I Am Physically Exhausted-weak Muscles Due to Difficult Pregnancy

I've been reading some of the responses, because I feel much the same way. I just had baby number 2 (a beautiful boy) and it has been 6 months already. I also have fibromyalgia. It is possible this is what is going on, or even just a deterioration of muscle from both bedrest and estrogen. When you are pregnant, estrogen levels are much higher. Estrogen actaully causes you to loose muscle mass. This can continue after pregnancy if you are nursing.

First and foremost, consult your doctor. Very important! Second, depending on what he/she says, eat a well balanced, higher protein diet. Third, exercise. BUT, take it easy. Your muscles have a lot of building to do. Go on relaxing walks with the baby in the stroller. When ready, lift very light weights, even use canned vegetables. Do 5-10 reps. Something very simple is all it takes to build muscle. But of course, do this all on your doctors approval.

Best of luck. Know we are all here for you!

I agree that you need to discuss this with your doctor. 8 months should have had you feeling much better.
I have fibromyalgia, so I know how it feels to have aching muscles. They can feel like your joints, but aren't necessarily. It slowed me down to almost a standstill as far as physical activity, because I hurt so much and because I thought that something must be wrong, and I didn't want to damage it further (that was before my diagnosis). So my doctor suggested "exercising" for no more than 5 minutes a day. It seems like the stupidest thing ever, because what can you do in 5 minutes?
So I didn't follow her advice and exercised for 10 minutes. I hurt so bad the next day, I haven't exercised since (it's been like 2 weeks now). I need to follow her advice and stick to 5 minutes.
Of course, my fibromyalgia is compounded right now with depression. My doctor first screened me for depression when I went in with aches, but I was definitely NOT depressed then. I've been having a rough patch with an emotionally abusive husband and subsequent separation, and my body aches much worse. Could that be part of it? I feel like I have every right to be depressed after what I've been through, and your ordeal with such a difficult pregnancy definitely qualifies, too. If you think you could be depressed, don't feel bad about it. It happens to the best of us :) And once you put a name on it, you can heal it.
I could be waaay off, so if I am, please ignore me!

Talk to your doctor about what is happening, take it easy and see if your doctor has any reccommendations for a physical trainer who can give you a session or two on how to build back up if that is something realistic for you concerning time and financial ability. Take it easy on yourself and accept that you are just going to have to be patient with the process of getting back what you once had. I was on bedrest with my first and got in terrible physical shape. It took a good while to get back where I was and in the process of ignorance and mistakes, I screwed up my knees pretty well...but I've overcome that, too by not pushing myself so hard before my body was ready.

What you need to do is discuss this with your OBGYN and get a recommendation to a good physical therapist! Sounds like yes you may have had some deterioration from being bed ridden and you need to do safe, monitored muscle building. Don't over do but you need to regain your strength. Try eating high protein foods more frequently too, protein shakes to help build that muscle easier. I would go see someone professionally and not get advice on here necessarily. If it continues consider fibromyalgia. My friend got that only after she had kids. Either way consult your Dr about what you are feeling and going through. That is the best direction you can take and doing it safely.

I don't know if you are nursing your baby. But if you are that could have everything to do with your fatigue. Nursing a baby is a special experience, but it can cause a profound weariness. Whatever the issue, there is a time to rest and a time to exercise. Listen to your body, you will know if you are overdoing it. Husbands sometimes don't understand the profound sacrifice we make in bearing and raising children. They can have great intentions but be a bit insensitive sometimes. If you are done nursing, then it may be time to consult your doctor in case there is some other issue. You are a trooper after going through such a difficult pregancy. As for exercising, take it slow, start with walking a mile or two at a slow pace. Eventually outside of other issues, your muscles will get stronger and your capacity will increase. Personally, I'm sure I would be exhausted after a pregnancy like that and then going to school. Hang in there.

