In the first trimester of pregnancy, and sometimes later, experiencing extraordinary fatigue is very common. For some women, this fatigue can prevail throughout their pregnancy (very debilitating, I know!). However, it is not a worrisome condition. Sustaining another life inside can naturally take a toll on your body and drain it of energy. However, the fatigue often comes with some aches and pains and makes it difficult for you to carry on with your daily routine. Let’s first take a look at what causes fatigue, before you set off to deal with fatigue during pregnancy.
Causes of Fatigue
Pregnancy-related conditions that can be the underlying cause of fatigue include:
- Anemia or lack of iron to carry oxygen to the baby sufficiently.
- Lack of exercise (even if you hate it) since it slows down the flow of blood and affects your stamina.
- Over-exertion, especially lifting heavy things.
- Too much heat or dehydration.
- Vitamin deficiency and lack of B-complex vitamins.
- Improper diet that doesn’t fulfill the necessary nutritional requirements for pregnancy.
- Depression, which can occur during pregnancy.
By knowing the underlying cause of fatigue, you can be in a much better position to cope with it. So, if you are feeling unusually fatigued, ask your doctor about these possible causes.
How to Cope With Fatigue
If you are finding the fatigue too much to cope with, there are several ways you can deal with it and try to keep it to a minimum.
- Try to Take Short Naps: This may be an easy one for many of you out there, because who doesn’t like to nap! When you feel too tired, take a short nap. The good thing is that while you are pregnant, even a short nap of a few minutes can work wonders for you, making you feel refreshed and energized.
- Cut Back on Your Activities: Cut back on your usual activities. Socialize less, let the housework go once in a while, take an occasional off day from work in the middle of the week, and send the kids to a friend or relative for the afternoon. Give yourself a break and put your feet up, you’re pregnant so you deserve it!
- Eat a Healthy Diet: You need to get at least 200 extra calories every day during your pregnancy; and, as much as you want, you definitely can’t get them from junk food and snacks. You need to follow a proper and balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, diary, and whole grains that can give you energy.
- Drink Water: Your body needs plenty of fluids during pregnancy to stay hydrated. However, you should cut back on drinks that have caffeine and instead drink plenty of water. While this may make you go to the toilet more than you like, it is important to have fluids in your body at this time.
- Exercise Regularly: While there is no need to overexert yourself, believe it or not, too much rest can also be bad for you. Make sure you have a regular exercise regimen to follow, even if it means taking a short walk every day. However, for some women, exercising is not recommended so get a go-ahead from your obstetrician or midwife first so you can properly deal with fatigue during pregnancy.
In what ways are you fighting your pregnancy fatigue?
Written by Manal, first time mom, rearing an infant.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.
