So TIRED!

I was the same way in my second pregnancy. So much more tired staying home with my then 2 1/2 year old than when I was pregnant the first time and working full time. Funny how that works! But, about week 15 I started to regain some energy. By about week 20 I was doing pretty well. So, hand in there, it should get better!
Good luck, and congratulations!

Yes it is. I've read that you get really tired and i didn't believe it because i didn't get that tired with my first. I worked full time through out. BUT for this one i have been tired everyday, All day. I can't get enough sleep, i could sleep all day and night if i let myself. I think some of it is because i also have a daughter i chase after some is because i can sleep where as my last time i worked full time and couldn't possibly sleep walking through walmart...lol I think things are just more hectic this time around. I'm grocery shopping, going to the library, going to parks and school events...lol Just more to make you tired...

When I was about that far along, I got so frustrated with being tired and unproductive that I got on the treadmill for just 15 minutes a day. Somehow that really helped to perk me up until I was into the 2nd trimester and the energy picked up. I am not an athletic person or even much of an exerciser in general, but that little bit seemed to really help. It's worth a try! I hope you find something that will help. Good luck!

This can be normal, but I found my iron level was really low, so check with your doc. the tiredness is how many women, myself included, realize that they are pregnant.

Yeah, it's pretty normal. You're still in your first trimester, so be careful about caffeine consumption; not to freak you out, but recent tests are showing a link between caffeine in the first trimester and early miscarriage. After the first trimester, it's fine to go back to having a cup or two a day (but remember, most coffee cups are actually two measuring cups of coffee, or more).

The reality is, your body is working way over-time, especially with a little one to chase. The fact that you weren't so tired with the two that you lost could just mean that your body is working extra hard to keep this one. Take your pre-natal vitamins, get as much sleep as you can, and be gentle with yourself. The second trimester should be easier.

Also, again not to freak you out, but I was totally wiped out my first trimester this last time I was pregnant, unbelievably so, and much more than with my first, and, well, it turned out I was having twins. Any chance of that for you? It definitely made a difference, both in my exhaustion and my nausea....

I'm sure other moms will say this too, but get your iron level checked. Mine was low and I literally fell asleep at my desk at work several times during my first trimester. It sounds strange, but trying going out for a walk each day when the weather cooperates. Exercise helps increase blood flow and should improve your energy level. Hang in there, the energy level should improve as you get further into your pregnancy.
Congratulations, too!

congrats on the pregnancy! fatigue is pretty normal, but if its off the charts, more tired than youve ever been, definately check with your doctor. i wouldnt be drinking a ton of caffeine either. check with your doc, but exercise is the BEST way to get energy back! its tough the first week or two, but even taking a nice walk and getting your heartbeat up with help you sleep better, making your sleep more energy efficient for your mind and body, and it will make it easier to wake up and stay awake. i know its tough bringing yourself to start exercising initially, and its hard to summon to energy to do it, but i promise, this will help! check with your doctor before starting anything though. GOOD LUCK HONEY!!

Please stop drinking coffee. It's not good for the baby. See your doctor asap. I wish I had some other advice to give you. You may be sleeping too much.

I felt the same way when my daughter was 2 and I was newly pregnant. Turns out I was pregnant with twins! If you aren't having multiples you might want to check to see if you are anemic. I think your doctor would advise you to definitely take it easy with the caffeine.

I will repeat - have doc ck your iron and possibly the thyroid! It is not normal too be that tired - if you are truly getting that much sleep...

Although they are quick pick-me-ups, caffeine and sugar actually rob some people of deep rest because you go on a rollercoast with energy-a sugar rush and then a crash. That said, pregnancy can also make you feel like you are exhausted and each pregnancy is different. With my first child, I couldn't eat greasy food; baby number two, I wanted rich foods. You also didn't write if you are taking prenatal vitamins and your overall diet. And, even pregnant, you should be doing some form of exercise, like walking or possible stretching to keep your own energy levels up. Also, consider your workload. My first pregnancy was very stressful and I almost miscarried. I didn't think I was doing a lot, but I was. The second pregnancy, I quit the job and coordinated our family's move, but I took naps mid-day and got rest in the evening. If you are taking online courses, I know the workload is very heavy, you're also trying to keep track of a preschooler all day, and probably trying to keep track of household chores, etc. You also didn't mention your age, so all of those can be factors. So, if you are doing all of the things you should (vitamins, balanced diet, balanced workload, etc.) it could be normal, but I'd discuss with my OB/GYN.

