How to Beat Pregnancy Fatigue

Pregnancy is a time of excitement, a time of happiness and a busy time of preparation for a new life in your home. You may wonder, then, with all this excitement, why you feel so tired. Fatigue in pregnancy isn't uncommon. In fact, along with morning sickness, it is often one of the first symptoms many women experience. You may not be able to completely rid yourself of the fatigue, but you sure can try to beat it!

Instructions

Feel More Energized During Pregnancy

1. Check in with your health care provider to make sure the fatigue you are feeling isn't a symptom of something more significant. Sometimes tiredness in pregnancy can be a sign of anemia (low levels of iron in the blood), thyroid issues or gestational diabetes.

2. Beat fatigue by giving in to your need for more sleep. Pregnant women do often have an increased need for sleep, especially in the first trimester, which is why they feel so fatigued. Go to bed when you are sleepy at night or try to take a catnap during the day if you just can't keep your eyes open.

3. Eliminate any extra stress in your life by employing the use of the word "no." Fatigue can also be a side-effect of over-extending yourself. The first few months of pregnancy is not the time to take on extra projects at work or become a super-involved PTO parent.

4. Eat well and frequently. It's a standard recommendation that you eat six small meals a day during pregnancy. Make the most of those meals by including a lot of iron- and protein-rich foods. The Vitamin C found in citrus can also provide you with a natural pick-me-up.

5. Avoid drinking tea, coffee or other caffeinated beverages to beat fatigue. While the initial caffeine rush will give you some energy, the crash when it leaves your system can increase fatigue. Plus, anything over 300 mg of caffeine a day can be potentially harmful to your baby.

6. Ask for help when necessary. There's no need for you to do everything on your own. Allow your partner, a friend or your family to help you around the house or run some errands for you.

7. Include exercise as a part of your daily routine. Whether it be a short walk every day or pregnancy yoga, exercising regularly can help to boost endorphins, which in turn can increase your overall energy level.

8. Be patient. This, too, shall pass. Many women feel more energized and much more like themselves during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your health care provider about what type of exercise he would recommend for you, especially if you didn't have a regular routine before getting pregnant.