Pregnancy Fatigue: Tips To Help You Fight It

When you are pregnant, it’s normal to feel pregnancy fatigue, especially in the first trimester and third trimesters of your pregnancy. It can be frustrating but the good news is that it is a good sign just like nausea as it means your body is working hard to help your baby grow, and that’s why your body is going through a lot of changes. Pregnancy fatigue can be challenging especially during winter. 

But with some simple tips, you can easily battle pregnancy fatigue. 

What Are The Causes Of Pregnancy Fatigue?

The causes for pregnancy fatigue are many. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Increased levels of the hormone progesterone. 
• Morning sickness that leaves you feeling drained.
• Heart pumping harder to adjust to the increase in blood volume.
• Extra weight especially during the third trimester.
• Nutrient deficiency as you are sharing all the vital nutrients with your baby.

What Does Fatigue During Pregnancy Feel Like? 

Fatigue during pregnancy makes you feel sluggish and you may not feel like getting up in the morning or can’t wait to get into bed as soon as you get back home from outside. 

How To Fight Pregnancy Fatigue?

It just takes a few simple steps to overcome the pregnancy fatigue you are experiencing. Here’s how.

Get Adequate Sleep

Make sure you get eight to nine hours of sleep. Take a nap whenever you get the opportunity and cat naps are great too.

Eat A Healthy Diet

Avoid carbohydrates like white bread and processed foods because they make you more sleepy, and eat a low-fat diet rich in proteins and iron. Make sure your diet is well-balanced and nutritious and includes food that is anti-inflammatory like avocado, berries, broccoli, mushrooms etc. to help fight against pregnancy fatigue. Including a variety of organic vegetables and fruits and vegetables is great for fighting pregnancy fatigue.

Stay Hydrated

It is important to drink enough water to stay well hydrated especially during winter when we tend to drink less water. The body needs at least six to eight glasses of. Make it a must to drink 6 to of water every day. Including foods that are rich in water like cucumber,  oranges, tomatoes, spinach, and watermelon is a great idea as they contain a lot of water.  

Exercise

Even if you are experiencing pregnancy fatigue, exercising daily as long as your pregnancy is not complicated can make you feel better, You can do light exercises like a brisk walk or aerobic exercise. It also improves your mood and promotes better sleep and leaves you feeling less tired.

Relax And Take It Easy

Pregnancy can take a toll on your body so before your baby arrives and gives you sleepless nights, make the most of it and relax and rest as much as you can. Meditate, take deep breaths and go for a good massage.

In some cases, extreme pregnancy fatigue can sometimes be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome and may be linked to some health issues. Speak to your doctor if you are feeling extreme fatigue.

Cover image source: freepik