Pregnancy fatigue is not something that should be taken lightly. Although it can't directly affect the baby, the health of mothers can be greatly impacted.
If you are a mother or a husband whose wife is pregnant, here are some tips you can follow to overcome pregnancy fatigue throughout all three stages.
Pregnancy Fatigue 101
A woman with her newborn baby is provided with home breastfeeding assistance by midwife Anna Ruocco (L) on June 17, 2022 in Turin, Italy. The "Prima Luce" maternity home in Turin encourage and helps new mothers to breastfeed by preventing pains and fatigue.
Before knowing the tips to combat pregnancy fatigue, one must learn first what it is and how pregnant women experience it.
Pregnancy fatigue is the exhaustion felt by ladies who are pregnant. Health Line reported that pregnancy fatigue is one of the first signs women will feel if they are impregnated.
Their bodies, brains, physical appearances, metabolism, mood, and sleeping patterns will all change once their pregnancy hormones kick in.
Aside from physical, emotional, and hormonal changes, pregnant women will also have lower energy levels as their babies grow in their wombs.
According to CNET, pregnancy fatigue is not really something to worry about since around over 94% of pregnant women experience it. But, it is still important to know you can help yourself overcome this exhaustion.
How To Combat Pregnancy Fatigue
A pregnant woman during the last class of the pre-birth course in the Maternity House "Prima Luce". Here, qualified midwives teach women the importance of breastfeeding, explaining several advantages and techniques, in order to take care of their future child and their own health.
Most mothers tend to experience pregnancy fatigue all throughout the three stages. If you are one of them, here are the things you can do during the first, second, and third trimesters:
First Trimester
Although this is the first stage, the first trimester's 11th week is usually the time when pregnancy fatigue peaks.
- Make a diet plan based on your doctor's recommendations.
- Always ensure to have eight hours of sleep every day.
- Try doing moderate exercises daily.
- Ask for support from your partner, family, and friends.
Second Trimester
You may feel a lot better during the second trimester since the exhaustion from the first trimester could lessen.
- Make sure that you have eight hours of sleep per day with a consistent pattern.
- Do some gentle stretching exercises or prenatal yoga.
- Always drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- If you are still doing house chores, only do the most important ones in small bursts.
- Try maintaining a nutritious diet with small meals.
Third Trimester
Once the third trimester begins, you may experience pregnancy fatigue again. Sometimes, with extreme symptoms.
- When sleeping, try using soft pillows for better sleep and comfort.
- Instead of doing house chores, try delegating them to all the family members.
- Do deep breathing exercises and practice relaxation techniques.
- Make sure to wear comfortable and supportive shoes.
- Practice self-care activities.
Related Article: UK's Gonorrhea Cases Hit Record Levels; UKHSA Warns Young People, Especially College Students
