If you have been suffering from fatigue during pregnancy, worry not you’re not alone. Almost all women suffer from it at some point during their pregnancy, and you don’t need to feel embarrassed or anxious about it.
Fortunately, pregnancy fatigue doesn’t have any underlying health conditions. It is a common state for women, and there are numerous ways to take care of yourself and feel better.
Start eating well-balanced, nutrient-rich meals and consciously avoid sugary foods. Try to get enough sleep each night and keep your regular sleep schedule as same as possible. Don’t be tempted to drink energy drinks or indulge in sugary foods, despite the cravings.
The causes and symptoms of pregnancy fatigue vary from woman to woman. Some may feel exhausted during the entire pregnancy, while others barely experience fatigue. This is a natural part of pregnancy, but it’s important to listen to your body and get plenty of rest.
You can also indulge in regular light exercise as it releases feel-good hormones, endorphins, the hormones responsible for boosting your energy level. A 30-minute walk can also help.
In this article, we are going to discuss pregnancy fatigue: causes and how to combat it.
In this Article
What Is Pregnancy Fatigue?
During pregnancy, many women feel tired and don’t have any energy left to get through the day. This condition is known as pregnancy fatigue. The first trimester is often full of extra stress and anxiety, but later on, fatigue in pregnancy may return.
The mother-to-be may have difficulty sleeping, which makes matters worse. And if the fatigue lasts for more than a week, it’s probably time to visit a doctor to get a checkup. Luckily, most cases of pregnancy fatigue are not related to underlying health conditions and are temporary.
Pregnant women should start an exercise program early in the day. While it’s tempting to skip the gym altogether, it’s best to try to do at least a half hour of physical activity each day.
Thankfully, fatigue pregnancy is temporary and won’t last forever. While this pregnancy symptom is common, it can be confusing and may require professional help.
When Does Pregnancy Fatigue Start?
There are many reasons why pregnant women start to feel tired. It may start as early as six weeks, but it can happen at any time during your pregnancy. One way to help ease the symptoms is to rest more frequently. You should avoid strenuous exercise while pregnant. In addition, it is important to avoid a hectic schedule if you feel fatigued.
The first trimester is when your body adjusts to the changes of the baby and is able to function. By the second trimester, you should be feeling more energetic and able to perform daily tasks. The weight of the growing baby may be causing you to feel tired.
The third trimester is when fatigue and other symptoms become worse. You may also experience common routine ailments such as insomnia and frequent trips to the bathroom due to nausea. You should consult a doctor if you’re feeling unwell frequently.
What Does Pregnancy Fatigue Feel Like?
During your first trimester, this feeling is entirely normal and can be a sign of a growing baby. The truth is, there are many ways to tell if you have pregnancy fatigue.
While you’re pregnant, you’re already tired, and your body’s new life is demanding enough. You’ll be exhausted, but this won’t last for nine months. It’s normal to feel tired, but excessive fatigue may be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem.
If you’re experiencing a severe case of fatigue pregnancy, you may need to see your doctor. Don’t fight the feeling of tiredness. Make sure to get lots of sleep each night. Don’t let habits keep you from going to bed earlier than usual.
Go to bed earlier and avoid social events that require you to stay up late. If you’re too tired to go to bed, consider moving them to a different time of the day. Your doctor will also have some suggestions for treating your pregnancy fatigue.
What Causes Fatigue In Pregnancy?
During your pregnancy, you may begin to feel tired. This is perfectly normal. It won’t harm you or your baby. The biggest cause of pregnancy fatigue is hormonal changes. The fertilized egg releases a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, which tells your body that it is pregnant.
This hormone causes mood swings and drops in energy levels. The increased blood supply can also cause a decrease in your energy levels. The causes of pregnancy fatigue are complex. Some women feel tired for most of the pregnancy, while others may feel exhausted only for a few days.
While it may be easy to blame the pregnancy for your tiredness, it can be hard to remember that your body is undergoing a complicated process. When you are pregnant, your hormones go into overdrive. The result is that you may wake up tired and drained. Here are some common causes of pregnancy fatigue.
- Increase in hormones like progesterone
- Low blood sugar
- Increase in blood volume (to help support a developing baby and placenta)
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances
Ways to Combat Pregnancy Fatigue
There are many ways to combat pregnancy fatigue. One of the most important is to practice good sleep hygiene. You should drink plenty of water and get some exercise, as well as eating small meals throughout the day. Taking a nap can also help you cope with this problem. The key is to find ways to combat pregnancy fatigue that are comfortable for you and your baby. Here are some ways to combat pregnant fatigue.
-
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
One of the most important things you can do to combat pregnancy fatigue is to practice good sleep hygiene. You should avoid caffeine, which keeps you awake and can be harmful to your developing baby. Also, avoid bright lights that keep you awake, as these can also prevent you from falling asleep. You should avoid television and other screen time an hour before you need to sleep and avoid using the phone and computer before bed.
-
Drink Plenty of Water
When it comes to fighting pregnancy fatigue, hydration is key. Pregnant women tend to be more dehydrated than the rest of us and need to make an extra effort to keep their fluid levels up. If dehydration is a problem, you should consult with your midwife or doctor to develop a strategy to combat the situation. However, you can take the first step by drinking plenty of water. This will help you combat pregnancy fatigue and conserve your energy.
-
Eat Small Regular Meals
Pregnancy fatigue is caused by unstable blood sugar levels. Iron-rich foods, such as lean meat and soy products, can help prevent this problem. Also, add plenty of whole grains and protein to your diet. As your baby grows in size, your body requires extra energy, and this can make you feel tired and lethargic. Eating small, regular meals is an effective way to combat pregnancy fatigue. You will feel much better once your energy levels return to normal.
-
Get Some Exercise
The best way to combat pregnancy fatigue is to get plenty of rest. Pregnant women often feel extra sleepy and have trouble getting comfortable. If you’re feeling extra tired, try getting some exercise. It will help you feel more awake and ready for the day. Fortunately, getting a bit of exercise is not as difficult as you might think. It releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that can help you sleep better.
FAQs
-
Can Pregnancy Fatigue Hurt My Baby?
Fatigue during pregnancy is completely normal and will not harm your baby. Some women may feel completely worn out during their entire pregnancy, while others may experience very little fatigue at all. Pregnancy fatigue is common during the first trimester and usually disappears during the second trimester. Although pregnancy fatigue may be unpleasant, it is not harmful to the unborn child.
-
How Do I Combat Extreme Fatigue during Pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and experiencing extreme fatigue, eat lots of nutrient-rich foods and drink plenty of water. Stay away from sugary foods and drinks because these can make you feel worse. Also, avoid drinking energy drinks. Eat plenty of protein-rich foods to increase your energy level and promote the development of your baby.
-
How Can I Boost My Energy While Pregnant?
While you’re pregnant, you’re likely feeling tired and run down. Fortunately, there are some ways to boost your energy naturally. You need to eat superfoods as they will add to your nutrition. Apart from that, you need to drink plenty of water, take essential vitamins and exercise regularly. It will help you to boost your energy levels during pregnancy.
Conclusion
During pregnancy a woman’s body goes through lots of changes. Hormones can also cause pregnancy fatigue. While this condition is pretty common, it can make you feel extremely tired and moody. To deal with this problem, you need to know about the causes and ways to combat it. By following a proper diet, staying hydrated, exercising and resting well, you can manage fatigue in pregnancy. If nothing seems to work, you can consult your doctor.
