Pregnant with Narcolepsy

you are allowed caffine while pregnant. I am addicted to Coke and my dr told me I could have 2 cans a day. Maybe some hot tea or something would help?

Yes, I went through this from high school clear until my oldest son was about 3 years old (about 10 years). I did it all without meds and all I could think about was sleep and every decision I made was based on how it could effect the amount of sleep I could get. I was completely miserable. I did try meds for a short time, but I wanted a second child and decided to give up the meds. What really helped me was to start eating a very healthy diet and liquid vitamin supplements. Liquid Vitamin supplements absorb into your system better than pills. You will need to swish the supplement around in your mouth for 30 seconds because digestion starts in the mouth and more will be absorbed if you swish. I ate lots of vegetables even though I really don't care for them. I started drinking coffee mid morning when I started feeling draggy again. I know you shouldn't drink more that 1 cup of coffee while pregnant and have apparently chose to give it up. Sugary snacks actually will make you feel more sluggish because your body uses up the energy quickly and stores the rest as fat. I am glad you chose to give that up. I would not suggest taking a liquid vitamin supplement without first showing your OB doctor the nutrition facts and ingredients. Some of them contain herbs that can be harmful to your baby or cause preterm labor. You might also express your concerns to your doctor. He or she might have an optional drug you can take to combat the drowsiness or a better prenatal vitamin.

If Vitamin D helps, you can actually take a lot more than that! Have your levels checked, but when I had my levels checked (not pregnant), I was put on 10,000 IU a day. (Vit D is measured in IU not mg). Also, it must be D3 not D2.

I was diagnosed with narcolepsy the day after I discovered I was pregnant with my 2nd child. There were plenty of rough days. There are 2 issues here: first you have the narcolepsy, second you have a toddler!!!! So do your best to take care of both those issues.
You can't medicate the narcolepsy, but you can do things to stimulate the central nervous system--exercise, like walking, for example. Caffeine and sugar are not healthy options, but more importantly, they do not typically "work" for narcolepsy anyhow!
Most important is to schedule naps. Even 15-20 minute micro-naps can keep you going through the day. Snuggle with your little one, if you can, set an alarm to get up so you don't sleep through the day. Sesame Street was my best friend (I dozed on the sofa)..and my son rarely watches tv now, so don't worry about it.
Take care of your body--a healthy body handles stress better.
Look for support among family and friends--can someone take your 2 yr old for a couple hours a couple times a week?
Talk to your sleep doctor for ideas. You can do it, remember this is not forever.
P.S. Don't drive when you're drowsy!

My doctor told me that there was nothing wrong with drinking 2 diet sodas a day during pregnancy. Caffeine is my only addiction and impossible to break and the regular sodas made me gain a ton of weight with my first. Not sure if this will help with your narcolepsy, but maybe it can give you a little pick up.

tke vitamin D, you can have your levels checked I took 4000mg while pregnant to help

I feel that way with my second pregnancy and I don't even have narcolepsy. Seems like a 2 hour nap isn't enough. "To sleep, perchance to .......sleep"

Good luck!

I think all pregnant and new moms are tired - but even worse if you have narcolepsy! I was EXHAUSTED all the time when I was pregnant...Definitely, sleep, sleep, sleep! Sleep whenever you younger one sleeps, and then try exercising - like yoga for pregnant women - and have a healthy diet along with your prenatal vitamins. Vitamins are a lifesaver for me! I also allowed myself some sweet tea with splenda 1-2 times a day...there's not that much caffeine in tea and it won't hurt your baby.
Also - plan your activities like errands and chores around when you will have the most energy and conserve your energy the other times of day. If you are a morning person and feel better after just getting up, try to do all your activity during that time, then take a nap and rest when you get up. Play floor activities with your toddler and have fun crafts for her that you can supervise without expending too much energy in the afternoons (or vice versa if you are an afternoon person)...
Also, get out and take walks - fresh air and exercise can really go a long way, as well. This also helps with getting off the baby weight! Your toddler will love walks with mommy as well - push her in a stroller if the walks are too long and have mommy-daughter time. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but exercise always gives more energy, not less....and it is essential to weight loss....sun and air is invigorating and makes people less sleepy. Plus, you never know who you might meet along the way; I just took my little one to the mall's play park and met another mom in the parking lot....we are planning on a play date - having something to look forward to is also more stimulating than staying at home where the bed beckons!!
And when all else fails, call someone for help! Take a break and have someone else watch your 2 year old while you have an extra nap or quiet time...you won't be pregnant forever and people should be more than willing to lend a hand in the meantime! :)

Ask your pharmacist or doctor about liquid B12. I take it and order it from a company called Nature's Sunshine. I don't have narcolepsy but I do have mild insomnia so some days I am totally exhausted. B12 gives me little kick and if I take it too late, I can't sleep.

Good luck and congratulations on the new baby.

This sounds like me when I was pregnant. I wish I had known then what I know now. I never want to assume anything; are you taking prenatal vitamins? There is a line out that is guaranteed to make you feel better or your money back. Legit company, based on science, etc. These are the vitamins that Bobbie McCaughy (sp?) - mom of septuplets - took when she was expecting them. Might be worth looking at. melaleuca.com/oligo. Good luck to you! I feel your pain, but this too shall pass.