1. Eat for Energy
Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy will help you to overcome fatigue. On average, a woman needs about 300 extra calories to support her growing baby. Eating a healthy diet consisting of iron rich foods such as spinach, lean protein such as white meat chicken, vitamin C such as a baked potato, plenty of raw fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe and broccoli and whole grains such as whole wheat tortillas is a key to overcoming some causes of pregnancy fatigue. Keep in mind that if you were overweight or underweight before you got pregnant, your dietary needs may change slightly.
2. Drown Your Fatigue
Staying hydrated is a key to avoiding fatigue during pregnancy. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. When you are pregnant, it is important to remember that you are drinking for two. Some good choices for fluids are water, milk, fruit and vegetable juice and soups. Drinking caffeinated drinks can lead to dehydration, so you should try to avoid drinking too much caffeine. Some of your fluid can come from fruits and vegetables as well. Five servings of fruit or vegetables can count as two servings of fluids. By staying hydrated, you will also fight fluid retention.
3. Early to Bed, Late to Rise
Getting plenty of sleep during pregnancy will help you to fight pregnancy fatigue. Your growing baby takes a lot of energy and one sure way to increase energy is to make sure that you stay well rested. You can try going to bed earlier, getting up later and taking a short nap or rest break during the day. If you find sleeping difficult, consider using a body pillow to support your growing abdomen. It is best to sleep on your left side during pregnancy. If you normally sleep on your back, place a pillow behind you when you lay on your side, this will keep pressure off the major blood vessels that support your baby if you roll over onto your back.
4. Walk Away From Fatigue
Light exercise during pregnancy will help you to fight fatigue. Walking, swimming and stretching are good choices for pregnancy. Light exercise will slightly raise your heart rate and release adrenaline, both of which will give you energy. It is important to keep the exercise light. If you feel any pain or if you become exhausted you should stop the exercise. Get permission from your health care professional before you begin an exercise program.
5. Yes, You Can
When you are pregnant, family and friends will offer to help you get things done. Accept the help offered to you. If your family and friends are doing things for you, use the time to sit down and relax. Pregnancy takes a lot out of you. Even tasks that seemed easy before you became pregnant can be extremely tiring when you are pregnant.
