Energy Level Extremely Low Because I'm Newly Pregnant Again!

Updated on September 14, 2016
A.F. asks from New Holland, PA
11 answers

Hi moms!! I haven't been on here in a while because I decided to take the advice of many of you, and stop worrying about every little thing and just enjoy being a new mom!!
And it has been great!! I have a healthy happy 10 month old boy.
The issue this time that I DEFINITELY need advice from people who have been through this!!
I found out 2 weeks ago that I am pregnant again, and my energy level is extremely low. I can't do all the fun little activities and games that I used to fill our day with anymore.
My 10 month old will play on his own a lot with all the toys we have around here. But I am feeling extremely guilty that I don't have the energy right now to do the things I used to.
Does anyone have any advice for me to either get my energy level up or to ensure my 10 month old isn't feeling neglected while I get through the tough 1st trimester?

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Spend more time reading, doing puzzles and other sedentary activites. Your son won't even realize how his play time has changed.

Also, let go of the guilt. It's not healthy for you or your son.

Congratulations!!!

8 moms found this helpful

D.D.

answers from Boston on

Congrats! Your son isn't old enough to notice that anything has changed to there's no need to feel guilty about things. Figure out games that you can play while sitting of laying on the floor and he'll be happy just to have your attention.

Have your hubby jump in when he's home so you can get in a power nap. Your energy should come back in a month or so. Until then be kind to yourself and remember that as long as you are coming from a place of love everything will be ok.

6 moms found this helpful
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M.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

When I was in this stage, I did two things.
One was that I enlisted my husband to let me take a 30 min nap most days, as soon as he got home from work, right before dinner. It really helped me get through the day, because when I was so tired mid-afternoon, I would think - I just have to make it to 5:30, then I can lay down for a little bit.

The other is that I learned games I could play lying down. I would lay on my side, arm under head, on the floor. I could play blocks, little people, and other things this way. Just keep the room that you are in gated so that if he's mobile, you don't have to chase him to other rooms. You don't want to have to pull yourself clear off the floor every time he crawls away. Just stay put and wait for him to come back when his attention wanders.

4 moms found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Congratulations!!

Your son isn't feeling neglected. I promise. As long as you're close to him, he knows he is loved. Don't feel like you have to entertain him 24-7. You'll love that he can play on his own once the new baby is here and he's a little older too.

Being so tired is normal in pregnancy, especially with another baby to care for.

4 moms found this helpful

D.B.

answers from Boston on

Congrats! It's so normal to be tired in the early stages of pregnancy, but for many women, it's worse with Kid #2 because they are taking care of Kid #1 which is a ton of work (don't listen to anyone who says otherwise!).

So, forget the guilt, Recognize that this won't necessarily last throughout the pregnancy. For many women, the 2nd trimester is much better. Even if it isn't, realize that your ten-month-old has no idea that you are more tired or doing less. He's changing so much every month anyway, and he's really not that tuned into you in terms of activities or energy level. He won't notice a thing, and he certainly won't remember it long term.

If you haven't invested in a way to contain him, do so now. If he's not mobile, he will be soon. You want a playpen or larger play space with the fence that contains him and a whole bunch of toys. You can put a pillow or back support in there so you can be comfortable on the ground. Start him on some sedentary games like wooden puzzles, sorting toys and so on - lots to do in limited space.

And YES to the nap! See if you can find a high school kid to come over and watch/play with your son so you can go lie down. That way you won't have to wait until 5:30 or 6 - which is a great idea but maybe you can't hold out that long!

Scale back - I promise you, the photographer from House Beautiful is not coming over, so relax your standards! Don't dust, don't make the beds every day, and don't scrub the bathrooms all the time. Your husband can do that stuff on the weekend (except the beds - don't make them, just change the sheets every so often). In a year, you'll never remember that you didn't do all this stuff for a while when you were pregnant! Get a couple of bins or large baskets where you can toss the toys and clutter and stray shoes, and let it go for now.

Eat right - lots of small meals, and keep a supply of things to graze on as needed (carrot sticks & hummus, a few lightly salted almonds, peanut butter in celery or on crackers, and so on). Make sure there is protein and healthy fats in every snack/meal. And paper plates and take-out are fine if you need them!

3 moms found this helpful
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E.B.

answers from Beaumont on

Be sure and utilize his nap time and YOUR nap time! Congratulations!!!

3 moms found this helpful
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M.G.

answers from Portland on

Congratulations on your news!

It's very typical to feel tired in the beginning, especially while caring for another little one. Your 10 month old will not notice how tired you are. Trust me. I've had babies in quick succession and very used to feeling like I would doze off while the others are busy playing. They don't really care and will need to get used to sharing mom anyhow when new baby comes.

I napped when my kids napped. And I put my feet up and just took it easy whenever possible. If I was really drained, I threw on a video. Not ideal no - but you do what you need to.

My husband always jumped in and picked up the slack - and that became special bonding time for him too.

You'll likely get your blood levels checked - I was anemic with my pregnancies - iron - but also have problems absorbing B12 (which can really make you feel lethargic). Just mention it to your doctor next visit. But entirely normal. You will feel much more tired this time than with your last pregnancy because you're so much busier.

2 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Congratulations!!
Good advice below.

I'm sure your Dr checked your blood but make sure you're not anemic and yiur levels are normal.

When I was pregnant I had b-12 shots weekly because my body doesn't absorb correctly. They make a difference in my energy level!!

Also eat right and drink lots of water!

2 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Every so often get Dad or a baby sitter or relative to look after your 10 month old so you can get some sleep.
I don't know how moms with more than one kid does it because just being pregnant at all totally wiped me out.
I felt like I did nothing but eat, sleep and pee for the whole 9 months.

2 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

kids don't need parents to entertain them, not even with 'little activities and games.' and if you don't create a constant reality where you're always entertaining him, you'll make life much easier for him, you and the new baby.
guilt is far more toxic than a happy toddler playing with his own toys. as long as you're nearby and smiling and talking to him as he plays, he considers you 'playing with him.'
letting him grow up happily entertaining himself is one of the greatest gifts you can give your son.
khairete
S.

1 mom found this helpful

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I don't know what kind of activities and games you're referring to (?) as a full time homemaker I spent my days with my babies cooking and cleaning, shopping, taking care of the garden, etc. I breastfed, snuggled and sang to my little ones but beyond that they were happily crawling around, playing and exploring, and yes spent some time in the swing or bouncy thing.
As long as your baby has a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment he's not going to feel "neglected" in any way.

1 mom found this helpful
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