If you feel like the energy you normally have to get you through the day has been zapped and that bedtime can’t come soon enough, you’re not the only one. Pregnancy fatigue is a real thing that many mom’s-to-be often experience in their first and third trimester. With a baby on the way, there's not time to be too tired to move. On the days you feel like you can’t stop dragging your feet, here’s how to find the energy you need.
Get Plenty of Sleep
The first step in preventing pregnancy fatigue is to get plenty of rest. It might seem obvious, but when you feel like there's still so much left to check off on your baby preparation checklist and continue juggling the rest of everyday life, getting plenty of rest can be one of the easiest things to forget to do. Naps aren’t just for babies or kids so if you find your eyelids are getting heavy in the middle of the day, take a nap to re-charge your system. This also means lights out at a reasonable hour at night. You can wait to find out what happens on your favorite T.V. show tomorrow.
Make Schedule Adjustments
It’s easy to underestimate how hard your body is working to grow a baby. If you feel like you’re struggling to get things done throughout the day without feeling exhausted, it might be time to make some adjustments to your daily planner. This might include something like cutting back work hours or rescheduling plans with friends for another time.
Eat Nutritious Foods
When you’re expecting, it’s essential that you’re getting the right nutrients for yourself and your baby. Did you know that what you eat can help fight pregnancy fatigue? Your plate should be full of energy boosting foods that are packed with iron, protein and calories.
Workout
We get it, exercising is the last thing on your mind when you’re tired. The idea of it even seems a bit counterintuitive. In fact, a good pregnancy workout should leave you more energized instead of wiped out. Exercise gets your cardiovascular system running more efficiently because it delivers oxygen and nutrition to your tissues, which is what gives you that renewed sense of energy. Plus, getting fresh air is always reviving.
While it’s easy to want to give into weariness of pregnancy fatigue, you need to keep it from negatively impacting your day-to-day functions. After all, you’ve got way too many important things to do! With some small adjustments, you’ll start seeing your energy levels increase in no time.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medications or treatment. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Resources:
WebMD. Daily Naps and Other Ways to Cope With Pregnancy Fatigue. https://www.webmd.com/baby/coping-with-pregnancy-fatigue
American Pregnancy Association. Fatigue During Pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/fatigue-during-pregnancy-5575#:~:text=During%20early%20pregnancy%2C%20hormonal%20changes,responsible%20for%20making%20you%20sleepy.
Mayo Clinic. Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
