Studying (or trying to!) in 1st trimester. Help?!

[catmommy]

So I'm in the early stages of pregnancy - got my dating scan next week but we're guessing I'm around 10 weeks. One thing I hadn't banked on, was how much I was going to suffer physically and mentally! I swear when I was pregnant last time (ending in miscarriage) I hardly noticed?!

I feel nauseous and achey constantly, but I've got used to that bit. The bit I can't quite deal with is the constantly foggy head. I feel hungover, fuzzy and travel-sicky all the time. I can't concentrate on ANYTHING. Most advice I've read says to chill and ride it out, nap when needed etc. The problem I have, is that I am studying for my Masters simultaneously (a grand plan thought up a year ago, that we thought would take my mind off trying for a baby should it not happen - I've suffered fertility struggles/ my late miscarriage previously).

How do I tune my brain in??? My uni have somewhat reluctantly allowed me a 2 week extension on my last 2 assignments of the year and I've taken 2 weeks annual leave from work to get them done.... But in all honesty I just feel hideous and I don't know what to do to get my brain working again!!! Help?!

Unfortunately I think it's just a case of waiting it out. I used to go to the toilet at work just so I could shut my eyes for a few minutes . If I remember, I started feeling less foggy/tired again at about 12/14 weeks.

Oh thank you for posting. I have two law exams next month and revision is not going well. I’m so tired, I’ve had to change my revision style. Today I have a complete brain fog. I have no idea what I’m going to do and I’m starting to feel really stressed.

@mads2750 Yeah I really wish I had the luxury of time! :( Like I say, my uni gave me 2 weeks extra but weren't thrilled about it and made it very clear they don't see pregnancy as an 'extenuating circumstance' (Clearly whoever decided this has not tried to continue functioning as a professional/ academic whilst also growing a baby!!!)

@Katiekattty Yes you are definitely not alone. I have to have a dissertation proposal submitted within a couple of weeks and I'm currently just staring at my laptop screen blankly.... :(

No advice I'm afraid, but just wanted to say you have my sympathies.

Unfortunately it's totally normal. I struggled through work every day of the first 15 weeks and still have bad days now (19 weeks Monday) - I had no motivation, couldn't concentrate and just felt awful, first with sickness, then with fatigue and headaches. If I'd been going into the office I don't know how I would have done it.

Only thing I can suggest is going to your doctor? Perhaps if you had your GP's support your university would see your experience as legitimately extenuating circumstances. Just a thought.

Best of luck!

@TomatoSoup69 Thankyou! Yeah it's really tough, I just wasn't expecting it! Unfortunately, 2 weeks was the most they would offer even with a letter from my midwife explaining how difficult the first couple of months can be. Looks like I'm just going to have to magic up some work fast!!!