no energy 3rd trimester, no energy for delivery?

pirate_piggy · December 2014

My first pregnancy, 29+3 today. Seems like as soon as I hit my 3rd trimester, my energy plummeted even more. Other than work, I can barely go out for any length of time before I need to lie down.

I have added slow release iron to my prenatals and dha and drink a protein weightloss drink like special k about every other day. I'm still waiting to hear back about my iron levels from my Dr but I was curious what others are doing to help their energy. I'm worried that if I'm this exhausted now, how will labor go? Will I be too tired to push? Does it get better? Thanks.

magsame · December 2014

FTM here too so I understand how you feel. I hope it gets better!

Beevol · December 2014

I too have no energy but my iron was perfect. Oh well.

With my first, I was tired all the time and also worried about having the energy for labor, but it worked out and all my energy and feeling like a normal human being came back as soon as my daughter came out. Then it was just newborn sleep deprivation, which for me, was easier than pregnancy sleep deprivation, plus nausea, plus feeling like I could barely move.

dianeg1017 · December 2014

It will sky rocket at 36 or 37 weeks.

Unknown · December 2014

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drpayne · December 2014

aditigirl said:
Why are you drinking "weight loss protein shakes" at all?

This, for one thing. ???

Can't promise it gets better. Some get a bit more energy. I'm chasing a 3 year old and 22 month old, so I'm certainly not one of them. Funny how perspective works. Once you have more kids, you wonder how you ever thought you were tired before

As for labor, adrenaline helps.

If your iron is low, taking it with a prenatal won't help. It needs to be taken separately. Preferably with vitamin c, without dairy and without antacids.

pirate_piggy · December 2014

Drinking them because it's additional protein between meals in hopes that will boost my energy by increasing protein intake. Thanks for the obvious suggestions to eat real food. Doing that, asking for recommendations besides that since it's apparently not enough. My husband has mentioned nesting and that my energy will increase later. Hoping this is true and others had the same experience.

drpayne · December 2014

dianeg1017 said:
It will sky rocket at 36 or 37 weeks.

Have you actually experienced this? Or did you read it somewhere?;)

Maebb · December 2014

My energy didn't increase in the last few weeks with DS, and I never got the "nesting" thing, but the adrenaline did kick in with labor, and I was fine. For me, my body wanted to push and had the energy to do so when it was time.

Unknown · December 2014

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tinyhumantoe · December 2014

The two people yelling at me to push helped me get through delivery. It's all a blur, but pretty sure adrenaline kicked in.... And I hadn't slept in two days

That I didn't kill my newborn after delivery was a miracle. I couldn't function very well because of sleep deprivation and someone new popped in my room every half hour until we left the hospital. It sucked!

schnitz9 · December 2014

aditigirl said:

Why are you drinking "weight loss protein shakes" at all?

I'm wondering that too? My iron was on the low side and my doc said its normal at this stage in pregnancy for it to fall a bit. Told me to eat more food rich in iron like red meats and spinach. I have GD so these are actually good for me anyway. I also drink and ensure shake every now and then. I would nix the "weight loss drinks" and try something more like ensure as an add-on not an instead of....

jennypolkadots · December 2014

My iron was a bit on the low side around 28 weeks, but I didn't have any symptoms. Since then I have been taking 20ml of Floradix + herbs twice a day. Floradix is naturally sourced and more readily absorbed by your body. I take a vitamin c tab in the morning to help with absorption. It's also a good idea to add in a time released B12 supplement and probiotics to help with energy.

It's absolutely normal to feel tired late in pregnancy. You are heavier than ever and moving around takes more effort. Your body is also working overtime growing a baby, and it sucks from your energy. If you are eating well, then being tired is just par for the course. Some people get a second wind of energy and "nest" but not everyone.

Eating well means different things to different people. You don't want to restrict calories, but focus on protein rich whole foods and plenty of vitamins through fresh produce. You need 80g of protein a day. Drink lots and lots of water, and avoid empty calories like soda or sweets. You should be eating something every few hours, and keeping a food journal and planning meals can help a lot with staying on track. Just remember you're in the home stretch and its more important than ever to keep a healthy diet. My go tos tend to be plain greek yogurt, bananas with peanut butter, kind bars, and pretzels with pea lime dip for snacks. You shouldn't need any shakes and I bet if you look at the ingredients, they suck in comparison to real food.

graciesmurf · December 2014

Like one of the PPs I hadn't slept for a good 24+hours before delivery. For me it was all adrenaline.

Jamieb0220 · December 2014

I am 36 weeks and feel exhausted almost all of the day. This is my second baby and remember the same. I think once you go into labor the adrenaline and excitement along with the natural human instinct and what your body is doing will take over. You just do what you have to do..just like you are doing now. Its just works and you don't know how it works but it does.

cndupree15 · December 2014

With my first I had more energy than I have ever had before. Including during labor. With this one..: I'm 33 weeks and can barely keep my eyes open last 8:00. I'm ready for bed before DD is. That being said... I don't think that your energy level will effect your labor. I think I ran on pure adrenaline

see8e · December 2014

It may seem counter-intuitive, but I would recommend going for a walk or getting some light exercise. I've found that energy begets energy and even on days when it's been the hardest thing to get my butt to the gym or my dog for a walk, I have felt totally rejuvenated and energized afterward, not to mention in a better mood, sleeping better and less constipation. FYI, I'm 38w5d.

Bostonchelle · December 2014

I'm in the boat with the PPs who hadnt slept in 24 hours plus before their previous births. Your body does what it has to do and you will have the energy you need to get baby out.

That said- I am just entering 3rd trimester and I'm exhausted! I'm hoping once the craziness of the holidays pass perhaps I'll find a bit more energy from some relaxation time.

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