EARLY SLEEPY FEELINGS
It’s commonly referred to as a “natural lethargy”. In fact, it’s often a first sign of pregnancy, and if you’ve been pregnant before, the fatigue may make you suspicious enough to do a pregnancy test. As your body moves into a position of defence, these feelings of weariness and laziness are nature’s way of slowing you down so that you don’t do anything potentially dangerous. This is the most important developmental stage of your baby’s life, both inside and outside the womb. The rate of growth is phenomenal. Go ahead and give in to these feelings. Follow your body’s lead and nap whenever you can, without feeling guilty. During the first trimester, your body is in turbo mode, and it takes a lot of super-charged energy to adjust to the hormonal changes.
Nausea and vomiting are very much part of early pregnancy, and this can make matters worse. It’s draining on a physical and emotional level! Other emotions, such as anxiety and worry, can add to the fatigue you feel.
After having your pregnancy confirmed, you might want rush out and start all sorts of exercise and eating programmes to get off to a good start. Try not to give in to this impulse. The time will come when you’ll have much more energy, usually when you move into the second trimester. Follow your body’s lead, and take it easy. Sleep as much as possible. Put your feet up whenever you can. It’s important to rest whenever possible and listen to your body when you feel you need to slow down. If possible, take a rest and lie down – and have early nights.
Take advantage of weekends, and sleep in. Ask your partner or another family member to take care of other children at least one day on the weekend, so you can grab some extra naps.
As you move into the second trimester, you find you get a surge of energy, and the tiredness usually subsides at about 16 weeks.
TIREDNESS IN LATER PREGNANCY
In the latter part of your pregnancy, fatigue will again creep up on you, this time for a different reason. As your baby gets heavier, your body is carrying around between nine and 11kg of extra weight. This is the same amount as carrying around a 10kg bag of dog food. One can see why your body takes some strain, and why it is important to spend some time off your feet. Also, it’s difficult to get goodquality sleep if you’re uncomfortable and
constantly changing positions in bed. Night sweats may add to the problem, as well as getting up frequently to use the loo! Other causes of fatigue during pregnancy include anaemia, lower blood pressure, shortness of breath, poor nutrition, stress, and tension.
WHAT TO DO
Fatigue is a natural and normal aspect of pregnancy. It can’t be prevented, but there is a lot you can do to reduce it.
• Regular physical activity is your best weapon against fatigue. This will make you less, not more, tired. Enrol in a prenatal exercise class.
• Your diet should include generous amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
• Take an iron supplement daily, and be sure to eat iron-rich foods.
• Practise relaxation and meditation to relieve stress and tension.
• During your workday, take time out to stretch and do foot circles as well as upper back and lower back stretches.
• Don’t skip meals, and watch out for those sugary snacks. Low blood sugar causes fatigue and gives you horrible headaches.
• If you’re comfortable doing so, lie with your feet elevated above the level of your heart for about 15 minutes. This will improve the blood flow and make you feel energised.
WHAT NOT TO DO
• Avoid taking stimulants or medications to increase energy levels, as nothing has been proven safe.
• Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine. • Try not to push yourself beyond your capabilities. Be reasonable, and don’t feel guilty saying no to extra work.
If fatigue is accompanied by fainting, breathlessness or heart palpitations, then it’s time to seek some medical attention to check something more serious isn’t going on. Remember adequate rest, sleep and naps are now a necessity, not a luxury, so do everything you can to make time to rest. ●