Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : June 16, 2015, 7:14 AM
After morning sickness and nausea, fatigue is supposed to be the most common symptom of pregnancy. Sometimes it is prevalent even before the other symptoms of pregnancy start to show. So if you have missed your periods and think something is amiss with your health or realise that the kind of fatigue you are suffering from isn't related to daily wear and tear, then perhaps you should undergo a pregnancy test.
Fatigue is common during the first trimester of your pregnancy which is the most crucial and also the most delicate phase. Fetal development is at its peak, with all the major organ developments happening during this time. Apart from that, even the placental development happens during this phase. Placenta is the organ that connects your baby to the uterus and would be responsible for nourishing your child for the rest of the nine months. This might give you a sense that how overworked your body is during the first three months of your pregnancy. Fatigue is a natural outcome of all that internal changes taking place. Apart from fatigue there are other pregnancy symptoms too, here is how you can deal with them.
However, this phase doesn't last forever and once you cross your first trimester you will get back some of your vigour and feel more confident and energetic during your pregnancy.
Here's how you can deal with pregnancy-related fatigue:
Get enough rest: There is no other way to fight fatigue other than getting enough rest. Make sure that you plan your day accordingly to get the best out of your day. Keep the most important tasks to be done in the mornings when your energy levels would be high and the less important ones for later. Get help to do the household chores. You also need to make sure you get a good night's sleep. To start with, go to bed an hour early than your usual time and wake up an hour late. Power naps during the day even for a duration of 15 minutes can help you feel fresh and energised.
Eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet can help you deal with pregnancy induced fatigue. Foods like the green vegetables and legumes not only give you calcium but also help to fight muscle fatigue and soreness. Protein in your diet will help you work on your strength and make you less tired. Include at least 10 gm of protein in your daily diet. Have at least six to eight small meals during the day. Include foods from all food groups. Here is a complete guide of foods that you should eat during pregnancy.
Avoid caffeinated products: Caffeinated drinks aren't a good choice during pregnancy. Too much caffeine makes the blood vessels become narrow that restricts blood circulation and makes you tired. Moreover certain compounds in the coffee also restricts iron absorption in the body, so beware. There are more reasons why you should give caffeine a miss during pregnancy.
Get some exercise: With a sluggish body exercise would be the last thing on your mind, but this is the only way you can help your body regain some energy and feel less tired. If you are wondering how to start, follow these exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy.
Image source:Getty Images
Also read our other pregnancy related articles:
For more articles on pregnancy, visit our pregnancy section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.And for health-related queries, visit our Questions and Answers section.
Disclaimer: The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
