, achy, did I mention tired?!
I’m sure it’s just the fact it’s my second pregnancy in two years, I have a (non-sleeping) toddler to look after and the rock bottom of the first trimester of my first pregnancy made the rest of my pregnancy seem blissful but I want this ‘burst of energy’ I keep reading about; and great skin and hair; and a lovely round bump. Instead, I look and feel like a week old baked potato.

I’m clearly a baked potato who never learnt about paragraphs.

I'm still waiting for mine...kid is 8. Hope you get yours soon.

I'm 20 weeks and still waiting for my 'glow'. My skin's been better I guess, but it was pretty horrid in the first trimester. I also have a 3yo.

Each time my PILs ask how am I doing and I say 'I'm tired... could be better etc.' they act surprised. Why are you asking me then?! MIL is usually great but I wanted to murder her when she said that I'm supposed to feel better in second trimester ...

I think having an older but still little child is the source of our problems here. I'm sure I'd feel better if nobody tried to climb on my head several hours a day.

Damn. I was going to say the same as @LucysSkyDiamonds, but my one is only 20months.

I think the glow is a myth designed to give pregnant women hope. Like how morning sickness makes it sound like it only happens in the morning, and you'll be fine the rest of the day.

I think the glow is a myth designed to give pregnant women hope. Like how morning sickness makes it sound like it only happens in the morning, and you'll be fine the rest of the day.

Maybe 'pregnancy glow' is if you get greasy skin instead of dry skin? I've got a bit dry skin now but with some moisturiser my nose properly 'glows'

Yup, a second pregnancy is so different to a first when you have a small child. I think I would forget to take the baby with me if it wasn’t in my womb. There’s definitely no pregnancy yoga classes this time or lovingly slathering my bump in bio oil every night.

I also would have felt guilty about not doing yoga or joking about ‘forgetting the baby’ the first time around so being a bit more relaxed this time is a positive. Still tired though.

Hi op
Congratulations
I'm pregnant to although I'm still on first trimester I feel exactly how you feel. I have 2 girls aged 12 and 6.. I had a beautiful glow around that time(20weeks)
I now feel exactly how you feel at 18 weeks.
I hope you get what u want soon x

@Smurftastic I’m glowing too, on my forehead mostly 😂 plus all the acne on my chest and back. It’s a real treat feeling like a teenager again.

This post speaks to me, thank you. Love from another tired, hormonal, slightly nauseous, acne-plagued 17 week pregnant potato xo

The glow is a myth, you just look less shit in comparison to your first trimester. Have some if you are able to stomach it, agree with everything you said

My skin has definitely cleared up and looks more ‘glowy’ and my hair has cheered up, but I have HG so any other kind of glow is very unlikely.

At nursery pick up today, I was told "goodness, you've bloomed!" and I was like yes, I'm a 21 week potato...! There is no glow... I've got spots and patches of dry skin. My hair is greasier than normal though... does that count?! ;-)

I’m 13 weeks with my second, I don’t look pregnant I just look like I’ve hit the pies hard

I'm 29 weeks with baby number 3. Am yet to find a single glowing moment in 3 pregnancies!

I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old. I am a tired, shouty, tired, impatient, tired, uncomfortable, tired grump bag!

I'm also 18 weeks, I have the burst of energy and feel great but its not showing in my physical appearance. I don't have the great skin or hair and there's no sign of any bump appearing yet!

I've found my people! 18 weeks with number 2 and just so so tired. I'm sure I was enjoying it was the last one? I can't really remember any more, I struggle to string a sentence together these days let alone do anything productive.

I’m about to go into my third trimester (FTM) and I’m still waiting. I’ve had very short moments where I’m fine and have energy to do stuff but it’s just one thing (e.g. go to the supermarket or walk the dog) then I’m done for the rest of the day.