Any great energy-boosting tips?
Jesse surprised us today and came home for lunch! Kathrynne had talked to him on the phone earlier this morning and sweetly asked, "Daddy, come home?" Of course, Daddy couldn't resist that! I pulled out some of the frozen fish I'd purchased recently and tried my hand at making this breaded fish recipe. It made for really yummy and simple lunch served with some mixed vegetables and bread.
And now Kathrynne is napping and I'm off to do some cleaning, laundry, and cooking. In addition to some baking for a few things we're hosting in the next two days, our final Wilton Level 2 cake class is tonight and I still have a bit of preparation to do for it in order to finish my "grand finale cake." We had "one of those days" yesterday where I was just wiped out (and it didn't help that the baby was in some strange position which made for quite a bit of discomfort no matter what I did!) so I'm a bit behind today.
Speaking of being wiped out, I hit my third trimester in a few days and I can't believe how much I am feeling it! Growing a baby - especially when they getting bigger in size - sure takes a bit of work and energy! I have lots of plans for the next three months and, overall, am feeling really well, but my energy level is so low. I'm eating well, drinking plenty of water, resting well, trying to get out and get fresh air and exercise everyday, but I can't shake the exhasuted feeling. I know it's part of the third trimester package, but I'd love to hear any suggestions or ideas for things which have helped you have more energy.
And now Kathrynne is napping and I'm off to do some cleaning, laundry, and cooking. In addition to some baking for a few things we're hosting in the next two days, our final Wilton Level 2 cake class is tonight and I still have a bit of preparation to do for it in order to finish my "grand finale cake." We had "one of those days" yesterday where I was just wiped out (and it didn't help that the baby was in some strange position which made for quite a bit of discomfort no matter what I did!) so I'm a bit behind today.
Speaking of being wiped out, I hit my third trimester in a few days and I can't believe how much I am feeling it! Growing a baby - especially when they getting bigger in size - sure takes a bit of work and energy! I have lots of plans for the next three months and, overall, am feeling really well, but my energy level is so low. I'm eating well, drinking plenty of water, resting well, trying to get out and get fresh air and exercise everyday, but I can't shake the exhasuted feeling. I know it's part of the third trimester package, but I'd love to hear any suggestions or ideas for things which have helped you have more energy.
posted by Crystal Paine at 1:04 PM
39 Comments:
I know that you have a juicer. How about trying some carrot juice? And one other little thing, don't try to do so much. Really. It will help, and take a nap if you need it. You and your growing baby are more important right now than being a hostess or even cake decorating. These things are fine and great, but not at the expense of what is eternal (you and yours). This is all said with compassion. We all have to look at our priorities on a daily basis and decide what we will say yes to and to what we will say no.
Crystal,
I wish I could wave a magic wand for you. I deal with low-energy every day of my life so this is a topic I can very much relate to. I have learned that I have had to submit to it most of the time, for if I don't, I will be nothing but frustrated and miserable. There are many things I want to do as a homemaker & wife right now but simply cannot and help is not available. Spring cleaning is calling my name loudly, but it is just not possible right now.
The best thing you can do practically is to have a "loose" schedule. Keep that basic list and if you are able to do 1 or 2 things beyond that then consider it a very successful day. If you can't don't feel like a failure either (as that would not be what God wants you to feel). It may be time to go back to things like easy meals. I think it would be helpful if you cut back & reduce your schedule and see if this makes a difference.
If you are able to get help, that is a true blessing, if not, know that things will get done - maybe just not in your time frame.
You are already eating healthfully, taking vitamins and eliminating sugar. Maybe try and add additional B-complex vitamins. Otherwise, I wouldn't get too concerned as you know, making a baby is hard work. The positive part is knowing this is all temporary for you. If you are tired, it is not the time to keep pushing. I believe God gives us that feeling so we will rest and take good care of ourselves. Plus, if you go into having a second child being exhausted, you will be setting yourself up for a lot of difficulty in managing it all later.
