Why pregnancy fatigue

Instead, drink plenty of water. It's OK to pamper yourself. By reducing any extra job or social commitments during these first few weeks, you can be as productive as possible in your regular responsibilities. Search Encyclopedia. First Trimester Fatigue Is it common to be so tired in the first trimester of pregnancy?

What causes the fatigue? How long will the fatigue last? Ask your partner for a massage. Take a break. Wear soft, non-restrictive clothing and sit in a cozy chair with a good book and read for a little bit.

Light a lavender candle. Play soothing instrumental music. Have a cup of warm chamomile tea. The demands of pregnancy together with the weight gained puts an enormous amount of pressure on your body.

In addition to more restful sleep, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states the following benefits of exercise during pregnancy :. It can take a few hours for your body to fully wind down after energetic workouts, so plan for any physical activity to take place earlier in the day.

Always check with your medical practitioner or midwife before beginning a new exercise program during pregnancy. Pregnancy can be a tiring experience — both emotionally and physically. Nearly all women experience more fatigue than usual at some point during their pregnancy. Take it as a message from your body.

How much sleep do you need? A sleep calculator can help you figure out what time to go to bed and how much sleep you need for good health. Eating a low-fat diet that's high in iron and protein if you can stomach it may also help. And be sure to stay hydrated!

Commit to daily exercise even when you feel tired. Weil says aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, almost always makes you feel better. Exercise also promotes better sleep, and it improves your mood by releasing endorphins. Accept your need for more sleep by going to bed at a time that enables you to get eight to nine hours per night. Don't hesitate to nap whenever you can—catnaps of 15 to 20 minutes can be rejuvenating, according to Dr.

But be careful about oversleeping, which can make you feel even more tired. Even so, Dr. Weil doesn't recommend regularly drinking caffeinated beverages during pregnancy or using natural stimulants, such as rhodiola Rhodiola rosea , eleuthero Eleutherococcus senticosus or ginseng. Their stimulant effects might adversely affect your sleep and moods. Pregnancy takes a toll on your body and mind.

Try to look after your physical health — make sure you eat a healthy diet , and get plenty of rest and sleep. Later in pregnancy, you may feel tired because of the extra weight you're carrying.

Make sure you get plenty of rest. As your bump gets bigger, it can be difficult to get a good night's sleep. You might find that lying down is uncomfortable or that you need to use the loo a lot. Feeling tired will not harm you or your baby, but it can make life feel more difficult, especially in the early days before you've told people about your pregnancy. You may have strange dreams or nightmares about the baby, and about labour and birth.

This is normal. Talking about them with your partner or midwife can help. Remember, just because you dream something, it does not mean it's going to happen. Relaxation and breathing techniques may be helpful in reducing any anxiety you might be feeling. The safest position to go to sleep is on your side, either left or right.