I Can't Keep Up!

I was very tired with my son as well, and unfortunately that I could not remedy. However the nausea I may be able to help with. Preggy pop drops (found at the Motherhood store in the mall) and ginger altoids worked very well for me, and they're easy to carry around as opposed to Saltines! Congratulations and take care!

Preggie Pops are great for the nausea. You can get them in "lolipop" form or in lozenge style. They are great!

As for the energy, I wish I could help... There is no easy answer to this. Get to bed as early as possible until the morning sickness ends. Hopefully once that goes away, your energy will boost. Good luck.

Congratulations! My daughters are 2 yrs apart. It's difficult being pregnant and running after a toddler.

Definitely talk to your dr or midwife about vitamin B (B6 in particular). I took 1 a day (50mg I think) and it helped my nausea. As for energy... maybe some pregnancy teas would help, but go to sleep early and nap when your daughter naps. Let the housework go a little if you can, it'll be there when you feel better!

Good luck and enjoy your daughter as much as you can before the 2nd one arrives. It gets more challenging as you won't get much one on one time with her.

i bought some ginger chews/ candy at wholefoods. they helped alot. they also carry an all natural supplement...i want to say its called "good mornings" or something, but its made for preg women, you take it at night and morning and it helps with the nausea...it helped me so I would def suggest it! Good luck...and dont feel bad resting...your 1 yr old will be fine!

Hi C.,

I'm wondering if you are getting enough nutrition. Is your iron level low? Otherwise, I don't know. I wish you the best and hope you feel better soon. Be sure to ask for help when you need it.

: ) Maureen

I wish I could give you some miracle foods/drinks, but all I can say is that you are not alone. What works for someone, may not work for you. I had extreme morning sickness (hyperemesis) that just stopped about one month ago --and I have a one year old, too! (Due in Feb. with #2) I had to ask friends and family for extra help during the afternoon because I needed to sleep and rest. If that is possible, do not feel guilty. Play dates at other houses of trusted families are very healthy for children. I also looked into preschools so i could get some afternoons off. I was lucky my mom was able to help out this summer. If you have no one around to help, what about putting on a DVD or video so you can relax on the couch while she watches? Do you have a baby-proofed room with a gate that she can play in while you rest there on the floor? (It is for a short time of her life, so do not feel guilty!!! You will be a great mom again once you feel better!!)
My only food suggestions is drinking some non-caff soda, whichever is your favorite. My doctor suggested it. On the days where i couldn't hold any food down, I would sip soda. I think the sugar and carbonation helped. Also, stop taking your vitamins until the sickness wares off. And eat ONLY what you crave or want at that time--no matter if it is fast food or anything weird. Your body will accept what you crave better than forcing your "healthy diet." I wish I could do more to help. Hangin there!! You will feel better, just take it one day at a time. Keep in touch and let us know how you are!

when my oldest was 1 I found out I was preg too. My way of dealing with lack of energy was to take a long nap with her everyday. Usually in the afternoon at her regular nap, we'd curl up in my bed and just sleep. I dont think I could have managed w/o the naps. I went through the same thing when my 2nd turned one and we were preg with #3. I tried to nap w/ #2 while #1 was in preschool.

Hi C.,

I found out I was pregnant again when my daughter was 5 months old (they are going to be 14 months apart) I completely understand the nausea and being tired all the time. I ate 8-10 small meals a day. It felt like I was eating all the time however it really did help. As for being tired... unfortunately there is no real cure. I would go to bed as soon as my daughter went to bed, and I'd also try to nap when she napped. My exhaustion went away for the second trimester and has now returned in full force during my third trimester!! (I'm due in 5 weeks).

Good Luck!

Becky

Congrats! I just had my second child in April, my first is 2 1/2 years older, so I can feel your pain! I had extreme nausea in both pregnancies right through til the end of the first trimester. I never found a cure-all for this, but things that helped: eating all the time, frequent snacks/small meals, bland crackers, tea (decaf chai was my favorite)... As for being tired, sleep as much as you can. I napped with my 2 yo on the weekends and loved it! It helped to recharge me and was nice cuddle time for us. Also, make sure you're keeping your energy level up nutrition-wise... A little stretching or yoga helps too to give you a little boost. Sometimes I would get my little one to stretch with me and he got totally into it. 2 more quick things - ask for help with housework, chores, etc.!! Don't let it all fall on you alone. AND, schedule some mommy time out of the house on your own. Have a girls night out to dinner or something... that kind of relaxation is vital and helps to re-charge your batteries a bit! Best of luck!!

