Fatigue and tiredness is common during pregnancy. Read about the common concerns related to fatigue and tiredness during pregnancy right here. In this articleWhy Am I So Tired?Can I Work Throughout my Pregnancy?Why Am I So Tired? Fatigue is common especially during the first trimester and the last one of pregnancy. However, some women may feel tired throughout the nine months of pregnancy. The exact reason for early pregnancy fatigue is not clear. However, hormonal changes happening in the body appears to the main reason for tiredness in pregnant women. A sudden and drastic increase in the levels of progesterone hormone is largely to be blamed. Nausea and vomiting in the early months of pregnancy can also drain you out physically making you feel tired. Frequent urination is another factor responsible for fatigue in expectant mothers. In case of first time moms worry and anxiety about being pregnant can cause an emotional drain resulting in fatigue. Iron deficiency which is quite common during pregnancy is also capable of making your feel tired. Since majority of women do feel tired during pregnancy it is best to learn to cope with it rather than fight it. Here are a few things you can do to combat fatigue. Include plenty of foods rich in iron and protein in your diet to avoid iron deficiency. To ensure proper absorption of iron by the body in addition to having iron rich food include Vitamin C in your daily intake. Make sure to have a balanced healthy diet comprising fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, skimmed milk, yogurt and lean meats. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and reduce your caffeine consumption. Frequent urination is a common issue which most pregnant women face. If this keeps you up at night reduce your fluid intake at least a couple of hours before bedtime. Take short, frequent breaks. To help body recharge, take time off from your schedule to close your eyes and put up your feet up 2-3 times a day. Take at least one nap during day time. In case if you happen to be working, simply put your head down on your desk and rest for 15-20 minutes during your lunch break. Try to sleep early and avoid late night social interactions. Working moms can consider the option of working from home one or two days a week to enjoy the much need rest during pregnancy. Can I Work Throughout my Pregnancy? If you have a normal pregnancy and are otherwise healthy there is no reason for you not to work right till the end of your pregnancy. In fact there are numerous examples of women who have worked until their delivery day or very close to it. It is natural for pregnant women to feel more and more tired as the pregnancy progresses and more so towards the end of pregnancy. Hence you must not overwork or strain yourself unnecessarily at this stage. Do what you must and what you are physically capable of doing without exerting yourself. Work stress can dip your depleted energy levels further. Hence, you must make conscious attempts to keep work stress under control. Organising your work and delegating wherever possible can go a long way in reducing stress at work. You can also consider seeking the help of a supportive co-worker who is willing to share your responsibilities at work temporarily. Many health practitioners recommend practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises even at work place to remain calm and stress free. If you have the time, practicing prenatal yoga can do wonders for both your mind and body. However make sure to consult your doctor before performing any kind of physical exercise during pregnancy.
Fatigue and tiredness is common during pregnancy. Read about the common concerns related to fatigue and tiredness during pregnancy right here.Why Am I So Tired?
Fatigue is common especially during the first trimester and the last one of pregnancy. However, some women may feel tired throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
The exact reason for early pregnancy fatigue is not clear. However, hormonal changes happening in the body appears to the main reason for tiredness in pregnant women. A sudden and drastic increase in the levels of progesterone hormone is largely to be blamed.
Nausea and vomiting in the early months of pregnancy can also drain you out physically making you feel tired. Frequent urination is another factor responsible for fatigue in expectant mothers.
In case of first time moms worry and anxiety about being pregnant can cause an emotional drain resulting in fatigue.
Iron deficiency which is quite common during pregnancy is also capable of making your feel tired.
Since majority of women do feel tired during pregnancy it is best to learn to cope with it rather than fight it. Here are a few things you can do to combat fatigue.
- Include plenty of foods rich in iron and protein in your diet to avoid iron deficiency. To ensure proper absorption of iron by the body in addition to having iron rich food include Vitamin C in your daily intake.
- Make sure to have a balanced healthy diet comprising fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, skimmed milk, yogurt and lean meats. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and reduce your caffeine consumption.
- Frequent urination is a common issue which most pregnant women face. If this keeps you up at night reduce your fluid intake at least a couple of hours before bedtime.
- Take short, frequent breaks. To help body recharge, take time off from your schedule to close your eyes and put up your feet up 2-3 times a day. Take at least one nap during day time. In case if you happen to be working, simply put your head down on your desk and rest for 15-20 minutes during your lunch break.
- Try to sleep early and avoid late night social interactions. Working moms can consider the option of working from home one or two days a week to enjoy the much need rest during pregnancy.
Can I Work Throughout my Pregnancy?
If you have a normal pregnancy and are otherwise healthy there is no reason for you not to work right till the end of your pregnancy. In fact there are numerous examples of women who have worked until their delivery day or very close to it.
It is natural for pregnant women to feel more and more tired as the pregnancy progresses and more so towards the end of pregnancy. Hence you must not overwork or strain yourself unnecessarily at this stage. Do what you must and what you are physically capable of doing without exerting yourself.
Work stress can dip your depleted energy levels further. Hence, you must make conscious attempts to keep work stress under control. Organising your work and delegating wherever possible can go a long way in reducing stress at work. You can also consider seeking the help of a supportive co-worker who is willing to share your responsibilities at work temporarily.
Many health practitioners recommend practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises even at work place to remain calm and stress free. If you have the time, practicing prenatal yoga can do wonders for both your mind and body. However make sure to consult your doctor before performing any kind of physical exercise during pregnancy.
