5 Tips to Combat Pregnancy Fatigue
Are you feeling more and more fatigued as you continue through your pregnancy? That energy drain is normal — and the good news is that there are things you can do to help battle the exhaustion. Here are five tips to combat pregnancy fatigue:
1. Get Enough Sleep
Proper and adequate rest is vital when it comes to preventing fatigue during any stage of life — but it’s even more important when expecting. While it may be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position with a growing baby bump, getting enough rest will help you to feel almost like your pre-pregnancy self in terms of energy levels.
2. Take Frequent Breaks
If you’re feeling tired, listen to your body — it may be telling you to take a break! Take rest whenever you can, and don’t worry if it means getting less done. Breaks are an essential part of managing pregnancy fatigue and your overall wellbeing.
3. Eat Healthy
A nutritious, balanced and vitamin-rich diet is essential for your body to properly fuel itself throughout your pregnancy. Of course eating healthy also means limiting unhealthy snacks and fatty, sugary foods. Some simple snack ideas that could help keep your energy up during your pregnancy are:
- Raw vegetables with hummus or dip
- Fruit, either fresh or dried
- Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
- Smoothies with lean proteins and healthy fats
4. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps maintain fitness levels, combat fatigue and keep your energy levels high. Exercise also helps to increase oxygen and nutrient supply to your baby. Try to find an activity that you enjoy, as this will make it easier to stay motivated. Yoga and swimming are especially good forms of exercise for pregnant women.
5. Relax and De-Stress
Not only are the hormone levels in your body changing rapidly during pregnancy, but so is the amount of stress. Stress can be a major factor in fatigue, so it’s important to take some time to wind down and relax. Find activities that help you to relax and make some ‘me time’ a priority! This could be a relaxing bubble bath, watching your favorite show, reading a book, having a nap, or visiting friends.
No matter how tired you may feel, combatting pregnancy fatigue is worth the effort put in. Always remember to listen to your body and it will take care of you!