Hi C.,
Tired is the condition of most mothers, but be sure you are getting enough iron or B vitamins in your diet.
The nausea is common in early pregnancy; unsalted soda crackers and clear tea got me through those first few months and it might work for you as well. Good luck and do let us other moms know how you make out.

I have heard that sniffing a lemon can ease nausea or drinking ginger tea. As far as being tired, that comes with the territory of being pregnant and chasing around a 1 year old, but definitely make sure you're eating enough and taking your vitamins.
I feel your pain. I am 5 months pregnant and have a 21 month old and I feel like I can't keep up either.
Take things moment by moment and try not to get overwhelmed (I know it's hard). If you aren't feeling too good, do what you need to. Lay down for a while and just watch your daughter play. Eat as soon as you feel hungry (that can help with the sick feeling and keeping up your energy) and make sure you're drinking plenty of water.

I hear you girlfriend! My son is 21 months old & I am due in less than 3 weeks! The beginning of my pregnancy was the worst. I was nauseaous all the time (24 hrs a day), throwing every once in a while (could have been worse), very tired & yet had to take care of my son with no help (I am a stay at home mom without a car during the day). So I know how you feel! Then things got a little better until about 1 month ago when I started getting even bigger & more tired & not sleeping great at night. But I know in a few weeks the baby will be here & I won't be so big & uncomfortable. But on the flip side now I will have a newborn & a very high energy, fun almost 2 year old (now starting to take temper tantrums...terrible 2's starting?). So that will be a challenge but I know it will also be fun & rewarding & I am happy to give my little guy a little brother even though he will be jealous or mad for not getting 100% of my attention anymore. Things will all work out & I love kids. It will get better I promise. Get help too if you can that will help your sanity.

You could get a mothers helper. A high school student to come in and play with the 1 year old. Congrads on the new one.

I'm sure this won't be a popular answer with the anti-TV crowd, but desperate times call for desperate measures! What I used to do with my 2 year old when I felt lousy from my pregnancy was nap when she napped, then take her into my bed with me when she woke up with a Disney movie on TV. I could cuddle her and stay in bed when I was sick and exhausted. I know TV's not great for kids, but it was only for a few months, and on the positive side, she knew all of the princesses when we went to Disneyworld last month!

And speaking of not being able to keep up, this might make you feel better, or at least laugh a little -- my 2 year old broke away from me at my gym toward the end of my pregnancy when I was really waddling and I could not catch her. She ran into the men's locker room and I had no choice but to run in after her yelling to the guys to cover up!! How embarrassing!!! Thank goodness everyone was dressed!

Good luck and congratulations!

Congrats! Early pregnancy can be tough in terms of nausea and exhaustion, and it's harder for all moms when they have a toddler to chase. You can try to introduce your daughter to some calming activities to see if she responds, and if you can try to nap if/when she naps, that's good. Cut back your expectations for a clean house or other chores so you aren't tempted to try to do things at the same level as before. For energy, consider the wonderful nutritional products from Reliv - they are completely safe for pregnant and nursing moms, a phenomenal prenatal, and they can help you get all the nutrition you need especially if you aren't eating normally. My doctor is thrilled with how I've reacted to Reliv - she says it's safe and she's reduced my medication because I don't need it anymore. I'm not pregnant or nursing, but my friend also got the okay from her OB/GYN and used Reliv as a pre-natal, and gave birth to the healthiest baby who even lifted her head on her first day of life. When she was born, the doctor said, "Wow, here's your two month old!" There's also a kids product, so you know everything is safe. Most people find they get another hour, two or three of productive time from the boost to their immune system - but the products are FOOD, not drugs, and there are no stimulants or caffeine or anything like that. I can give you more info if you like, either by email, by phone, or by taking you through a quick 15 minute "tour" of the website. There's a lot of material on the website, including specialized products you won't need (for certain health issues that you may not have), so a guided tour is the most efficient way. The products are patented, and the company has been featured in many business magazines as highly ethical and well-run. I'd love to share more info with you.