Take good care, L...
With both my pregnancies I experienced days of extreme fatigue...a combination of running after a toddler and being pregnant, I suppose.It didn't help that I tend to be a perfectionist! I really only felt energetic the last two weeks before giving birth when the nesting urge was in full force. I think the best thing to do is just rest as much as you can! I tried to eat alot of raw, healthy foods so that my body wasn't bogged down digesting junk, too. I also found it helpful to make a list at the beginning of each day of the top priorities that needed to be done. Then I would spread them out over the day into the afternoon rather than trying to be "super woman" and tackle too much at once. I'd challenge myself to do one or two things, then sit down for 5 minutes, have something to drink, etc. before moving on. You can break the big projects down into a list of smaller tasks so it doesn't seem as daunting. If you over do one day, you'll just pay for it the next by being TOTALLY drained of energy, so just do what you can and leave the things that aren't essential, fitting in the extra stuff as you can. Even though my youngest is only 9 weeks old, I have so much more energy now that I'm not pregnant---even though I'm nursing round the clock, tending to my toddler's needs, trying to be a good wife, caring for a large house, etc. :-) So hang in there and don't sweat the small stuff. It will get better! God bless you!
I experienced the same thing with my last pregnancy. I was doing all the right things but was still dragging around. My midwife recommended taking a natural iron supplement. The difference was like night and day. Amazing. Here is a link to the supplement I took and am still taking: http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/canada/products/r4775.asp
Hope this helps!
Jenny
I experienced the same thing with my last pregnancy. I was doing all the right things but still dragging around. My midwife recommended a natural iron supplement. Wow! The difference was like night and day. I felt so much better. Here is a link to the supplement I took and actually am still taking: http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/canada/products/r4775.asp
Hope it helps!
Jenny
This is a bit off the subject but...I found out about two weeks ago that I'm pregnant with our first! God is really awesome in His timing. I was able to tell my husband while we were out to eat for our first wedding anniversary that we are pregnant after trying for the past year:) The longer it takes, the more special it can be when it happens- I'll never forget the look on his face.
I'm only about 6 weeks along so fatigue has been the only major symptom. That and I feel absent-minded. Fatigue is supposed to occur in the first and third trimester so little cat naps are very healthy-if at all possible. Then again, what do I know? Praying for you!
I know you want to be surprised, but have you picked out any names yet?
Thanks so much for the suggestions and keep them coming. I really need the reminders to slow down - that is something which is hard for me to do. :)
Congratulations, Samantha! How exciting. God bless you!
Anonymous: Yes, we have names picked out. We actually had them somewhat picked out before I got pregnant. :) We keep the names as our family secret, though, until after the baby is born. :)
Eat iron rich veggies(dark greens, black strap molasses, beans, etc.) and proteins...and watch for a low thyroid after you deliver. Sleep! :)
Hi Crystal! I have always reached this point in my pregnancies and it usually signals an iron deficiency in my body....get your levels checked but in the meantime-try eating some very high iron foods. Also, don't eat them with milk or tea, etc. Only with things that contain vitamin C (like 100% juice), it will help with your body's absorption.
I've always wondered why I was even put on additional iron supplements and I was still low...but I've always taken them in the evening with a glass of milk! I never knew not to until a few months ago and I've not had this problem since.
I hope that this works!
Tracy
Crystal,
If you do add iron, I have heard that ferrochel iron is the best easily-tolerated type. It does not distress the stomach nor does it cause constipation as regular iron can. I would definitely have them test your levels though before you start taking iron because it's not water-soluable like vit. c, vit. b and others.
How about taking 1 month at a time, or less even - and figure out your goals before you have the baby. What is most important to you and what can wait? Are you really giving yourself adequate rest time each day? If you are working sun-up to sun-down I think it would be too much for you or any woman who is pregnant or has chronic health issues.
