Pregnancy and Energy

Hi J., I just had my second in November and my first is very active and I was worried about work, energy etc. - I found that my one cup of coffee a day was important and when I was lagging (often) I had juice- the sugar helped. Aside from that, protein made the biggest difference- eggs eggs eggs! good luck and congrats, I had numerous MC's as well and hope for you that this one is a healthy pregnancy!

First of all,congratulations! In my own experience I found exercising ( even just taking a daily walk) gave me more energy.I know it sounds contradictory but hitting the gym for 30 minutes boosted my energy level. I'd also suggest foods high in iron.Best wishes..

Get a good, high quality prenatal vitamin (get them at the health food store, the prescription ones are purely synthetic) and take the full dosage throughout the day (if six tablets take two at each meal). it makes a huge difference in your energy level (besides all the other benefits as well!). Make yourself protein shakes with good quality protein powder, put in a green blend with spirulina, and you can get a berry blend that has goji and acai berries for added energy. You will not only benefit from the added energy, you will be getting all the nutrients you need!

I am not sure if you are already doing it, but I know docs often reccommend eating 4 to 6 small meals a day (often referred to as a 3 hour diet). Even when you're not pregnant, this can help you maintain a good energy level throughout the day and (for a lot of people) maintain your weight. Unless you have adverse reactions or allergies, green tea is supposed to be an energy booster as well as nuts. I find letting myself have 4 small pieces of chocolate when I am feeling really drained can boost my energy for a little bit and keeps me from binging on junk when I am really craving it. Good luck!

Vitamin B6 - I took it throughout my whole pregnancy; and an ice coffee with lunch can't hurt to get you thru the rest of the day. Cheers.

I don't ahve advice about going from 2-3 children I only have two but that was a transition. DS11 is still very jealous of DD3. I know they have classes at some hospitals for the children welcoming a new baby into the home. We took it but with DS's ADHD I think it flew out the window. Maybe if he took it weekly it would be better. Hearing from Mom or Dad that they have more needs it pretty hard. So maybe getting them together with other families who have recently had an addition.
About the energy, I distribute Mona Vie. It's with the Acai berry from the rain forest. This drink if loaded with antioxadants. It has a blend of 19 fruits including the Acai, one of natures superfoods. It's recommended to be consumed on a regualr basis, 2oz twice daily. This is equivalent to approximately 13 servings of fruits and vegetables. They have 3 kinds, Original, Active and Pulse. I take Pulse because it has extra benefits for the heart. The Original and Pulse are safe for you to take. Active contains glucosaime and isn't recommended for , pregnant, nursing, children under 12 and diabetics.
If your interested in hearing more feel free to PM me.

I'm in a similar situation -- I've got a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old and am 13 weeks pregnant. I'm exhausted, mostly at night, and have been going to bed by 7 or 8! I sure hope my energy comes back soon. In the meantime, I try to keep the kids outside when possible or take them places, like a playground or a library, or for a walk. I find that if we get out and do something, preferably something where I don't have to police their games, it helps a lot. It's not always what I feel like doing, but once we're there, I find it easier to muster the energy.

Hi J.,

Protein gives you power, sugar gives you a rush and then you crash. So yes to meat and fish, no to cakes, cookies, bread, etc. A good healthy diet including the above proteins, leafy green vegetables, and fruits. A supplement with plenty of B vitamins, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, and iron should help. Meat also has lots of iron which you need for the added blood supply to your child. Just not fatty cuts.
As a bonus to your baby's brain, you can take a spoonful of lemon-flavored cod liver oil each day or every other day. It contains essential fatty acids for building your baby's brain along with vitamins A & D. Sometimes people can get bloody noses from too much fish oil, so cut back if this happens. Or ask your doctor about it.

Congratulations,
: ) Maureen

Hi there,

I found that I needed to increase my vitamin B foods during my early/mid pregnancy. Things like eggs, lentils, leafy greens, brown rice, milk, yogurt and whole grains. Even though I ate well already and took a good prenatal vitamin already, I needed the extra nutrients.

Good luck

J.,

Have you tried eating more protein? Even Tofu or Soy can help. Nuts, dried fruit, yogurt covered raisins, granola bars with fruit (nutragrain type bars) this kind of things helped me.

Good luck,
L. M

I'm expecting #3 also! The thing that has helped me the most energy-wise during my pregnancy is to take a prenatal omega-3 supplement. Also snacking on almonds, raisins, fruit, and veggies seems to help.

Also, I agree with the other poster who suggested exercising - it's so hard when you feel so terrible and difficult to make time for with two kids already, but even a slow walk or swim helps me feel better.

Good luck with the pregnancy, and I hope you start feeling better soon!

Probably the only way you'll "regain" your energy is to reach the second trimester!! It's tough, but hang in there and get lots of sleep. I am 21 weeks pregnant with my 3rd right now and no matter how well I ate, protein, fiber etc., I didn't feel much energy till about 14 weeks.
Hang in there!
-S.

Hi J.,

It is not uncommon to be exhausted during the first trimester. Try to listen to your body and rest when you can. The second trimester will be much better.

J. L.