Have your doctor test for hypothyroidism. While I was asymptomatic, my condition was diagnosed during pregnancy and being tired is one symptom.

D.

Talk to your doctor. Anemia can cause you to be VERY tired. Make sure you are taking your prenastals and eating an iron rich diet. Good luck.

With my third I was really sleepy as well until I hit about 5 months and that only lasted for 3 months and I started to feel really sleepy again in the later months. I think it is just par for the course, and that you will start to get your energy back. I am not sure how much vitamin B you are allowed when you are pregnant, but you can ask if you can get additional vitamin B supplements, I am pretty sure you can. Vitamin B is a natural source of energy, and some people have a vitamin B deficiency where they do not absorb vitamin B as well as others so they really need to make sure to take an extra supplement, etc. You also may be able to have your doctor test you for this, or there are DNA tests to see how your body breaks down vitamins and what vitamins your body needs the most, if this is something that continues that is, but right now it just seems like it is a normalcy of pregnancy. One more thing, vitamin B is essential for the body to be able to use carbohydrate as an energy source as well as for metabolizing amino acids, so if your diet has changed to eating more carbs than your requirements for Vitamin B would be increased. With all this said, I am still learning about vitamins etc, so maybe some other ladies on here would know more.

I know this may be a late reply but hope you feel better now that its 2 months later.... I am now 10 wks pregnant and was VERYYYYYYY tired in the beginning and was told it was normal..... and it is common for some women.... how did you manage? I try to go bed earlier than usual (and would record my shows).. and take powernaps if I have to.. even if it's for 20 mins.....

Two things during my pregnancy made me extremely tired. During the first trimester I was put on progesterone because I experienced some bleeding around 6 1/2 weeks and it was supposed to help keep the pregnancy. It made me feel so awful and tired it was ridiculous. I was so happy when I stopped taking it. The second thing that caused me to be tired (in the second trimester) was low thyroid levels that thankfully corrected themselves within a few weeks. I thought for sure when the nurse called me it was going to be to say I was anemic, but it was my thyroid levels instead. Just thought I'd mention those causes of my tiredness in case either might apply to you.

Hi L.,
I'm also pregnant with #2 and am 25 weeks along now. I was sooo tired in the beginning right around 10 weeks or so also. I couldn't believe how tired I was. Or maybe it was that I had an 11 mo old to take care of and couldn't just take a nap when I wanted to like when I was pg the first time. But believe me, come bedtime, I was out right after I but my daughter to sleep. It gradually went away and by about 15-16 weeks, I was better, still tired, but way better than before. Now, I take a nap when my 14 mo old takes a nap and that helps tremendously. Good luck!

I was that way hen I didn't use progestrone cream. I like the one from the AIM company. as long as i used that I was almost my normal self. I don't go for the it's normal to be sooo tired. But it could also be something else that's wrong.

L.,
How exciting to have a baby on the way. I am so sorry for the heartbreak I am sure your miscarriages brougt. I have 4 children and I know with each one it was a bit harder and I was considerably more tired. If your 3 year old naps, seize the moment! Please stop consumption of caffeine as it can be harmful to your baby. Have you looked at your diet? I know with other kids to take care of I sometimes neglected my own nutritional needs. Try and make sure you are getting plenty of protein especially in the morning. Are you taking your prenatal vitamins? I know I would often forget or I threw them up half the time but the times I could remember them/keep them down made a difference. The Brewer diet is a great starting point and you can also go to this site on Bradley childbirth's webpage. Its a great reminder what you should be eating every day and has a nice list of protein values. http://www.bradleybirth.com/PD.aspx I usually perked up by my second trimester. I hope the same goes for you. Congratulations!

