Most people know that pregnancy comes with its fair share of fatigue. In fact, it’s one of the first signs that you’ve got a bun in the oven. But if it’s your first time pregnant, the sluggishness can hit you like a ton of bricks!
Hello, pregnancy fatigue.
While you can’t entirely escape pregnancy fatigue, there are a few steps you can take to support your body in order to feel as good as possible!
In this article, we’ll explain why pregnancy fatigue happens and give you nine ways to cope with it.
Why Pregnancy Makes You Tired
You know that fatigue is a normal part of being pregnant. But understanding exactly why you feel so tired can help you have compassion on your body and give it the rest it needs.
First of all, expecting a baby is a big change in your life. Don’t underestimate the emotions that come with it! The excitement and anxiety can affect your sleep and energy levels — even when you don’t realize it.
But there are a couple of other reasons you’ll be especially tired during your first and third trimesters.
First Trimester Pregnancy Fatigue
Nausea and fatigue are two of the main symptoms of pregnancy in the first few weeks.
Your hormones are changing rapidly, your body is building the foundation for a new life, and both your blood pressure and blood sugar are lower. All of this will make you drag during your first trimester.
Luckily, most women feel better when the second semester comes. Then, the fatigue typically comes back in the third trimester, although it’s a bit different.
Third Trimester Pregnancy Fatigue
Fatigue in the third trimester is largely due to your baby bump growing bigger every day. Your big belly can cause heartburn, backaches, and frequent urination. Plus, it’s more difficult to get comfortable at night, resulting in tired days.
By this time, you’re probably ready for your baby to be out of your tummy and in your arms already!
How To Cope With Pregnancy Fatigue
Regardless of which trimester you’re in, if you’re struggling to keep your eyes open and your energy levels up, you’re in the right place!
Take a look at the tips below to stay in tip-top shape so you can fully enjoy your pregnancy.
1) Listen To Your Body
Your fatigue is your pregnant body asking for a break! Don’t push yourself too hard.
You might not be able to do everything you want to do or used to do, and that’s OK! Go easy on yourself and take the extra rest that you need.
2) Take Cat Naps
One way to give your body a little more rest is to incorporate a cat nap into your afternoons. A nap doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment! Snoozing for 20 minutes will often be enough.
And even if you don’t fall asleep, lying on the couch and putting your feet up will do your tired body good.
3) Sleep More At Night
Make a point to get in bed earlier at night. Even if it seems too early, more than likely, you’ll be ready to fall asleep!
Calm yourself down and promote sleepiness by taking a warm bath, eliminating blue light (your phone, computer, television, etc.) an hour or two before bed, and making your room as dark as possible.
If your third-trimester belly keeps you from getting comfortable enough to sleep, try sleeping on your side. Grab a pregnancy pillow or use more than one regular pillow — putting one between your legs and another under your tummy may help.
You might also consider switching the pillow you put under your head. Just because a certain pillow has served you well your whole life doesn’t mean it’s right for these few months.
4) Adjust Your Schedule
There’s nothing wrong with saying “no” to additional commitments when you’re pregnant. You’re extra tired, not to mention you’re in the middle of preparing for a baby and getting their nursery set up.
Don’t be afraid to adjust your weekly schedule if you find that you need more time to take care of yourself, get some rest, and prepare for your little one.
5) Accept Help
One way to take some of the load off yourself is to accept help! Say “yes” when friends and family offer to make a meal, put your baby’s changing table together, or pick up your other kids from school.
All of this will leave you with a little more time to rest. And it will give your tribe a chance to pitch in and show their love for you and your new little one!
Similarly, don’t hesitate to ask for help with a specific project or need. Sometimes, people want to lend a hand but they’re just not quite sure how!
6) Treat Yourself
If pregnancy fatigue and stress have you feeling a little low, take care of yourself and thank your body for the hard work it’s doing. After all, building a baby isn’t easy!
Make time to treat yourself to a hot bath, manicure, or massage — whatever makes you feel good.
And don’t forget about stretch marks! Try our Stretch Marks Oil to keep your skin in tip-top shape. This luxurious, fast-absorbing oil hydrates your skin to help prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
7) Get Moving
Some days, a nap is just what the doctor ordered! However, needing extra rest doesn’t mean you should always throw exercising out the window in favor of lounging on the couch.
Being active can help you feel better and more energized in the long-run. There are a few activities you should stay away from while pregnant, but there’s still plenty that you can do. Try swimming, yoga, stationary cycling, or pilates.
Check out our full list of safe pregnancy workouts here. Who knows — you might discover a new favorite hobby!
8) Eat A Healthy Pregnancy Diet
You’ll find that your taste in food changes with pregnancy. In addition to first-trimester nausea, some of the food you used to love might not appeal to you and you could find yourself craving strange snacks.
When it comes to your diet as a pregnant mommy, there are a few foods that you should avoid: unwashed fruits and vegetables; alcohol; caffeine; and raw eggs, meat, and shellfish (see our complete list here).
Other than avoiding those no-nos and curbing unwanted cravings, a healthy pregnancy diet isn’t very complicated or hard to manage.
Simply eat balanced meals consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and dairy. And, of course, drink plenty of water to hydrate from the inside-out.
9) Make The Most Of Your Second Trimester
If you’re still in your first trimester, you can look forward to more energy and get-up-and-go in your second trimester! You’ll want to take advantage of that energy to get things done because fatigue might hit you again in the third trimester.
Make the most of your second trimester by preparing your baby’s nursery and buying the items that are still on your registry after your baby showers.
Make sure you have all of the essentials, like Mustela’s Diaper Wipes, Nursing Comfort Balm, Foam Shampoo For Newborns. Also, prepare for any adventure that comes your way with our Bebe on the Go trio of travel-sized essentials.
It’s a good idea to complete most tasks by your third trimester so you can sit back, relax (as much as possible!), and await the arrival of your new baby.
10) Talk To Your Doctor If You’re Concerned
Pregnancy fatigue is nothing out of the ordinary and usually isn’t a cause for concern. However, if you become worried or your tiredness is persistent, talk to your doctor about it.
Take Care Of Yourself To Fight Pregnancy Fatigue
When you’re face-to-face with pregnancy fatigue, focus on taking care of yourself with the nine tips we’ve mentioned in this article.
Catch some extra shut-eye, ask for help, stay active, and make time to treat yourself to something special. Self-care can be as easy and simple as applying Stretch Marks Oil to your skin — a product made just for expecting moms like you!
Soon your baby will be in your arms and every challenge of pregnancy will be a thing of the past!