Tiredness and Fatigue

Why am I so tired now that I'm pregnant?
You're not the only one! A constant feeling of fatigue is very common in the early stages of pregnancy. Being pregnant puts a strain on your entire body, which can make you very tired . What many women remember most about the early stages of pregnancy is that constant feeling of fatigue.

In the first trimester, your body works especially hard. It's the time when you're making the all-important placenta, your baby's life-support system. This process continues until the end of the first trimester. Meanwhile, your hormone levels and metabolism are rapidly changing, and your blood sugar and blood pressure tend to be lower. It's not surprising that you feel tired!

However, if you are also feeling dizzy or occasionally fainting, you may be anaemic and should speak to your doctor. If your doctor hasn't prescribed iron supplements until now, she may do so.
How long will this tiredness last?
Everyone is different, but pregnant women usually experience fatigue in the first trimester and at the beginning of the second trimester. After that, you'll probably feel a burst of energy that will last until your third trimester. Then sometime around your seventh month you may begin to lose steam again.
What can I do to cope with tiredness?
• Listen to your body's signals. Try taking catnaps or going to bed early. At work, even a 15-minute nap can make a difference. If you're lucky enough to have a private cabin at work, shut the door, put your head down on your desk, and rest.

• Try to adjust your schedule. If possible, arrange to take work home over the weekend so you can go home early once in a while. Or, if you're already a mother, give yourself a break now and then. Ask your parents or a close relative to look after your children, so you can catch up on your sleep. Make a conscious effort to take short breaks from household chores. Sit down and put your feet up to relax your tired body.

• Make sure you're eating properly . A healthy diet made up of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, skimmed milk and lean meats can be energising. Junk food, by contrast, actually saps your energy.

• Take your vitamin supplements regularly. Lack of calcium, iron and vitamin D in your body may also result in fatigue. Make sure you have your recommended dose of vitamin supplements.

• Find something interesting to do. If you often feel bored or fed up, fatigue may make it worse. This may be a good time to connect with friends and relatives. Or try taking up a hobby that will keep you busy, but take care that it does not leave you exhausted.

• Release tension. Stress can drain you of energy. Consider practising some meditation and relaxation techniques to help release tension in your mind and body.

• Hang in there. Soon enough you'll be in your second trimester and feeling more energetic again. You may even feel ready to take in a late show occasionally or go on a weekend break . But try to stock up on your sleep while you can. Once your baby is born, you'll be looking back on this period of undisturbed nights with nostalgia!