So I started to wonder, Whats an exhausted pregnant person to do?
After speaking with a number of experts, I learned theres no magic remedy.
But it turns out that zeroing in on healthy habits is your best bet to make it through.
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When are you most likely to feel pregnancy fatigue and why?
Your body is working really dang hard to foster this new pregnancy.
Another thing that happens in early pregnancy is the hormone progesterone increases drastically.
That hormone in particular can make a person sleepy, Dr. Paik says.
Many pregnant people describe first-trimester fatigue as all-consuming and unrelenting.
Its even worse if youre pregnant with multiple babies.
Either way, theres no denying that people tend to feel comparatively more energized.
I didnt think I had terrible first-trimester fatigue, but I definitely noticed a difference in the second trimester.
In the third trimester, a lot of people feel exhausted again but for different reasons.
Other physiologic changes can also zap your energy, Dr. Bianco says.
One of the biggest symptoms of anemia?
How to stay as energized as possible during pregnancy
Some amount of fatigue is inevitable during pregnancy.
Getting good sleep is, of course.
important if you want to feel as energized as possible.
The problem is that pregnancy also makes it hard to do that, especially in the third trimester.
Many of us get lucky with all three (raises hand).
Dr. Paik suggests trying to aim for an extra hour of sleep than youd usually plan for.
Practicing good sleep hygiene can make a big difference too, Dr. Paik says.
Sometimes that helps you sleep better at night as well.
FYI, walking counts.
Its actually a great way to exercise when youre pregnant.
Dont think you have to take a workout class or do something totally draining for it to count.
Just moving in the ways you could will be extremely beneficial.
Before I got pregnant, working out in some form was a must for me every day.
It has always helped me keep my stress levels under control and sleep like a baby.
During pregnancy, Ive tried my best to keep up with movement in ways that feel doable for me.
Its totally understandable to have some sort of anxiety about all of that.
Finding a way to de-stress and calm your mind is essential.
Walking and at-home Peloton classes have been an important outlet for me.
Another one of my go-to stress relievers: baking and cooking.
Let me first acknowledge that I know this is not possible for everyone.
On the weekends, Ill nap for a lot longer if I feel like I need it.
In some cases, you may benefit from iron infusions, Dr. Bianco adds.
How bad is really bad?
Identifying and hopefully solving any underlying issues can help put some pep back into your step.
