During pregnancy, most women experience extreme tiredness and fatigue. It is quite normal to feel tired during pregnancy as your body undergoes different types of changes, and pains, aches, tender nipples etc occur. During the early and later stages of pregnancy, fatigue becomes very common. Some pregnant women experience fatigue throughout the whole pregnancy yet some don’t feel tired at all.
Reasons for fatigue
Though the actual reasons for fatigue during early pregnancy are not known, it is assumed that hormonal changes are the main reason. As progesterone is known to make one tired and sluggish, rapid rise of this hormone in pregnant women make them feel more tired. The hormonal changes results in a mess of stress level with the mental state taking a toll on the rest of the body making you feel tired. At the end of the first trimester, all these symptoms reduce to a great extent. If they still continue in the second trimester, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Moreover, most pregnant women get affected with anaemic problems. The symptom of anaemia during pregnancy is fatigue. An expectant woman needs greater amount of iron for the baby and for the blood loss during the delivery.
Some other causes of fatigue may include the stress of becoming a mother, carrying twins, vitamin D deficiency etc.
How long does fatigue last?
Fatigue is common in the first and third trimester, but in some cases it may occur in the second trimester, as well. You will gain more weight during the last months of pregnancy resulting in trouble while sleeping, backache, leg cramps, heartburn etc. So, it is very natural to get tired and restless during the first three months and the last months of pregnancy.
How to reduce fatigue during pregnancy?
Though there is no prescription to reduce fatigue, doctors advise pregnant women to rest and relax. The following tips may help you to prevent and manage fatigue during pregnancy.
- Take rest as much as possible
- Drink lots of fluids in order to keep hydrated
- Take power naps in the afternoon to compensate loss of sleep at night
- Eat small but healthy meals throughout the day which will help you gain energy
- Do some deep-breathing exercises, some stretches or take a short walk every day
- Include protein and iron rich food like whole grain bread, red meat, sea food, leafy vegetables
- Go to bed early and try to get a good night’s sleep
- Adjust your work schedule and be less busy during your pregnancy. You can ask your family to help you in household activities.
Consult your doctor if the following occur:
- Fatigue due to extreme thirst and hunger
- Fatigue due to sore throat, swollen glands or fever
- Excessive fatigue along with vomiting, nausea, increased urination etc
- Fatigue due to depression or stress
- Fatigue even after proper rest
Though it is pretty normal to be tired during the first and last trimester of pregnancy, at times it is advisable to consult your doctor. Taking proper rest is one of the best ways to get relief from stress and tiredness during pregnancy.