If there’s one thing that comes with carrying a baby it’s pregnancy fatigue. While moms report having different levels of fatigue throughout their pregnancies, each one is different.
This also means that you may experience it more with one pregnancy versus another, so don’t use previous pregnancies as a gaging point. Simply take each pregnancy as it comes and learn how to overcome fatigue as it strikes. Here’s how!
What Does Pregnancy Fatigue Mean?
In a nutshell, pregnancy fatigue involves being more tired than usual.
Of course, you’ll often hear things like, “Well, you’re growing and carrying a baby so you should be tired.” But oftentimes, fatigue could be a sign pointing toward something a little more serious.
Pregnancy fatigue typically looks like the following:
- lack of energy
- exhausted moments after waking up in the morning
- feeling sluggish throughout the day
- trouble getting good rest
How Long Does Pregnancy Fatigue Last?
This is another tricky question as it always depends on the woman and her unique pregnancy.
For most expecting mothers, pregnancy fatigue is almost always prevalent in the first and third trimesters.
This partly has to the do with the surge of hormones and bodily changes.
During the second trimester, your body getting used to carrying and growing a baby.
However, once you reach the point of the baby getting bigger and closer to birth, you may find yourself more tired.
5 Ways to Overcome Pregnancy Fatigue
Now that we understand what fatigue during pregnancy is and about how long is lasts (or comes and goes), let’s look at ways to overcome it.
Remember, there is a one size fits all with this, so take each idea as a suggestion. Always consult your primary care physician or your OB/GYN, should you have questions or concerns about fatigue during your pregnancy.
Eat Healthy Meals and Stay Hydrated
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated with nourishing beverages.
Try to cut back on any extra sugars, caffeinated drinks, and other foods that ultimately drain your body systems or cause your body to go into overdrive to work on.
Take Necessary Naps
Pregnancy fatigue sometimes means your body could simply use the extra rest.
This is where the saying, “You’re growing a baby” comes into play.
The truth of the matter is your body is going through some major changes in order to have the proper fluid levels and structure to grow and happy, healthy baby. Surely you’ll need some extra rest during the process.
Keep Your Bedroom Dark, Clean, and Cooler.
Most expecting mother’s agree that they typically feel hotter during their pregnancy. This has certainly been the case for me. Keeping my bedroom darker and cooler (not to mention, cleaner) has helped me have more restful nights (and naps) of sleep. Consider getting some blackout curtains and keeping your bedroom decluttered.
Keep a Pregnancy Journal.
Use your pregnancy journal to document all aspects of your journey. You can even keep a sleep tracker so you see how much rest you’re getting and when. If you notice a pattern, consider discussing it with your doctor, midwife, and/or doula. They will be able to help you analyze it and make suggestions for any necessary changes. Also, this will become a keepsake that you can look back on in the years to come.
Exercise
There are lots of pregnancy-related exercises that you can do. Not only will this help you stay in shape throughout your pregnancy but it will also help with your energy levels.
Get the best pregnancy workout program that we highly recommend here. You can also get the pregnancy nutrition plan or even bundle them both together for a great discount.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy fatigue is certainly a real aspect of carrying a baby that affects all expecting mothers – more or less. Don’t ignore the signs of it and be sure to talk to your doctor if you feel like you’re more tired than you should be. Sometimes these are signs of something that needs medical attention. Use the suggestions above throughout your pregnancy to help overcome your pregnancy fatigue.
I’d love to hear from you! Did you battle with fatigue during your pregnancy? What are some things you did to help? Let me know in the comments below!
