Hi All, I recently found out I was pregnant and struggling with tiredness. I used to live on coffee but I’ve read that you should have more than two cups per day. Do any of you have any energising tips to keep me awake during the day at work?
Posted Jan 7, 2022, 10:52 AM UTC
I kept a pillow and blanket in my car and napped on my lunch break so I could make it through the second part of the day.
I guess my only advice is to spread the coffee throughout the day if you’re used to having back to back cups. Maybe one in the morning and one in the afternoon. But unfortunately, it didn’t matter for me. I was in bed by 7 or earlier most nights in the first trimester.
I’ve been sleeping from 8:30 - 7:10 but really restlessly. I’ve managed to start having 1 coffee around 10:30 am and one around 4pm but it’s still a struggle! I didn’t think it would be this tiring
Getting up and moving really helped me. Sometimes just going for a walk gives you a second wind. But first trimester fatigue is very real and so I still ended up crashing at like 8pm lol
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I switched to decaf because I can't cope without tea she I can drink my 2 cups by breakfast.
Water is your friend, the odd glass of fruit juice can help too
Fruit juice is a big help. Maybe my body is just getting used to the changes
Fruit infused water! Get a pitcher (gallon) and add: Sliced cucumber Chopped strawberries Mint leaves Chunks of fresh ginger Sliced lemon and lime
I have the same problem! My OB told me to take an additional b12 supplement (in addition to the b12 in my prenatal) which helped a little but not as much as I hoped it would, and clearly you should check with your OB before trying that. Otherwise I switched to half caff coffee so I could drink 3 cups throughout the day but have the caffeine only add up to 1.5, which helped more than the b12. Honestly I’m still so tired though!
I drank a ton of very cold water throughout the day and I threw in some juice as well. Afternoon snacks helped as well. But I almost always ended up nodding off at my desk in the afternoon and I would inevitably come home from work and take a 30 minute nap.
Expecting Better by Emily Oster has a helpful summary of the research on coffee and pregnancy that I recommend if you're really missing your coffee! Basically, the research suggests that you can have more coffee than current guidelines suggest.
That said I found that I couldn't stomach more than a cup of coffee during my first trimester and was just hopelessly exhausted at work. 🤷🏻♀️
I barely finish the cup, the milk makes me bloated but the energy helps.
Years ago, I read somewhere that eating a fresh apple gives you as much energy as a cup of coffee. Now, I’m not sure if I really believe that…but a tart apple like a Granny Smith definitely doesn’t make me sleepy!
I’ll buy a bag of them tomorrow!! Need something thank you
Honestly, you are fighting against progesterone which is high in the first trimester and acts as a sedative! So you are not just tired, you are actually sedated! I had a hell of a time trying to stay awake. I ended up just sleeping as much as possible and getting take out food, letting the house go messy etc. It does get easier! I also switched to instant coffee with lots of milk so you can have two cups a day at least (200mg caffeine being the limit)