How to Fight Fatigue While Pregnant

Reduce pregnancy fatigue.

During pregnancy, a woman's body is more metabolically active than it will ever be at any other time. Every system in her body must meet the demands of sustaining two lives instead of one. The most common result is fatigue. If you also work, or have other children to care for, fatigue is even more of an issue. Fortunately, there are strategies to keep gestational, or pregnancy, fatigue to a minimum. These suggestions will help you feel tired less often, and allow your rest to be more restorative.

Instructions

1. Monitor and/or reevaluate your sleep habits. Go to sleep earlier if you find yourself becoming tired sooner than usual in the evenings.

2. Take practical steps to ensure a restful and undisturbed sleep. Reduce the chances of indigestion and the number of nocturnal bathroom visits by finishing all food and liquid intake several hours before bed.

3. Enjoy a half-hour of mild to moderate physical activity, unless there are medical reasons requiring that you abstain from exercise. Swimming, walking, and specialized yoga classes for expectant mothers will improve your mood, help you sleep soundly, and increase your vitality.

4. Increase your water intake by an additional two to four 8-ounce servings per day and carefully monitor your nutrition. Even mild dehydration can exacerbate fatigue. Take the supplements recommended by your doctor and follow her advice on eating to avoid being tired from nutrient deficiencies.

5. Set aside time to consciously rest and relax each day, even if only for 15 to 30 minutes. Allow yourself to meditate or take naps if you are at home, and observe any regularly scheduled breaks if you are at work (preferably with your feet elevated to improve circulation).

6. Avoid attempting to juggle your responsibilities all by yourself as you did before you became pregnant. Ask for assistance from your partner, family, friends, and older children when you need it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're feeling worried or overwhelmed, speak to the supportive people around you. Your medical practitioner also can direct you to support groups and other programs in your community. Stress can lead to depression, which also leads to fatigue and insomnia.

• Avoid pesticides in your food. If your budget allows, buy more organic items. Pesticides are poisons in your body, and you are exceptionally sensitive to them now. A toxic burden in your bloodstream, however slight, will add to your feelings of listlessness as your body tries to filter them out and away from the fetus.

References

• Pregnancy Guide

Resources

• Native Remedies