Extreme tiredness during pregnancy
You have difficulty getting your head up from the pillow in the morning, you shamble and you can’t wait to sink into bed when you get home in the evening. Sounds familiar? If so, you are not alone: all pregnant women feel extreme tiredness during pregnancy. Especially in the early months and at the end of pregnancy, a few weeks before giving birth.
What causes causes extreme tiredness during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is like untrained climbing or running a marathon with a backpack, which is getting harder every day. In other words: it is a hard work. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the most of energy is used to build a system that supports fetus growth and development (mainly the placenta) – that’s why you may feel extremely exhausted around the 9th week of pregnancy.
Nature is doing its job – extreme fatigue during pregnancy protects the fetus from you working over or doing something extreme.
What’s more, your body’s metabolism is greatly improved, while your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to be lower. Add to all this the emotional and hormonal rollercoaster during pregnancy, no wonder you’re feeling tired!
Good to know
By the end of the first trimester, your body has stopped growing the placenta and has used to the hormonal and emotional changes that are taking place. This means that in the second trimester, you will probably feel much more energetic and fresh. However, be prepared for the return of exhaustion by the third trimester – by the time the effect of the growing fetus on your body has increased and it becomes more difficult to carry. In addition, you may have to deal with heartburn, back pain and leg cramps in the final stages of pregnancy.
What helps against extreme tiredness during pregnancy?
Listen to your body
If you are tired, rest. Take time out, remember the signals from your body and don’t try to be a pregnant superhero. Let the dishes wait for their time in the sink and ignore the dust rollers under the couch. Do not schedule your duties or appointments and do unnecessary housework. You’ve never loved to laze and take naps? Now try it, because there is no better time to laze!
Ask for help
There is no need to play a pregnant martyr. Let your partner know exactly how tired you are so that he/she can contribute. If friends and relatives ask if they can help you in any way, answer yes – always! A friend who goes shopping for you if possible can help you save valuable energy to go for a walk later or do something else you like.
Sleep more
If you are constantly sleepy and tired, make sure you can sleep more. Yes, this advice is simple, but it doesn’t mean you’ve implemented it so far. Whenever possible, go to sleep earlier in the evening or sleep longer in the morning – or both.
Eat well
To maintain your energy level, your body constantly needs the best quality fuel. Follow the nutritional recommendations received by the midwife and focus on those nutrients that are gradually absorbed by the body over time, such as protein and so-called “slow” carbohydrates. Also, make sure you are consuming enough calories (which may be easier said than done when you are suffering from nausea, but it is definitely worth your effort). Caffeine and sugar (or both at the same time) may seem like the best and fastest way to relieve fatigue, but before grabbing a chocolate bar or a latte, think carefully about whether it’s worth it. The energy surge they produce is followed by a rapid and sharp decline, and as a result you feel even more tired than before.
Eat often
Like many other symptoms during pregnancy, fatigue responds well to regular eating. Keeping your blood sugar level constant will also help stabilize your energy supply – so try to stick to meals and skip meals anyway. Store a lot of healthy snacks (protein and slow carbs) at home and don’t let your stomach go empty.
Move a lot
True, sinking into the couch has never seemed as tempting as it is now. As paradoxical as it may be, the right workout is much more beneficial than stretching on the couch. So go for a walk or take a fast-paced Nordic walk – you will not only feel brighter (and happier, thanks to the released endorphins) but you will also be able to sleep better at night. If you sleep better at night, you will have more energy tomorrow. Understand? Don’t overdo it – it’s important to stop training when you feel more energetic, not exhausted.
If the fatigue is severe, persistent or lasts throughout pregnancy, consult a midwife. Especially if you experience other symptoms such as weakness, shortness of breath or even fainting. Fainting may indicate iron deficiency, which is very common and easily treatable. But if you feel sad and apathetic, suffer from loss of appetite, panic and anxiety, it may be depression during pregnancy. Even in this case, consult definitely midwife, because with her help this condition can also be treated.