Ideas for pregnant brain stimulation?

[Anonymous]

Now that I can't have coffee, my brain feels totally drained in the afternoon. By about 2 pm, my mind is totally blank.

What do you do stay mentally alert to keep up with demanding mental work?

I am not a napper - have never been able to take naps no matter how tired I am.

[Anonymous]

I'm with you, OP. I have never been a napper either. Getting up and moving a bit - walking around the office or doing some light stretching - helps. More frequent protein/carb snacks help too. Things actually got better once I adjusted to being caffeine-free, although in dire situations, I have occasionally had a 2/3 decaf, 1/3 caf coffee. I've also just been coming to terms with the fact that I'm just not quite as sharp or fast in my thinking as usual, especially now that I'm well into the third trimester and the heat zaps my brain cells anyway. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Who says you can't have caffeine? You can definitely have a cup of coffee a day.

[Anonymous]

I couldn't function without coffee and had two cups a day during both of my pregnancies.

[Anonymous]

Have a snack.

There's also this Origins product called "Peace of Mind" that smells minty and you rub on your temples and neck. I usually use it for headaches, but it works for a 3 PM pick-me-up too.

[sybersus]

try some light exercise. I like to take a walk around the block, but given how hot it is now, I may start walking the (air-conditioned) stairs at work.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the exercise. It will help you feel more alert "and" help you sleep better at night.

You could also try one cup of coffee a day -- half caffeinated.

[Anonymous]

I make iced hibiscus tea (Celestial Seasonings brand Red Zinger tea) in the afternoon. Caffeine free, but I feel like the vitamin C gives me a boost. Agree that walking also helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who says you can't have caffeine? You can definitely have a cup of coffee a day.

Agreed. Maybe double check with your OB. Mine said one cup of coffee or 2 cans of diet coke. I compromised to one can of soda only on the workdays. good luck!