Overcoming Pregnancy Tiredness

One of the major complaints from busy women who are pregnant is how tired they suddenly are. While it may be an inconvenience to be tired all the time, remember all the changes your body is going through right now as it prepares for your baby. 

Being extremely tired during the first trimester is common, but you should talk to your doctor about it if it lasts into your second and third trimesters to make sure everything is okay. Sometimes, tiredness can be caused by gestational diabetes or low thyroid function, which are serious conditions during pregnancy.

Below are a few tips for overcoming normal pregnancy tiredness.

1.    Give In and Get More Sleep – Yes you are busy and have a lot to do, but your body needs a lot more rest during pregnancy. So, give in and get more sleep. After all, it isn’t going to do any good to argue with your body. You can get more sleep by going to be earlier and taking a nap during the day.

If you work away from home, you may be able to steal a 30-45 minute nap at lunchtime in your car or an empty office, if you bring your lunch and eat at the office. If you have young kids at home, consider hiring a babysitter for a couple of hours so you can catch a small nap.

2.    Try Exercising – Keep in mind that during the first trimester, it is agreed that getting additional sleep is more important that exercise. However, exercising will give you a natural energy boost, just make sure you are limiting yourself to light exercises during your second and third trimesters. There are many exercise routines available for pregnant women. For instance, you can walk, sign up for water aerobics or purchase an exercise DVD specifically for pregnant women.

3.    Eat Often – When you are pregnant, your body not only demands more sleep but it also demands more food to keep your blood sugar and energy levels up. Would you believe that many health experts think that morning sickness and low blood sugar levels go hand-in-hand? Therefore, try to eat more often. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but you should be eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day. Try to get a good balance of proteins and carbohydrates with the foods you eat to encourage balanced blood sugar levels.

4.       Focus on Healthy Foods – Try to focus on eating healthy meals and snacks during the day as keeping a healthy diet will not only give you more energy, but also give your baby more nutrients. If you are interested in learning more about the types/amounts of foods you should be eating during pregnancy, talk to your doctor.

Please carry on to the next part of the Mom's Pregnancy Guide, Vegetarians and Pregnancy.