Pregnancy is an incredible time of transformation, not only for the body but also for the mind and life itself. Everything needs to be adapted to welcome new life and adjust routines for the arrival of the baby. In fact, it is the arrival of the baby that changes everyone’s routine to focus on taking care of the newborn. But it’s not only joy that surrounds this time, as during pregnancy women have to face many changes in their bodies and deal with them in a tiring way up until delivery. Because of this, it’s very common to hear complaints about pain, discomfort, trouble sleeping and especially fatigue in pregnancy.
It is natural to feel fatigue during pregnancy. After all, there are so many changes in the body and hormone levels that it’s impossible not to have some reaction. The truth is, during the nine months of pregnancy, there will be moments of lots of energy and also plenty of fatigue. The pregnancy period is a true roller coaster of feelings, sensations, and transformations, and discomfort is inevitably part of this experience.
Main Cause of Fatigue During Pregnancy
With each trimester, new symptoms will arise. Every physical change brings new symptoms and discomfort, not to mention the extra workload on the body as it helps form the placenta and the baby. Pregnancy fatigue, for example, can begin in the earliest weeks due to the drastic hormonal changes a woman’s body goes through during this time. In some cases, it’s accompanied by intense nausea and vomiting, as well as dizziness and difficulty sleeping—all of which can wear anyone out and cause uncontrollable fatigue.
Not to mention the frequent trips to the bathroom, even at night, which can affect sleep quality. Ideally, pregnant women should rest whenever possible and take naps to recover. Even with a small belly and not much weight yet, don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed and know your limits. Following a healthy diet and doing low-impact exercise are also helpful in managing pregnancy fatigue and reducing other pregnancy discomforts.
Although fatigue during pregnancy is normal, excessive tiredness might indicate anemia. That’s why it’s vital to keep up with your prenatal appointments and complete all the tests your doctor requests to monitor your pregnancy. The use of prenatal vitamin supplements is recommended at this stage to help support you and meet all your vitamin needs, as well as your baby’s development.
Thinking about the nutritional needs and challenges faced by women during pregnancy, Patricia Amorim in partnership with Famivita developed a complete prenatal multivitamin with all the vitamins and minerals important for fetal development—with an extra benefit: the size of the capsule. Swallowing large capsules and tablets is tough when experiencing nausea, which for some lasts the whole pregnancy. FamiGesta is made in small capsules that are easy to swallow, about the size of an M&M. You can buy it here in our online store.
If anemia is diagnosed, a diet rich in iron and possibly iron supplements will be recommended to fight the deficiency, which can cause serious harm to both mother and developing baby.
How to Relieve Pregnancy Fatigue
Unfortunately, there is no instruction manual that will solve and eliminate all pregnancy discomforts. But it’s possible to at least reduce or relieve them with some care and tips.
Not all pregnant women are able to rest whenever they want, since many continue their normal work routines while pregnant. But even at work, take some time in the day to stretch your legs, take a walk, and rest a bit. Even just stretching your legs for a short time can help with circulation.
If you get up early for work or school, try to go to bed as early as you can. This will help you get good quality sleep, even if you have to get up a few times at night to use the bathroom. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm shower, drinking chamomile tea, and turning off from the world when you go to bed—preferably leaving your phone out of the bedroom, since it’s proven that phones can disrupt sleep and make us more restless.
Tone down your daily activity! If you’re used to going out shopping or straight from work to meet friends, start setting limits for yourself. Give yourself time to relax, without too much excitement, because a healthy pregnancy requires a peaceful period so the mother can feel well.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “pregnancy isn’t an illness.” While this is true, it doesn’t mean you should overdo it and try doing everything you did before. Avoid strenuous activities and let others help with certain chores—this includes housework, too. Ask your partner or even a family member for help if you can’t hire assistance.
On weekends, plan to relax and get plenty of sleep. How about a movie marathon with your partner or even with friends? If you want to go out, choose quieter places that bring peace and calm, like a stroll through the park or outdoors. We can’t forget about sex during pregnancy, either. You’re pregnant but still active, as long as there’s no medical recommendation to avoid it due to pregnancy risks!
A tip for pregnant women: want to enhance your sexual pleasure during pregnancy? Try water-based lubricating gels that act as cervical mucus, improving lubrication, increasing pleasure, and also maintaining optimal vaginal pH, reducing the risk of fungal and bacterial infections. Famivita developed the ideal lubricant for those trying to conceive and for pregnant women: FamiGel. You can buy it here in our online store.
By staying calm, eating healthy, and slowing down your pace, I’m sure fatigue during pregnancy will ease up. As we said at the beginning, it’s all a phase, and throughout those nine months, you’ll have moments of high energy and joy, but sometimes fatigue and tiredness are unavoidable. The important thing is that everything is worth it in the end, when you hold the most precious thing in your life in your arms!
However, if pregnancy fatigue persists, make sure to talk to your obstetrician for further evaluation and, if needed, to recommend treatment or a vitamin that can help during this stage.
Photo: Jonas kakamoto
