Why Am I So Tired – I’m Pregnant, Not Ill!
If you’re feeling tired as a dog, you can know that it’s quite common. In fact, fatigue is often the first sign of pregnancy.
Remember, your body is a 24-hour factory with only one person working all the shifts, so some tiredness is to be expected! Tiredness mostly improves in the second trimester, but by the third trimester, fatigue might well increase again from carrying the extra weight.
There’s fortunately a lot you can do to help yourself feel less tired and more energised. Quite a few helpful tips relate to your diet, like:
- Having a diet rich in fresh seasonal fruits and lightly steamed veggies is essential.
- Drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can cause fatigue; cool beverages can give you a bit of ‘pep’.
- Snacking on almonds, bananas, dates or fresh berries if you’re in need of a quick boost.
- When cooking, using cooling herbs like mint if you feel all hot and bothered, or if you feel cold and lethargic, using warming spices like cinnamon and ginger to energise you.
- Having a cup of refreshing herbal tea like green or rooibos tea.
Other tips that you may well find give you a bit of a spring in your step are:
- Wipe your face with a refreshing cool cloth every now and then.
- You may need to try a few different pregnancy supplements before finding one that agrees with your system, but this could help improve energy levels by topping up those nutrients you haven’t taken in from your food.
- Sleep disturbances can contribute to tiredness. Take mini-breaks, go to bed early as pre-midnight sleep will help you feel more rested, and take a homeopathic remedy to help induce safe, restful sleep.
- Regular exercise can help improve energy levels; the more stamina you develop and the more toned your body is, the easier you will cope with the extra physical and emotional strain of pregnancy.
- Go for a walk outside each day; sunlight and fresh air will do wonders for your energy levels!
See your midwife or doctor if your fatigue doesn’t improve or you are often dizzy, ask your doctor to test you for low blood pressure and anaemia.
