Surviving Pregnancy With a Toddler

Having my 17 month old toddling around and getting into mischief tested my parenting skills enough. When I found out that I was pregnant with baby #2, though filled with joy, my head began to spin as I witnessed my yodeling son try to climb up on the coffee table. How the heck was I going to handle this pregnancy while running after my little explorer?

Gone were the days when I could nap when ever I felt tired or spend all morning hovering over a toilet bowl. Those “luxuries” I had with my first pregnancy were long gone. I knew I had to get creative in order to survive. But first I had to realize that what I was able to complete around the house now may not be able to be finished as quickly. Yes, the laundry may go untouched for a couple of weeks. Maybe all of the dishes won’t be loaded in the dishwasher every night. My child’s playroom may look like a bomb went off the next day. Even if you are expecting guests over, don’t fret; most people realize (or already know) how difficult having a toddler racing about is and will forgive your less-than-tidy home.

Getting through Pregnancy Symptoms

Here’s the next dilemma: morning sickness. How do you explain to a 2 year old that you need a few minutes in the washroom to throw up last night’s dinner? Young children are also often alarmed and scared for mommy when they hear her retching in the bathroom. Load up your computer, CD player or DVD player with kid friendly CDs and music videos. When you feel the urge to throw up, quickly put that on and race to the washroom.

TIP: A great natural way to combat morning sickness for pregnant woman is ginger.

So what can you possibly do about that fatigue? Try napping with your toddler or resting with them on the couch. Take every opportunity to spend one-on-one time with your first born; it won’t be long until this precious time is gone!

TIP: Contrary to how you may be feeling, getting outside and playing with your toddler or going for a walk is a great way to energize yourself AND to help your little one wind down for a good long nap.

Moodiness or sudden changes in temperament are also often a symptom of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. This can leave already ailing and fatigued mothers in quite a sour mood when it comes to dealing with their toddler’s little mishaps. Always remember to breathe, count to 30, and most importantly to enlist in the help of others! Your partner, family, friends, and babysitters should all be used as much as you need at this point for the health and happiness of everyone.

photo by EBA