Do you wake up every morning feeling like you have run a marathon and can’t wait till you get back into bed?.Do you find yourself dozing off in the middle of the day or dragging your feet around, till you find a cosy corner to nap?
For all the wonderful and fascinating experiences of pregnancy, early motherhood also brings with it its share of frustrations. Fatigue is one of the most common and exasperating symptoms of pregnancy that will leave you feeling both mentally and physically victimized by your energy levels.
It’s entirely reasonable for an expectant mother to struggle with extreme fatigue during pregnancy. Read on to know all about fatigue during pregnancy and how you can cope with it.
Many women may feel unusually tired as early as the first week after conception [1]. This extreme and rather unusual exhaustion is the reason many pregnant women cite fatigue as one of the earliest signs of pregnancy
For many moms-to-be, this fatigue during pregnancy is further triggered by a loss of appetite and morning sickness, common in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Every pregnancy is unique. From the exact moment of conception to giving birth, every mother experiences pregnancy in a distinct manner[2]. But there are a few common symptoms’ that that almost every woman experiences. Fatigue in early pregnancy is one of them.
It is normal to experience fatigue in early pregnancy as your body adjusts to a storm of pregnancy hormones in your body. The continuous physical and emotional changes can also lower your energy levels and make you feel fatigued. Over the next two trimesters, this fatigue will ebb and flow. On some days you feel you have been run over by a truck and then on some weeks you feel you can take on the world.
Extreme fatigue in pregnancy is most common during the first trimester. It usually goes away during the second trimester and returns in the third trimester.
We usually associate tiredness during the third trimester with the extra weight that you are carrying as your baby gets bigger.
Sometimes mothers also experience postnatal pregnancy fatigue [3]. It is characterized by a decreased capacity for physical activity after childbirth, lack of energy and concentration. Rest or sleep can not easily relieve these symptoms, and it may need medical intervention.
During the first trimester, fatigue in pregnancy is mostly caused by hormonal changes [4]. The increased progesterone levels are responsible for making you sleepy through the day. Your body is also producing more blood to carry nutrients to your growing baby, which can result in fatigue in early pregnancy.
Anaemia caused by iron deficiency [6] can also cause extreme fatigue in pregnant women.
Hormonal changes also have an inhibitory effect on muscles, causing sleep apnea, frequent trips to the bathroom during the night. This can interrupt a good night’s rest for the soon-to-be-mom.
Another common reason for fatigue in pregnancy is the extra baby weight that can cause back, hip, and pelvic pain and lead to extreme tiredness. Other pregnancy-related factors that may cause discomfort when sleeping include heartburn and leg cramps.
In rare cases, depression or anxiety trigger extreme fatigue during pregnancy. Having a baby is one of the most significant changes in your life, and for many women, this change can trigger anxiety and worry.
In rare cases, medical conditions such as hypothyroidism[5],anemia, or gestational diabetes can trigger extreme fatigue in pregnancy
Thankfully, pregnancy fatigue does not have any negative impact on your baby. The only thing that may take a beating at this stage will be your social life.
Harbouring and growing a baby in your uterus is a monumental task, and pregnancy fatigue is your body’s normal response to growing a human being inside of you.
Reach out to your doctor if you are concerned about your fatigue and related symptoms .
● Try to aim for a minimum of 8 hours of sleep every night.
● Avoid caffeine or sugar as a quick fix to your energy slump.
● Pamper yourself with relaxing massages and warm baths
● Schedule cap naps for yourself throughout the day, no longer than 20 minutes.
● Simple breathing yoga exercises and meditation will help you overcome your tiredness.
● Never skip meals
● Aromatherapy with a few drops of Lavender oil is a proven way to promote relaxation.
It may sound deceptively simple, but the best way to prevent fatigue during pregnancy is to get as much rest as possible. As your bump gets bigger, use pillows to support under your tummy and behind your back so you can enjoy a comfortable sleep at night.
Extreme fatigue in pregnancy is linked to iron deficiency [6], so incorporate plenty of foods that are rich iron into your diet. Eating a balanced meal of fruits, vegetables, proteins, nuts, and a variety of whole-grain foods will help keep your energy boosted throughout the day.
You may also want to speak to your doctor about supplementing your diet with vitamins. Hera’s range of prenatal vitamins allows you to get all the nutrients your body needs to help you fight against pregnancy fatigue.
Keep drinking plenty of water during the day. Adequate water intake will help you boost your energy throughout the day. However, cut down on your water towards the evening to avoid frequent trips to the restroom at night.
Contrary to what you may feel like, even a few minutes of light physical activity such as walking can give you a burst of energy.
Word of caution: Always consult with your doctor before you begin any exercise regime during pregnancy.- HERA
Extreme fatigue in pregnancy can be extremely frustrating, but it is a normal symptom of a healthy pregnancy. However, here are a few situations when you must call your doctor.
● If you feel constantly tired, inform your doctor as the exhaustion can be because of a nutritional imbalance which can be corrected with prenatal vitamins
● If the feeling of tiredness is coupled with a sense of sadness or loss of interest. This may be a sign of prenatal depression
● If you feel that the fatigue because of by other illnesses such as hypothyroidism, anaemia or gestational diabetes
● If you experience signs of dizziness or feel faint
Pregnancy can be an exciting and tiring experience — both emotionally and physically. As your body gets busy making a tiny human, take the fatigue as a message from your body to slow down, relax and enjoy the nine months of pregnancy. What did you do to beat pregnancy fatigue? Let us know.