Pregnancy Fatigue & Fitness

[Slache]

I'm 16 or 17 weeks pregnant and I'm too tired to work out. I've done middle range to extreme programs for years but now I can't seem to lift 10 pounds or walk around the block. I'm a huge advocate of listening to your body so I don't want to take supplements just to make me feel like I can do it because I'm afraid I'll over exert myself and hurt the baby. I just started Tai Cheng by Beach Body and it's so hard. If you're familiar with the program it's not very demanding, but I just want to go to bed as soon as I'm out of it so actually standing for 10 minutes is a challenge. I've gained weight on my tummy, arms and thighs. I know that's to be expected but one is not supposed to lay around all day and I think the amount of fat I've gained in the past two weeks is too much. Any advice welcome. :)

 

The doctor says it's normal, the test results are great, the baby's great, and I'm great aside from the fatigue.

[Annie Laurie]

In your situation, I would try to aim for a walk outside every day for some fresh air and low impact exercise, and take a nap each day if it's possible. I wouldn't worry about increasing exercise until later, if you get over the extreme fatigue, but if not, it may be your body's way of saying you need to be gentle with yourself until after baby comes. If you have access to an indoor swimming pool, swimming might be more low impact and doable too.

 

Your doctor is sure your vitamin d and iron levels are good? If you've always been fit and now standing for 10 minutes is a challenge, that would make me concerned that there's an underlying issue.

 

I hope you feel better soon!

 

ETA: From your sig, it looks like you have little ones, so I know that makes a nap for you hard. I had my middle three close together, so I found it necessary to let them have some screen time after lunch while I dosed on the couch, it was the only way I could get through the day. Sometimes even just laying down with your eyes closed for awhile can help recharge you, even if you're not able to go to sleep because the little ones need supervision.

Edited January 14, 2016 by Annie Laurie

[freesia]

In your situation, I would try to aim for a walk outside every day for some fresh air and low impact exercise, and take a nap each day if it's possible. I wouldn't worry about increasing exercise until later, if you get over the extreme fatigue, but if not, it may be your body's way of saying you need to be gentle with yourself until after baby comes. If you have access to an indoor swimming pool, swimming might be more low impact and doable too.

 

Your doctor is sure your vitamin d and iron levels are good? If you've always been fit and now standing for 10 minutes is a challenge, that would make me concerned that there's an underlying issue.

 

I hope you feel better soon!

 

ETA: From your sig, it looks like you have little ones, so I know that makes a nap for you hard. I had my middle three close together, so I found it necessary to let them have some screen time after lunch while I dosed on the couch, it was the only way I could get through the day. Sometimes even just laying down with your eyes closed for awhile can help recharge you, even if you're not able to go to sleep because the little ones need supervision.

I was so exhausted when pregnant with my third. I remember lying on the couch "sleeping". I could hear the others play but I was asleep on some level. It felt very weird. Make sure they have a quiet time, too.

 

I second making sure your D levels are good--particularly as it's winter. Outdoor walks also, even if it's just up the street and back. You'll get sun and fresh air.

[Guest]

I just do lighter workouts. I've done very strenuous ones while pregnant with zero issue because I had been doing them before conceiving, but when I'm tired and specifically pick easier activities or the milder versions of my favorite workouts like the sitting ttap workouts instead of the standing :)

[Slache]

Iron & D are good. My kids still nap. :D

[freesia]

Iron & D are good. My kids still nap. :D

Naps are good.:-)

 

Seriously, it's probably the age of the kids. You are in the intense, high maintenance phase. I was far more exhausted pregnant at 37 with my third and 2 others who were 3 and 1 when I got pregnant (4 and 2 when he was born) than I was when I was pregnant with my fourth at 41 with ages 3-7.

[Soror]

Some pregnancies are just easier than others, not sure why. I've had ones where I was able to work out intensely throughout and then not. I was in great shape when I got pregnant with #1, had been exercising regularly for years but once I was pregnant I wasn't up to anything too strenuous- I kept active but it was walking and light yoga. With #2 I wasn't in near as good as shape to start with(although I had started back exercising more after he was born) but I was able to do much more despite my relative fitness level being less than my first pregnancy. #3 I had done p90x right before and was in decent shape but I didn't end up having the endurance as I did with #2, my last pregnancy was horrid energy wise. Supposedly my iron was good as we kept checking that but I was diagnosed with Hashimotos afterward(finally got them to test the right things after them telling me over and over again that I was just tired because I had 4 kids). I wish I had known more about the thyroid and had that tested thoroughly as I've no doubt my thyroid was not optimal even then, I'd also have a full iron panel done, along with B and D levels, you may just be having a rough go of it but I'd rule out what you can. Also, do the best you can on the diet, that helps with energy.

Edited January 15, 2016 by soror