I don't think you are alone in your thinking, because unfortunately we as women want to go-go-go all the time and we end up suffering for it! As someone who is in my 40's I would like to encourage any younger woman to not burn the candle at both ends - it will eventually catch up to you. You will be less able to be there for your family as well which is something none of us want.
Have a great week, L....
Hi Crystal! Are you taking a really good natural vitamin? I am on Rainbow Light Pre-natals (one-a-days), which are available from Vitacost.com for $25 for an 150 day supply. That averages to $5 a month for a wonderful vitamin which even contains red raspberry leaf extract and spirulina in it. I would also recommend that you break down essential chores into 5 days a week, so you can just do what is necessary. Keep up the great work of eating healthy. Blessings!
As soon as I read your post, "iron supplement" popped into my head... and apparantly everyone else's too! I was always told to take Feosol, and I was happy with it. Hope that helps!
Hey Crystal,
I posted on my blog a cake tutorial I did last week, it is a castle. I took Wilton classes after my first child was born, that was the best money I have ever spent. After 19 years of birthdays and weddings they not only saved us money, but made us money.
Also, since I know you crochet, you may want to take a look at the crochet trimmed socks I posted this week...just in time for Easter!
Drink lots of water, and no tea its a diuretic and a side effect of dehydration is fatigue. This was SO hard for me to do when I was pregnant.
Lela- www.xanga.com/LMCS79
Hi Crystal,In regards to some of the comments about foods etc:
may I recommend the book 'Nourishing Traditions' by Sally Fallon. It is about reconnecting with the real food that God put on earth to nourish us perfectly. It is controversial in many ways - for example it extols the virtues of good quality, natural saturated fats like butter, fullcream milk etc.
There is a lot of interesting information in it about nutrition for pregnant and nursing women, drawing on hundreds and even thousands of years of wisdom. It really made me think about the experiments we perform on our bodies with the highly processed, refined foods that have only been around for 50 years or so. It highlights the importance of proper and considered food preparation for your family, and how important that role is.
I also agree with the above comments that, as hard as it may be, it is best to rest now and leave the cleaning or such for some helping hands! Kind Regards (all the way from Australia!) Fiona
Fiona: Interesting you should recommend that book - I'm in the middle of it right now. :) I don't agree with all of it nor think I could ever incorporate everything, but a lot of it is what I've always believed and practiced for the most part - avoiding low-fat, processed, artificial, fake anything for the real stuff. I've even got Jesse hooked on real butter, real cheese, real cream, etc. Once he tasted the difference, he never wants to go back!
Christine: Are those vitamins tiny? The reason I ask is because I was on Supermom vitamins up until I got sick in my first trimester. Ever since then, my gag reflex has been so bad I've not been able to take any vitamin at all. My midwife said that this was alright so long as I was eating well, feeling well, and getting lots of good nutrition through food. I wish I could find a good liquid vitamin that I could be taking or some pills which were really tiny - so far I've not found anything though. Anyone have suggestions? By tiny I mean really tiny, by the way. A regular capsule size is enough to set off my gag reflex at this point. Oh the joys of pregnancy!! :) It's all very worth it - every single little inconvenience. And I can't tell you how glad I am to be entering the third trimester!
Try lemon water. I squeeze a half a lemon into a cold glass of water. It is refreshing and gives me an energy boost. I have never tried it while pregnant, but it is good for you and yummy, so worth a shot?
I ditto some of the other posters - you need to take a nap sometimes yourself. Seriuosly, you take on so much. When Kathrynne is napping why don't you sleep for an hour yourself? Even if it is just 2 - 3 days a week. I have a standing rule with myelf that on Sundays I will always nap when my son naps. It helps refresh me for the week. Especially in third trimester your body needs the rest and relaxtion...Please try to nap sometimes!
