Fatigue during Pregnancy

During pregnancy many women suffer from fatigue as one of the side effects of pregnancy. It is quite common to experience fatigue during pregnancy. Fatigue will make you feel tired and exhausted, and you feel like sleeping most of the time. A pregnant woman spends the pregnancy period creating a life within her and therefore she is bound to feel tired.

Many women find it hard to sleep during the nights in pregnancy, and this could be a contributing factor to fatigue in pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an onset of hormonal changes in the body and this could also lead to fatigue in pregnancy.

Usually women experience fatigue during their first trimester because the body is just getting acclimatized with being pregnant. All the morning sickness during the first trimester could also contribute to tiredness during pregnancy.

Usually women feel energized and good during the second trimester. They could again face fatigue during the third trimester. During the third trimester you body carries a lot of weight and is preparing for labor and delivery and hence you may feel tired most of the time.

Dealing with fatigue during pregnancy

There are several ways that you can abide by to help you deal with fatigue during pregnancy. Here are some ways to overcome fatigue in pregnancy:

• Sleep early - It is important to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy as you will need to accumulate all the energy for both the baby and you.
• Take a nap during the day - If possible try to take a nap during the day time throughout your pregnancy, especially in the last trimester. A fifteen minute nap is quite sufficient to make you feel rejuvenated and revitalized.
• Eat a well balanced meal - It is important to it a nutritious meal everyday as it will keep your energy levels stable. Fatigue and sluggishness could be because of lack of nutrition. Eat small meals frequently throughout the day rather than three huge meals. Do not eat very heavy or oily food presuming that will increase your energy level. It is important to gain weight under permissible limits while pregnant.
• Exercise daily - Exercising is very important to keep you energized throughout the day. Exercising increases the production of endorphins in the body and also helps in blood circulation throughout the body. Even if you feel very tired, make sure you spend some time for exercise.
• Invest in maternity pillows - If you are sleep deprived because of the growing tummy or back pain then, it is important to use a maternity pillow. Lack of sleep can also cause fatigue in pregnancy.

·         Ask for help - If you don’t have any help for the house chores, then you may consider keeping one. Or ask a family member to help you during your pregnancy. Too much work during pregnancy could also lead to fatigue in pregnancy.

While it is difficult to fend off fatigue completely during pregnancy, you can follow the above mentioned tips to keep you energized during pregnancy. If you experience extreme fatigue even after following these steps, then you will need to seek medical help.