Exhausted

I'm not really sure why I'm posting maybe for reassurance that I'm not crazy or others feel the same. I'm starting my 2nd trimester, and I have an almost 2yr old. I'm so exhausted and out of breath all the time. My doctor just keeps saying "it's normal" I know it's considered normal but I literal can not live my daily life. I find myself just looking forward to bedtime and dreading the next day because I know it'll just be another day of the same. I love my toddler and I love our life, we have an incredible life and I know I am (we r) so lucky so i feel guilty for feeling this way. guilty for dreading the next day, I do think it's just rooted in exhaustion. I don't think I'm depressed or anything like that. If I am a touch on the depressed side it's BECAUSE I'm exhausted and I can't physically do the things I love to do, which I do feel sad about because when will I be able to do these things. In 2yrs maybe ? I was such an active person, go to the gym 4 days a wk and walk ALOT. 12k-15k steps per day. since I've been pregnant I'm at 2-3k (it was the same with my last pregnancy but now i have a toddler). I use to walk with my toddler to the park every morning after breakfast and I just can't do it. We will drive to the park sometimes but I'm just to tried to get out of the house most day. A trip to the grocerystore has me totally floored. After my toddler goes to bed I use to do things that I love sew, craft, read my book etc. I barely have the energy to shower, let alone anything else. I find myself just scrolling on social media because I'm bored but have no energy to actually do anything that brings me enjoy. I literally just lay on the couch most of the day on my phone, I HATE to be that person. Everything that I identified as is gone. I have no energy to make healthy meals, to workout, to be generally active during the day, to be creative etc I don't do any of it because I just want to lay down. I use to watch tutorials or different things that I would like to do and would save them in a folder for "one day" but now that actually makes me alittle sad. I love my husband and he does try to be helpful but right now he's actually working like crazy so there is really only so many hrs in a day. Soon it'll slow down and he would be able to help me more. But this doesn't really change that much, regardless if I rest or nap I'm still exhausted it never gets better or easier. I'm frustrated and don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. Once the baby is born the 1st 3 month with a nb is excruciating with total lack of sleep. I don't know how I will survive is again plus with a toddler. I know everyone said getting pregnant with a toddler is really hard but I didn't except this. To not feel like me! Am I alone in feeling just way ?

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I'm sorry to hear! I know it feels like there's no end in sight but you will feel like yourself again, this is just a rough patch. The only thing I can say is try to do something that you like that doesn't take any energy to treat yourself if you can. Maybe a massage when your husband is home and can watch your toddler so you can have some time off.. I hope you get some energy in the 2nd trimester to revisit the activities you like! You're definitely not alone, it's truly amazing what women do. It is "normal" to be so exhausted and go through so much... Because what women are expected to struggle through as they call it normal is A LOT. Even though you feel lethargic you are growing a baby while watching your toddler, and managing your household and your marriage. I hope you can find some enjoyment soon.. in the meantime take care of yourself as much as you can, you deserve it

You are not alone in feeling this way. I'm in awe of pregnant moms with little ones to take care of. I'm 25 weeks and have a 12 year old so the level of care she needs is much less than a baby or toddler. I'm still exhausted all the time and get out of breath just talking on the phone too long or walking down the hall at work. It's definitely a normal part of pregnancy but it doesn't make it any easier or suck any less.

Have you had your iron levels tested? I had to have an iron infusion around 18 weeks and it made a huge difference to my energy levels. I will note that this is my first pregnancy and I don't have a toddler as well

This doesn't sound right to me! I took my daughter for walks and to the park daily while pregnant, and I was 35yo+ (so, you know, old) at the time. If you were able to keep up moderate exercise during your first pregnancy (and lost most of the weight after) I'd ask your OB what conditions might cause this level of fatigue and what tests are available. If it's this level now, start thinking about when the baby is big enough to push on your lungs! You need to figure out what's going on or you won't be able to function. Don't let them brush you off by saying fatigue is expected. Tell them you've been pregnant before, and this is not normal. Review your test results and compare them with your last pregnancy if possible and see if you can find anything unusual. Something that is considered within the normal range might be high/low for you.

My first pregnancy was no problem! No sickness, worked fulltime etc. I am currently 34 weeks with my second and this pregnancy has been exhausting!! Totally different from my son who is 2.5. I was luckily able to start him in preschool this fall so I have had alot more of a break but still find the times I am running after him and just doing daily tasks shopping, cooking etc exhausting! I plan everything from ok how many more times do I need to do the stairs today because I can feel the toll. I think every pregnancy is just very different. Try and listen to your body and know you’re doing what you can ❤️

Could you be anemic? I suffer from anemia in day to day life and if I don't take my tablets I'm exhausted it was worse during pregnancy x

@Naomi I was in the past but take an iron pill a couple days a wk and that has kept me in normal range. I will ask them to kept it incase. Thanks

@Tegan I take an iron pill a couple days a wk and that has kept me in normal range. I will ask them to check it incase. Thanks

@Bonny I was not able to exercise (weight lift) for my last pregnancy. Alot of the same for my 1st tri. After that I was able to go on long walks prob till my 7 or 8th month, then shorter walks. 34yr for my last pregnancy and 36yr for this one. Yes I lost all my baby weight before I got pregnant with this one. U r right I will push more and see if there r any other tests to rule out anything else that can contribute to this. Thank u.

Honestly, it sounds a lot like depression to me, and is SO common during and after pregnancy. I've been on antidepressants for years now and they truly have been a life saver. I'm currently 39 weeks with a 2 year old and I can't even imagine how I could have done this without my medication.

@Karynn the want to do things is there. My body just can't do it... would that still apply to depression? I always thought the want/desire to do things u once loved goes away with depression, that's y I kinda ruled it out. The desire is there, I'm sad I physically can't handle active. I feel ill if I do too much.

You could be depressed about not being able to do the activities too. That's also perfectly valid. I find when my depression is stronger I want to want to do the things I enjoy (hopefully that makes sense 😅)

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