Lack of energy during pregnancy
Lack of energy during
pregnancy is a common disorder faced by many pregnant women. The degree to
which you experience a lack of energy varies from woman to woman and can be
different from pregnancy to pregnancy.
In the first trimester, the
lack of energy is most often felt; however, it is also common in the third
trimester. Many women report feeling less tired during the second trimester.
Lack of energy in the first trimester
Lack of energy during
pregnancy is often caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. The
main hormone that influences this change in energy levels is progesterone. In
addition, increased blood flow during pregnancy lowers blood pressure, which is
also thought to be a contributing factor to lower energy levels during the
first trimester.
Your emotional health and
well-being can also be a reason for lack of energy during pregnancy. Stress,
mood swings, or anxiety, which tend to increase with pregnancy, can drain you
mentally. Unfortunately, each of these factors is an integral part of
pregnancy, which also makes low energy levels normal.
Lack of energy in the second trimester
You will most likely notice an
increase in energy levels as you approach the second trimester. However, don't
make things difficult for yourself if you are one of the many women who lack
energy in their second trimester.
The boost in energy levels in
the second trimester is often why expectant mothers use this time to plan for
their baby, furnish the baby's room, and shop for things your baby will need.
Lack of energy in the third trimester
A lack of energy in the third
trimester is to be expected. Your baby is really growing, your body is
changing, and you need to expend more energy to get things done. This extra effort
will easily drain your existing energy and leave you tired or exhausted.
Getting enough sleep can also be harder as your body changes and your baby
grows.
Lack of quality sleep can lead
to low energy and feeling tired.
How to deal with lack of energy during pregnancy
There are a few things you can
do to deal with the lack of energy. You may find that some of these tips work
for you, but you'll likely want to include every possible step to give yourself
the best chance of feeling more energized.
Here are the steps you can
follow:
Sleep, nap and rest
Give yourself the freedom to
take a nap or go to bed while you experience periods of low energy during
pregnancy. Go to bed early or go to bed. If you are working, you can take a
lunch break or take a break to take a nap.
Change your schedule
Limit your activities or give
yourself the freedom to say no to new responsibilities. You can also talk to
your boss about the possibility of shortening your day or extending your
afternoon break for more rest.
Alter exercise plans
Exercise is good for you and
your child. However, you can overdo it and drain your energy. You may find that
changing your exercise regimen or limiting certain workouts increases your
energy. Talk to your doctor before you stop exercising, as the benefits likely
outweigh any loss of energy.
Eat healthily
A well-balanced diet also
improves energy levels. Nutrients such as protein, iron and their accompanying
calories boost your energy levels. An unhealthy diet or eating a lot of
carbohydrates and starches can lower your energy.