I know exactly how I feel. I felt so narcoleptic (like that woman on Deuce Bigalo if you remember her) when I was pregnant. Actually, before I knew I was pregnant, I remember flying to visit my great aunt and falling asleep on her couch so early in the evening and then going to bed by 9 which wasn't my kind of thing. After I found out I was pregnant not too long after that, I was like....Ah, that's why. But, my entire pregnancy I would zone out on the couch (of course, after I had our daughter I would do the same) at all hours of the day and then sleep well at night, too. I haven't had that experience YET of having another child to have to take care of while pregnant...hoping for that opportunity soon and I don't know what to tell you to take to stay awake. In my opinion, I wouldn't take any more caffiene or even any "pills" to stay awake. You want your pregnancy to be as safe as possible. The best thing to do is maybe ask your doctor on your next visit. Sorry I couldn't be more help, but good luck! :-)

L.,
Usually for first time pregnancies it would be normal to feel very tired the first few months, but you mentioned you have a 3 year old. Every pregnancy is different but there are a few things that remain the same. You would be the best judge of those things. You really shouldn't be drinking caffeine while pregnant, unless your doctor said it would be fine. Chocolate is another thing you should stay away from. Don't be freaked out about my next statement, the possibility is slim, but not impossible. There is one medical possibility; did you ever get tested for gestational diabetes? If no, you should ask your doctor about that. If you are as tired like you say you are, then you might test positive. I honestly hope you don't have it, but if you do and go untreated then you might start to have complications in your pregnancy, and possibly another miscarriage. I'm not a doctor, but I work in a doctors office (Family practice) and I've seen this before in pregnant women who didn't know they should be treated for being tired. It seem to be a silly thing to go to the doctor for, but you really need to see your doctor. If you test neg, then you know it isn't that. While you are at it, have the doctor test your iron levels. It you are iron deficient, this may be causeing your extreme fatigue an the doctor can give you iron suppliments. NONE of the things I suggested above are meant to scare you. They are just information and should be treated as such. My suggestion is to see your doctor and tell him/her that you are this tired and want these test done, even if your family history works out that you would not be at risk. Again, I am not a doctor, but you should see one.
Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinions to you. I hope this helps.
E.

L.,
I would suggest first going to the doctor and, if it hasn't already been done yet, having your blood sugar level checked along with anemia. These two common areas in pregnancy can cause fatigue. Try to avoid coffee and other caffeine products during your pregnancy. It is great that you can stay at home with your daughter, but keep in mind that staying at home with a child is a full-time job itself. On top of that you are trying to do full-time course work, take care of the home full-time, be a full-time wife, and be pregnant full-time. Seeing the picture? Your excess sleep and fatigue could be also caused from all those stresses as well. Sleeping is a great way to avoid all the pressures and stresses there are in life. L., slow down, take 1 class, spend learning time and routine with your daughter, and see the doctor soon. God Bless you and your family --J.

Definitely talk to your doctor. I'm assuming they did all the bloodwork already; but what about hypothyroidism ?

Sometimes giving into the sleep thing makes you more tired- at least that is what happens with me but I'm not pregnant.

Hey L.! The only thing I could think of is maybe your iron is low? Have they tested that recently? I got extremely tired at the end of my last pregnancy and it was because of my iron.

Good Luck! I hope you feel better soon!

L.,

Pregnancy was always exhausting to me, and I used to marvel at those fortunate women who described feeling healthier and happier than ever before!

Many women describe feeling sleepy and exhausted during the first trimester, and some of them experience dramatic improvement during the second semester. I hope you are one of those women!

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do.

First, of course, check with your ob/gyn about this problem. Issues such as anemia or gestational diabetes can cause problems with fatigue during pregnancy. Testing can identify problems that need to be monitored throughout your pregnancy.

To give yourself a boost of energy far healthier than a cup of coffee, pick up a box of something called Emergen-C. It's sold at Wal-Mart, Walgreens and many other drugstores and is almost always stocked in the vitamin section. The cost is around $10 to $12 for a box of 36 packets.

You simply mix a packet of fizzy powder into a glass of water. Each packet has something like 32 mineral complexes like potassium, calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, and Vitamin C -- so it's all natural and a great natural energy booster. These happen to be the same things your body really needs during pregnancy.

