How to Avoid Fatigue During Pregnancy

Increased hormone and metabolism levels usually result in extreme fatigue for pregnant women. Exercise and diet can help keep you energetic during the first trimester and through the entire pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dried Fruits
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Vegetables

1. Eat right. You need to increase your caloric intake by 300 to 500 calories a day. Try to eat five to six small, healthy meals a day to keep your body fueled. Pack small easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables to snack on throughout the day. Stay away from sugar and caffeine: They are digested quickly and leave you feeling empty.

2. Exercise even if it is the last thing you feel like doing. Following even a mild thirty minute workout three to five times a week will help increase your metabolism and make it easier for you to keep up with your growing baby.

3. Listen to your body. Because you are creating the placenta during your first trimester and storing vital hormones to assist in fetal growth, your metabolism will increase and your body will consume more energy. If you are tired - sleep.

4. Nap as often as you can. Even a fifteen minute cat nap can help renew your energy levels. If your children nap, nap with them. Close your office door at lunch time to catch some zzzz's or lie down for a brief snooze when you get home from work.

5. Go to bed early. Watch the five o'clock news and hit the sack at nine or ten.

Tips & Warnings

• Subscribe to a pregnancy magazine for some great recipe ideas and exercise routines.
• Ask friends and relatives to watch your children so you can have an opportunity to nap.
• Ask your doctor about anemia if extreme fatigue continues. Lack of iron is common during pregnancy and results in tiredness and low energy.