Hi N., I hear what you’re saying about the exercise and it may you just need to really take it literally one step at a time... I work for a privet personal training studio, our job it to educate and motivate clients as well as to help them live a healthier life style. We have a piece of equipment that I know will help with a lot of your circulatory issue's a joint problems... it has undergone scientific studies go to www.powerplate.com and see clinical trials for yourself. You'll be amazed. I think this would be way to help you get to your old self and be able to at least jet your muscle working without all the major discomfort and pain. If you are interested please contact me at ###-###-####, we also have a webpage (not the greatest) but it says who we are.
All the best to you.

I am so sorry.... I didn't have the complications that you have had, but I did not bounce back after I had my baby. I was extremely weak and exhausted. I was amazed at mothers who were gallavanting around after 2 months and they were all back to normal! I wanted to be, but it was just taking me longer....
Then I accidentally got pregnant again...lol.... so my advice stops there. Now I'm still exhausted but for other reasons! Good luck to you. I just think that we can't expect to be superwoman, like some make it look. The first baby is really hard... you need time to recover! Especially after what you have been through. Be proud of yourself when you walk around the block. It's a great start!

N.
Ohh my gosh I am soo sorry to hear about your pregnancy I can not imagine. Your weakness is most likey due to being in bed for so long and will take a lot of time to regain. Are you working with both a nutritionist and trainer to do it right? if not find one of each to get up your diet properly and to get you back on track with exercise.

I know it is frustrating but take it SLOW or you will pay down the line.

S.

I would suggest an exam with your doctor and some 2nd or 3rd opinions to get an idea if this a physiologic problem. Keep going to someone until you feel like you have been heard and your concerns validated. Perhaps they could do some bloodwork and pinpoint down some issues---maybe this is a nutritional problem since you mentioned your joints and the fact your nutrition was supplemented during the pregnancy (supplementing doesn't take the place for eating a well balanced diet). They could also help determine if this is an emotional problem and direct you to the right place to get help there---depression can manifest physically too and you have had a lot going on in the past year.

Best wishes---Keep us posted on what you plan to do and what works out.

Have you tried a homeopathic cleanse? There are a lot of them out there but they will remove toxins from your body and your muscles and joints. My sister and parents have done a lot of them and some can make you sick the first day or two but after that you feel wonderful. I would talk to someone at good earth or wild oats about which ones they would recommend. Also, if you are still nursing, you have to be much more selective on which ones you can do. Good luck.

ask you doc to check your thyroid. i know that women can have thyroid problems after pregnancy, see your doc and ask if your thyroid (Hyper or hypo thyroid)could be the problem

I would check with your healthcare providers first to make sure there isn't something more serious going on. If they give you the OK to resume an exercise routine, I reccomend water aerobics. I started doing them when I was pregnant and continue to do them 4 times a week. The nice thing about being in the water is you are using your muscles without putting any strain on your joints. You can also go at your own pace. The Salt Lake County rec centers offer classes at several of their facilities, I attend classes at Gene Fullmer Rec Center ande Marv Jensen Rec Center, but I know there are more classes at other centers depending on where you live. I also do yoga, you may want to try doing some beginners yoga just to stretch your muscles without any impact. Good luck, I hope you can find something that will help you feel better.

I agree with the comment about talking to your doctor and going to a physical therapist. I had a strange back/hip injury I acquired during my second pregnancy. I love to run, but running aggravated it terribly. After a year it went away only to come back with a vengeance during my third pregnancy. I finally got smart, saw a doctor, and got a prescription for physical therapy. It turns out there was no damage, but pregnancy had twisted my pelvis and disjointed my pubic bone. I really needed the physical therapy. I know that this is not the same physical problem you have, but the symptoms you describe sound like the type of condition you need a physical therapist to overcome effectively and safely. The lingering pain along with the traumatic pregnancy suggests that you shouldn't try to get back into shape on your own. You may do more damage.

It really sounds like your body is telling you to slow down. I know it is hard to be patient with temporary physical limitations. Sometimes you have to exercise in spite of the pain.
My advice is to try a gentle yoga class it may help you to build up muscles regain your strength and will help your aches and pains. This has made a big difference for me.
There are also restorative yoga classes.
Also if you haven't talked to your doctor tell him about what's going on. You may have something else going on.