These things come in several flavors. There's my favorite, tangerine, but a lot of people seem to like pink lemonade. (way too tart for me!) Some of my friends like to mix the packets with juice for extra nutrients.

Everyone I have told about this has agreed that it actually does make you feel better. My mom, now in her 80s, was beginning to run out of steam, losing much of the energy that has enabled her to continue to live on her own. She has been taking these drinks since Christmas and feels so much more energetic than she did in the fall.

As I age, I find myself becoming more and more easily worn out during busy work times and these fizzy drinks often give me just enough energy to make it through physically and mentally challenging weekends at work.

There's no panacea potion which will magically cure all ills and give you a vibrant burst of energy during pregnancy, but give this product a whirl. I think you'll find it will do far more than coffee without the negative side effects!

I wish you a happy, healthy and successful pregnancy. :)

I would talk to you doctor and also make sure you are getting the right amounts of prenatal vitamins and eat properly. I found myself more tired when I was deficient in nutrients. Good luck!

You must stop the caffeine. Instead of perking you up, it actually causes fatigue. The "perk" only lasts minutes, and if you drink a lot of coffee, not even that. But the fatigue lasts all day. Also, give up sugar and flour. These call out insulin which is fatiguing, and which cause your blood sugars to drop, causing hypoglycemia.

Eat vegetables. After 1 week of the proper diet, you should have energy.

A good B supplement, like B complex or Liquid B from my web site would help. You need daily B vitamins and you don't get them from most American diets.

L. Cheek, MD
www.sevenpillarstotalhealth.com

L.,

When I was pregnant with my children, I had the problem that when I took my pre-natal vitamins, I got sick and very tired. It was because I already ate very healthy and the vitamins were an overdoes. If you're eating healthy already talk to your doctor about the side effects of the prenatal vitamins. I would highly suggest you see a doctor as Erin suggested because gestational diabetes is no fun. I thankfully never had it, but I had a friend that did and it was awful for her. She wasn't allowed to have any sweets for her entire pregnancy. Please don't be scared about what all of us have told you. It can be scary. Talking to your doctor as soon as possible will put your mind at peace though.
As far as the caffeine and chocolate, I have yet to see a link between those and an early miscarriage. I am a person that has to have those every now and again because I am naturally hyper and they help me calm down. It would be best to not have it every day, moderation is the key to any good thing. If you really want chocolate, eat dark chocolate as it is healthier than milk chocolate. If you need caffeine try a seven up or sprite.
Hope you feel better soon, be sure to talk to your doctor. God Bless.

you could be anemic, low iron. i get that way during pregnancy and unfortunately i remained anemic after my last child. ask your dr to test you and then ask for prenatals w/ extra iron or an iron supplement. but up your fiber so you dont get constipated.

L., I have been where you are. You have had a lot of responses talking about how normal it is to be tired and it is as you already know after having one. But you know your body and you know when being tired is one thing and fatigue is another. You definitely need to talk to your doctor but if your doctor is anything like mine have been you may get the same response I had in the past "You are a mom, working and raising kids. It is normal to be very tired." No it is not normal to be THIS tired. My question to you is were you tired, more than normal, before you got pregnant? One thing I would do is look at your diet. If I could change anything, I would have changed my diet while pregnant. I would have had meats, veggies and fruits and dairy. Low on the carbs and sweets. Carbs and sweets run you down, including breads, and sweets. Chicken, low fat beef, turkey, any kind of veggies, and all kinds of fruits. You will have so much energy if you do this. You don't even need to see your dr. to do this. I wish I would have done this. I would have felt so much more alive. I had problems w/ my energy level while pregnant and it stayed with me for years until 2 years ago and I decided to change my diet. I have my life back. I do use organic, hormone-free but you can just do whatever you are comfortable doing. Taking out the high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, white sugars, white flour - you lose weight and feel great!!! I hope this helps. A.

I also had a miscarriage before I got pregnant with my now 2 yr old son, Dylan. I didn't even know I was pregnant. Early in the pregnancy with Dylan, I was extremely tired, slept all the time, needed naps, etc.. This could be a good thing. I would ask your OB, but I think its normal to be exhausted. Around 16weeks, I got a little energy back and started having fun with the pregnancy. I hope it gets better soon!!