About napping: I've found that if I take a nap, I don't really "wake up" for the rest of the day. Maybe I have my eyes open, but I am in no way functional. Anyone else like this? I've always wished I could be one of those people who can lie down and take a quick nap. When I lie down, I konk out hard and good! On Sunday afternoons, I do usually nap for a few hours (this past Sunday it was 4 1/2 hours!) since we usually don't do anything in the evenings, but other than that, I've found for me it just works better to try and get at least 8-9 hours of sleep every night.
For those who think I take on too much, please know that my life is really relatively simple. In fact, in comparison to many of yours, I'm lazy! Yes, I like to keep busy and productive, but remember that I only have one child - a very easy child in my estimation most days - and that I do not do a lot of running around throughout the week. We stay home a lot because that is how I like it to be and what Jesse and I feel is best for our family. We try to keep things home-centered, especially at this season of our life when our children are young. I also have a great husband who helps me out a lot - a lot more than I deserve, for sure! Anyway, just wanted to say that because sometimes I think people have the impression that I do a lot more than I do! I'm a person who tries and keeps things very simple - I just need to be reminded to simplify even more at this point in my pregnancy! :)
Forgive me, this is "off" topic. You may not enjoy/participate in this sort of thing, but I've "tagged" you as a "Thinking Blogger". I've enjoyed your blog for quite sometime now! You can read my post here, http://practicingtheology.blogspot.com/2007/04/thinking-blogger-award.html
Hi Crystal,
I am almost 34 weeks pregnant now, and I understand completely what you're saying about the fatigue! I also have a two year old little boy to keep up with!
My midwife recommended to me that I take liquid chlorophyl. It's not exactly the best tasting stuff, but you can get it in mint flavor, which helps a lot!!! I take as much as 1/4 cup in the mornings. It does seems to help.
I'm also learning that I just can't try to do everything at once! Naps seem like a good idea, but I have the same problem as you do...waking feeling even more groggy than before. I have found that just lying down to rest helps if I don't actually fall into deep sleep.
I hope that some of these tips help you. I've enjoyed reading them and may try some of them myself!!
God bless!
I second the iron comment, and I would highly recommend Floradix. It is pretty nasty, but managable. :) It is natural and is much more effective that regular iron supplements. You can probably get it at your local health/natural store.
I am not pregnant, but I can't nap in the day either. I am groggy and grumpy the rest of the day. My mother is like this too, so you are not alone!
Crystal, the digestive system of the body can be affected with pregnancy hormones and that oft spells tiredness for most ladies. You can incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice in water(cleanses the liver which has to filter the hormone explosion) ~ and to balance digestive flora and help with energy, the Jarvis Miracle Tea(search google) made with red rooibos rather than black tea, raw honey, and raw apple cider vinegar can be quite helpful. Honey and raw ACV in water minus the tea is an acceptable variant though rooibos is great for the digestive system in general.
Other than that, rest is a good thing though I'm like you in that I am sometimes refreshed by a nap but at other times awake feeling quite drugged(and sometimes for hours). Chiropractic can be helpful, too, seeing as the skeletal structure is being taxed.
:-)
Hi ~ I don't have time to read all the comments (blessing #7 arrived just 5 days ago) so I apologize if someone has already mentioned this.
SUPERMOM vitamins from beeyoutiful.com made a big difference for me! I've never really noticed an difference in energy levels taking any other prenatal - but with these, even if I didn't manage to get in an afternoon nap, I could make it through the evening after taking them at lunchtime. Now, I'm not saying it'll wipe out your exhaustion completely - but I do think it would be a big help! They aren't cheap - but they are worth it!
