when will my energy return?

[boobesque]

i am 10 weeks pregnant tomorrow and feel so knackered, i have a pile of ironing that needs doing, clothes to put away and washing to do, and cannot muster any energy to do it! i had my first proper nights sleep since i found out i was pregnant a month ago so should be up to doing it, i am feeling like a useless housewife and mother! My partner is helping but he has to work and i feel guilty if he does too much, this and lack of sleep are really getting me down, i never had this with my previous pregnancies (i was a lot younger) does it get better?

[JustSia]

Um, when the kid is about 16-18 and leaves home to study away.

But on a serious note it is probably absolutely normal. Still best to talk to your doc or midwife. Could be that you are generally worn out or might have an iron deficiency . Either way they will be able to recommend the best course of actions, which in all honesty can be just plenty of rest.

Talk to your husband. Explain this is nothing like the last times. There is nothing to feel guilty about. I am sure he feels just as much guilt for not being able to ease this feeling for you. You'd be surprised how much men worry about this sort of thing.

YOU ARE NOT A BAD WIFE NOR ARE YOU A BAD MOTHER!!! Explain to your midwife how down you are feeling, if anything because you don't want this felling to develop into a full blown depression.

I had a similar fatigue through out my first trimester, it did pass, so will probably yours. But at 10 weeks most people would tell you it's normal and you have to take it easy. And you'd be surprised how many clothes can get away with not being ironed.

I wish you all the best with it. And hey if you need to vent, here is just as good a place as anywhere. Keep us up to date. Look after yourself and rest as much as possible.

S xxx

[Le Chat]

With my first child I was 32, worked up to 8 months full time and had plenty of energy. With my second child I was 39 and worked part time. I was totally and utterly exhausted for the first 14 weeks. It was awful and I really sympathise with people who have M.E. On the evening of the 14th week, my husband insisted we went on a short walk around the block...we ended up walking into town and having a meal. The next day I felt energised and did so up until the last 2 months...when I developed siatica..owch! So it could well be an age thing!

[lou 26]

I was 31 when i had my daughter and i have to be honest although i was working at the time all i really wanted to do in the early days was sleep and be sick. Once I got to about 4 months I was fine again. I would take it all in your stride and dont worry about the chores. Congratulations btw

[boobesque]

thanks guys, my hubby thinks i am silly as he doesnt care about things like the ironing and stuff!

justsia, having suffered depression before i am pleased to say i know the signs so i will nip this in the budif it gets worse, i thinks its my hormones!

Lechat, i was 18 when i had my young man so maybe at the ripe age of 25 i am just more prone to tiredness lol

lou 26, roll on 4 months!

[bartcat]

I felt exactly the same at about 8 weeks, I would come home from work and just sleep for an hour before I could think of doing anything but it's passed now. Stop being so hard on yourself every pregnancy is different. I find relaxation works well such as having a warm bath, candles and chill out music, I go to yoga and the relaxation bit is really helpful. But I bet when your hormones have settled down (about 12 wks ) you will be fine.

[boobesque]

i would love to go to yoga, but im not allowed, i have to rest as much as possible as i am a high risk pregnacy! will be having more baths though!

[ianess]

Welcome to the human race!
Things only get better when they come round to show you your grand-child.
It takes time.......don't hold your breath waiting.

[Bohne]

Personally I'd leave the ironing for whoever wants to do it...
:o)

I'm 23 weeks pregnant and still tired.
It got a little better after week 18, I think, but basically I could go straight to bed after coming home from work.

Luckily, my husband does most of the washing (even when I am not pregnant), and I hardly iron. The new materials are great. Wash, dry, pack away.

:o)

[mimififi]

you feel tired and sleepy when you are in the first stages of pregnancy as this is the bodies way of MAKING you sit down so your body can get on with the small task of creating tiny organs and bones, no mean feat i might add.

It will get better, but when it does, that does not give you license to then get up and be super mum (although you are a super mum already!) you must continue to take it easy. You will have the rest of your life to do housework, but only 9 months to grow a really healthy baby. From what I know of you, you have had a difficult pregnancy before, so make sure you are very very kind to yourself.

on a practical note:

Take the laundry to the laundrette and get a service wash. Explain to Ethel or whoever how you feel and ask her if she can fold your washing for you. When you get your partner to pick it up (there will be NO carrying of heavy laundry bags for you my dear!) you can put most of it away and just iron his work shirts.

On a saturday, or whenever your partner is around make 7 meals, casseroles are easiest. Prepare all the veggies in front of the TV SITTING DOWN and then chuck all the dinners in the oven and freeze them. Freeze them with a portion of cooked carrots, peas, etc all elastic banded together. then just take one thing out each day. Cook a huge pot of mash potato and freeze it down in portions on a baking tray using an ice cream scoop. Once frozen chuck them in a freezer bag that way you can take out just enough for your son, if you don't feel like eating right then and microwave it. Mash potato inside 3 minutes. Or use Smash. Nought wrong with that when youre poorly.

Use paper plates and plastic knives and forkes.

Try to go out for a GENTLE walk late afternoon if you can. The fresh air might make you sleep better.

[mimififi]

ask a friend or relative if they can help you out once a week vacuuming or cleaning the bathroom, maybe you could exchange skills.

learn to knit, it's really distracting and very relaxing not to mention completely addictive.

most of all:

DON'T WORRY. Everything in this life will come to pass and those things that we wish away are those that we miss most. Focus on your new little person who really needs you to rest and be still right now and your gorgeous son who needs you to be smiley.

God Bless Boob. XX

[snoopydizzle]

boobesque, i am 20 yrs old and 12 weeks pregnany... and absolutely shattered!! can't seem to get energy for ANYTHING - even typing this is making me tired! i'm looking forward to the later stages, when everyone assures me i will feel "glowing" and want to party and drink - at the moment i can't imagine anything worse! good luck, just remember if you're tired it's your body needing rest, so just rest! forget the housework, you can do it later! relax and enjoy the time before the baby comes. good luck!