The first trimester of pregnancy is usually when women feel the most tired. Lots is happening inside your body. Get all the rest you can. Ask your doctor if you don't start feeling more perky soon. AF

Laura-

It will pass. I flt just like that in the first trimester. But magically at 14 weeks I got this new found energy and needed less sleep. I can't say that you will have the same luck and I am sure you will be a little tired because, you have more responsibility than I do. I don't have any other little children but, I gt up at 4 everyday and ride over 1 hour to work and 2 hours home. I do get around 7 hours of sleep daily but, it all started to get better after week 15. Good Luck!

L.,
Your iron maybe low due to the pregnancy, you may want to talk to your dr about this, you may need to take an extra iron pill to help with this. You can also eat food high in iron, spinach and other veggies. Being tired when pregnant is no fun when you have another one to take care of, I have 5 and I think I was more tired with each pregnancy.

oh, it's normal alright! I didn't have any other awful symptom in my early pregnancy like morning sickness, etc. But boy let me tell you the sheer exhaustion was completely awful. Other people just have no idea how completely and utterly tired pregnancy can make you until they experience it. The good news? It gets better, I promise.
If you're concerned, maybe talk to your doc or midwife about foods you can eat that will give you enough nutrients and vitamins and perhaps slightly more energy. But I experienced this through 3 of my pregnancies. Hang in there.

The other responses are really helpful. I just have a couple of additional suggestions. After a miscarriage, it is really stressful waiting out those first months before you feel really positive about the pregnancy working out. That alone can be exhausting.

Also, I recommend the diet used for gestational diabetes. I tested positive only on my first pregnancy. But for the next two kids, I started the diet early on because I felt so much more energy when using it - it isn't about calories but focuses on frequent small amounts of food, including protein.

I wrote myself a note during my second pregnancy, telling myself never to do this again, because I was so tired and nauseous, but it all seems worthwhile once you have the baby.

Good luck. Feel better.

Hi there,

Its normal to be real tired during the first few months of being pregnant but a few things come to mind....are you taking prenatal vitamins? Also you may want to check and get some bloodwork done, you could be anemic. Are you eating plenty of protein and drinking lots of water?

Good luck, S.

Sorry you're so tired!

You've received some good advice so far. Didn't read it all. Here are some thoughts. First regarding progesterone don't go just experimenting with hormones. If you want to go that route read, get tested, & have someone who is informed guide you. I had this extreme fatigue too with my 2nd preg. I took Rainbow Light prenatals & a prenatal energizer from the same co. I checked it out & felt it was safe. RL had some bad press on lead levels in prenatals. Both my kids were healthy & smart. I was satisfied with their answer. The prescription prenatals seemed very lacking. I'd also suggest a quality DHA suppliment that's very pure. Listen to your body & don't let the Drs etc dismiss you. If you need iron take a good quality one. Ask at your local health food store they can probably help with all of it.

L.- i feel your pain. I am 15 wks pregnant with a 19 m/o son at home. Things will get better. From weeks 6- 13 i felt like i would not survive and questioned how mom's do it with more than one kid at home. i think it s just from having less self time, we are already putting out extra energy for our little ones and trying to grow one inside. i found forcing myself to take walks has helped but i also slept whenever possible. i feel much better now but still more fatigued than my first pregnancy. Hang in there!

Hi, L. - I doubt their is anything wrong. Many women experience this. Not fun! You don't mention vitamins; are you taking prenatals? When Bobbie McCaughy was pregnant with her septuplets, her doctors researched 50 different vitamin companies, and chose to put her on Melaleuca's vitamins. You may want to check out melaleuca.com. Many people - pregnant and not - experience better energy levels with Melaleuca's vitamins. They have been scientifically proven to surpass anything else on the market. Good luck! N.

You don't say how old you are but that could have something to do with it. I was so tired during my pregnancy with my second child. I was 38 and I was much more tired than at 35 with my first. Thank goodness he was a sweet child that could entertain himself while Mommy took a nap. I'm not sure I have any advice except watch your stress levels as that can sap away your energy. Good luck.

could just be normal. but at your next apt. ask to get your thyroid checked. low levels can make you feel tired.