Tracy in AR
Crystal,
I personally found that actually napping during the day made me feel more tired rather than refreshed, so I sure understand where you are coming from. I am by nature a person who likes to keep busy and although I also felt very fatigued, it seemed to help me more to stay occupied with things to keep my mind off that final month that just dragged by. I tried to eat healthy, take supplements, exercise, etc. but I think it's just inevitable that you will feel tired. It's an unavoidable part of the pregnancy package, and as long as you can function, it's not abnormal at all! :-) Do what's comfortable for you..I had so many people saying, "Just nap when your son is napping!", but in all honesty, it's hard for me to truly relax when the house is a mess or supper isn't planned, so I often used my afternoon quiet time to do a few chores and then sat down to read, work on hand sewing, letter writing, or whatever that was more relaxing to me than sleeping. Adding baby number two to our family was such a drastic change for me that I'm thankful I DID get those final projects done before the birth. Go at a pace that's right for you and just listen to your body. Best wishes!
Hi Crystal,
I just have a minor recommendation for getting down the prenatal vitamin. Have you tried cutting the pill in half or crushing it and taking it with applesauce or pudding? I know it may sound silly but it works for many of my patients who have difficulty swallowing. You can find a pill cutter or crusher at your local pharmacy. I know vitamins can taste pretty nasty. I would be sure to take it with something to help disguise the taste like orange juice or some other natural fruit juice.
And much of the suggestions given by the other ladies are very worthwhile and true. Taking iron with milk or any foods high in calcium impairs the absorption in the digestive tract. Foods or drinks high in vitamin C are best for taking iron supplements. I have had to take them for years so I know how they are best taken. :)
If your mid-wife said not to sweat the prenatal vitamin I think you should go along with that. However, I think a blood test to check for anemia (iron deficiency) might be a good idea. It is very common for pregnant women to have an iron deficiency. Also though, a folate supplement is pretty critical during pregnancy from all that I have been taught. This is to prevent neurological defects, such as spina bifida, early on in the developing baby. I know there are different schools of thought on this so that is up to you. :)
Hope I am not coming across as a "know-it-all." I sure don't know it all. In fact, next to nothing when it comes to pregnancy. :)
Just wanted to add that I have been praying for you and your family during this time. Now I will be more mindful for how to pray best. God bless you all. I will continue to be in prayer for you.
Hi Crystal,
I bet a good prenatal vitamin would be extremely helpful...look here to check out an all natural prenatal vitamin in liquid form....
http://www.iherb.com/store/productdetails.aspx?c=Herbs&pid=NAP-30841
Also, are you absolutely sure you're eating enough? Although you may be eating healthily, be sure you are getting enough calories each day. Also be sure to get the iron and protein your body needs. I really think this will help you!
Heather
Hmmm. Well, ice cream is only a temporary upper, but it sure is yummy.
Honestly, I've given up on trying to find something, and just accepted the fact that I have to sit down once in a while. Especially now that my ankles have taken to disappearing by the end of every day!
Also wanted to let you know that I picked you for my "thinking blogger" meme. Link is here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/cappuccinosmom/309392/
Dear Crystal,
The Rainbow Light Vitamins are regular sized, but at least you only have to take only one. When I started my second trimester, I thought I would be fine taking my vitamin in the morning. I found out the hard way that it is best to take it in the evening with a some orange juice. (Juice seems to push the vitamin down for me) I still take my pre-natal before bed, just in case I might get sick. If Rainbow Light does not seem "feasible", then I would recommend Nature's Plus liquid pre-natal vitamins, which are available at: http://www.naturesplus.com/products/productDetail.asp?criteria=search&searchVar=30841&productnumber=30841&category=15
It is wonderful that you are eating so well. Dr.Brewer's pregnancy diet recommendations are great. They can be seen at: http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/brewerdiet.shtml
Have a blessed day!
I can't nap either, unless I"m EXTREMELY tired, so I totally understand that.
I do recommend the floradix iron. It has really helped me and it comes from natural sources (i.e. nettle leaf and other foods) rather than being chemically synthesized in a lab. Plus it's liquid, so easy to get down. It's a bit spendy ($20/month), but well worth it if it keeps you healthy and energized. They also have a liquid multivitamin if you'd rather try that.
