Don't you feel like getting out of bed in the morning these days? Do you feel like you have no energy, too tired to get through the day? When it's dinner time, you just want to go back to bed and cuddle up, right? The baby hasn't even entered this world yet, but you're already so tired. Don't worry, this is a common experience that many mothers face during pregnancy .
In fact, this extreme fatigue may be one of the first signs you feel before you even know you're pregnant. This fatigue is likely to bother you more or less until the baby is born, which means for the entire 9 months.
Why do I feel so tired?
There are several reasons for this, let's look at them in a little more detail.
First Trimester
This fatigue is most felt during the first three months of pregnancy. The main reason for this is the huge hormonal changes that are taking place in your body. Simply put, during this time, the hormone `(Progesterone)` in your body increases rapidly. This hormone helps the baby grow and keeps the uterus safe. But as a side effect of this, you feel very sleepy and tired. Also, during this time, your body produces more blood to provide the baby with the necessary nutrition. Your heart rate increases. Since all this uses up extra energy, it is normal for you to feel tired.
Second Trimester
Good news! After three months, you will start to feel a little better in the second trimester. By now, your body has adjusted to the hormonal changes. So, the fatigue of the first three months may have subsided a bit, and you may feel refreshed. Many mothers are more active during this time.
Third Trimester
But that new energy doesn't last long. In the last three months, you may start to feel tired again. This is because your body is now feeling extra weight and pressure because of the baby. Your belly is getting bigger, making it harder to sleep comfortably at night. Also, the baby is pushing on your bladder, so you have to wake up frequently at night. This is also a big reason for daytime fatigue due to not getting enough sleep at night.
Sometimes, excessive fatigue during pregnancy can be more than just a normal condition, and could be a symptom of a medical condition.
If you're experiencing fatigue along with other new symptoms, be sure to see your doctor and tell them about it. Your fatigue may also decrease once the underlying condition is treated.
| Some medical conditions that can cause fatigue | |
|---|---|
| Medical condition | A simple explanation |
| Anemia | A decrease in the number of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the body. This is common during pregnancy. |
| Infection | When there is an infection in the body, the body uses more energy to fight it. |
| Gestational Diabetes | Gestational diabetes is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Irregular blood sugar levels can cause fatigue. |
| Hypothyroidism | Energy can decrease due to a decrease in the production of hormones that control the body's metabolism. |
| Depression | Stress and depression can cause great physical fatigue. |
| Other situations | Conditions such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia. |
How do you cope with this fatigue?
Pregnancy is a time when you need to rest well. Just think, in a few months you will have to stay awake 24 hours a day for your baby. At that time, even sleeping for 8 hours straight will seem like a dream. Therefore, it is very important to rest as much as possible during this time.
Here are some simple tips to help you with that.
- Take a nap during the day: Many pregnant women find it difficult to sleep through the night. They either have to get up to urinate or they feel achy. So, it's a good idea to take a nap during the day to make up for the lack of sleep at night. It's not lazy, it's something your body needs.
- Ask for help from family members: Don't get tired of doing everything alone. Ask your husband, mother, or sister for help with household chores, going to the store, or carrying groceries. That way, you can find time to relax during the day.
- Change your sleeping position: Instead of sleeping on your back or face down, try sleeping on your left side . This will make you feel more comfortable and reduce pressure on the blood vessels that supply the baby with nutrients. For back pain, place a pillow between your legs or under your stomach.
- Exercise: You may not feel like exercising when you are tired. But in fact, light exercise can help relieve fatigue. Doing something like a short walk or swimming every day can also help you get a good night's sleep. But remember, it is imperative to ask your doctor for permission before starting any exercise.
- Relax : Calm your mind before going to bed. Practice deep breathing exercises. Take a lukewarm bath (hot water is not suitable during pregnancy). Ask your husband to give you a little massage. These things can help you relax both your body and mind before going to bed.
- Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day. Dehydration is also a major cause of fatigue.
- Eat well: Eat regular meals and snacks in between to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Avoid sugary drinks and cakes that can quickly spike your blood sugar levels, as they can quickly sap your energy and make you feel even more tired.
Don't give up these habits even after you have a baby. These tips will help you a lot in the first few months after becoming a mother. Get the rest and support you need. Only then will you be able to stay healthy and happy with your growing baby.
When should you see a doctor?
Even if it's just normal fatigue, it's important to seek medical advice sometimes. Be sure to see your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| If you suddenly feel tired | If, for no reason, you suddenly feel unbearably tired. |
| If you are tired even after resting, | If you don't feel less tired even after sleeping well and resting. |
| If fatigue persists into the second trimester | If your fatigue remains the same or increases during the second trimester, when fatigue usually decreases. |
Take-Home Message
- It's very common to feel tired during pregnancy. The main reason for this is the hormonal changes taking place in the body and the extra energy expended by the baby's growth.
- Listen to your body. If you feel tired, rest. Taking a nap during the day is very beneficial.
- Ask your family for help with household chores. Don't get tired of doing everything alone.
- Fatigue can be managed with light exercise, a healthy diet, and drinking enough water.
- If you experience other symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or extreme fatigue, or if you are unable to tolerate the fatigue, see your doctor without delay .
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