A friend of my couldn't stomach prenatal vitamins, and her OBGYN suggested taking a children's chewable vitamin, and those seemed to work for her.
Thanks for the suggestions and ideas. After more thought and consideration, I'm pretty confident that my iron levels are low. I started struggling with this around the same time last time and the symptoms are the same. I'm going in to the birth center in a few days and am going to make sure and have my hemoglobin checked. In the mean time, I'm trying to up my iron-rich foods intake and will see what other suggestions my midwife has for me since I'm having trouble downing any pills. Thanks for the recommendations on that - I'm definitely going to talk with her about the possibilities. At this point, I'm pretty much willing to take whatever I can down and keep down if it will help me.
Do you think you could handle something like Schulze's Superfood? A little could be added to juice with the amount increased as you get used to it. Garden of Life Perfect Food powder??? Think Superfood might have a higher natural iron percentage than the Perfect Food...not sure. Maybe add beets to your carrot juice? Small amounts first. Dandelion greens in salad? How about dandelion or yellow dock in capsules opened to be masked in applesauce? I passed on prenatal vitamins as the doctor said some moms couldn't tolerate them and took alfalfa, kelp, and dandelion in capsule form(Three by Nature's Sunshine). Maybe something like that would work in food as suggested by lydia if it is okay with your caregiver.
Hi Crystal,
I can relate to where you're at. I'm 32 weeks tomorrow, and there's definitely something exhausting about hitting the third trimester.
I do agree with your feeling (and all the other posters) that it may be an iron issue. I had the same issue of a strong gag reflex in the beginning (maybe until 5 mths or so, and even once in a while now). For iron and b vitamins, I took Floradix liquid iron, by Salus. Most good health food stores carry it. It is fantastic and has worked for me every time I've ever had low iron and low energy.
I also took a liquid calicum/magnesium/vitD supplement, especially as I felt a lot of achiness and weariness in my muscles and just in general with a changing body. I take it before bed, and it helps so much (good for restless legs and leg cramps too!). Again, any reputable health food or vitamin store will be able to recommend a good one.
And, for energy during the day, I either squeeze a lemon and make a lemonade using Stevia drops (a herbal sweetener, no calories, but it's totally natural, and doesn't affect blood sugar). Or, I drink an Emergen-C, which is a fizzy, flavored drink (sweetened with fructose, I believe) with a lot of Vit C, plus several other vitamins and minerals. I also took this regularly first trimester when I couldn't take a prenatal supp.
And, I can't remember if you are off sugar just because you would like to be, or if you're having blood sugar issues right now, but I also had serious blood sugar problems my entire second trimester (it's going away now, praise God!). A couple of nice treats that I allowed myself were Rice Dream ice cream (it's made with brown rice and not sweetened with sugar or anything artificial, and it's actually not too bad tasting!) or I made really yummy fruit and yogurt smoothies, sweetened either with Stevia, or dried dates, or just a touch of raw honey. Sooo good for those cravings!!! :)
Hope the energy levels go up! Remember, you're on the home stretch now- not much longer!
Stephanie
I can barely function it seems like in pregnancy so I know where you are coming from! I am also one with the nap problem, i sleep and feel groggy all day!
I found out that my problem was actually low blood pressure. i am a small person and my normal was 90/60 and it would drop down lower and I could barely move. Exercise when you can barely move is really hard! Also, with being short, the baby pushed against many of my organs and I guess at the last trimester, I could not get as much oxygen in. I fainted several times in the last few months because of this anyhow, if your blood pressure is normally on the lower side it can be one of these problems and exercise will bring it back up and you feel a little more energy although it is so hard to do it. Take deep cleansing breaths to get some oxygen in you. (My babies were all large for my size so I guess they really squish me in there)
Also if I ate sugar it made me feel the lack of energy also!
Oh, I was also going to say that I could not take my vitamins either!
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