Fatigue occurs in almost every pregnancy. Among many other symptoms that occur during pregnancy, this is one of the most common problems. The reasons for the exhaustion and lack of strength can be many and varied.
Many pregnant women complain about fatigue during pregnancy. But why are you so tired during pregnancy, and is this normal? We want to answer these and many other questions in our article. In addition, we give you valuable tips on what you can do against fatigue during pregnancy.
What You Should Know About Fatigue In Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the best things for an expectant mother. However, it also comes with side effects. Many women complain about fatigue and sluggishness during pregnancy.
What Are The Causes Of Fatigue In Pregnancy?
The fatigue that occurs during pregnancy is quite normal. Progesterone, which is also known as the pregnancy hormone, plays a major role in this.
- The progesterone level rises sharply, especially at the beginning of pregnancy, leading to fatigue due to hormonal changes. There is an up-regulation of progesterone receptors on activated lymphocytes between placental cells and decidual cells.
- At the beginning of pregnancy, there is also stimulation of metabolism, which causes you to burn more energy, making you feel tired and powerless. Your body first has to adjust to the new circumstances.
The emotional ups and downs you experience during pregnancy are also a cause of fatigue.
- During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases, and the placenta is formed. However, for many pregnant women, blood pressure then drops, as well as blood sugar levels. This can also cause fatigue.
- Sometimes it can also be due to improper diet and too little exercise that fatigue is very pronounced during pregnancy. Lack of exercise in the green leads to less oxygen in the body. Greasy food and too little drink also lead to increased fatigue.
How Does Fatigue Manifest Itself During Pregnancy?
Fatigue during pregnancy causes many women to feel exhausted and listless. The body is heavily stressed and has to take more breaks. You should definitely take these breaks.
NOTE: Symptoms of fatigue can indicate iron deficiency.
If you still experience fatigue after the first trimester, this could be a sign of a deficiency. Other symptoms, such as headaches, pale skin, and difficulty concentrating could be an iron deficiency. Many pregnant women suffer iron deficiency, and you should not be worried about it.
Stress, self-esteem, and depression correlate with fatigue in pregnant women. Mental health should be prioritized during pregnancy must be maintained.
In general, fatigue during pregnancy varies from woman to woman. Some women report feeling no symptoms of fatigue as early as two months. Others, however, constantly feel sporadic bouts of fatigue throughout the nine months.
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When Does Fatigue Subside During Pregnancy?
From the 12th week of pregnancy, fatigue usually improves. The body has become accustomed to the change. The second trimester of pregnancy is also called the “honeymoon.” Your body has then adjusted to the increase in hormones. You feel more alert and fit than in the previous three months.
The length and timing of the fatigue are individual.
Your body gets a boost of energy, giving you new strength. Many pregnant women now enjoy activities again and no longer avoid the company of others. The constant fatigue has disappeared.
However, you must keep in mind that fatigue during pregnancy depends on different factors. For example, younger women with low levels of iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin often experience signs of fatigue more quickly.
So severe fatigue usually disappears after a few months. But that doesn’t mean it won’t return at all. You should take breaks and rest as soon as you feel fatigued. This is not only good for you, but also your child.
Is Fatigue Normal During Pregnancy?
Feeling tired and exhausted during pregnancy is perfectly normal. Your body is going through a big change and has to adjust to the new circumstances.
You must take care of yourself and the baby by getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet.
Due to the regular growth spurts of your baby, your body needs strength. Especially in the first months of pregnancy, your body uses a lot of energy due to the extreme hormonal changes, so you don’t need to be worried. Fatigue in pregnancy affects the majority of all women.
Pregnancy is a state of physical and psychological change for many women. You are exposed to many stressful situations during pregnancy. About 10 to 13 percent of pregnant women suffer from depression in the perinatal period, just before delivery.
What are the consequences of fatigue during pregnancy?
The consequences of fatigue during pregnancy can be varied. We have presented the most common consequences in a table.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
Exhaustion | Your body lacks energy due to the change to a new hormone balance. |
Slowness | The rising progesterone level has a relaxing effect on your body. This makes you feel more tired and sluggish. |
Sleep disorders | Your body allows itself more breaks during the day than before. This makes you more rested during the day and makes it harder for you to fall asleep quickly in the evening. |
Fear | Extreme fatigue may make you think that something is wrong with the pregnancy. However, you should not worry about this. Fatigue during pregnancy is normal and nothing bad. |
Realize that these consequences will not last forever and that the beautiful moments in pregnancy outweigh them. Try to prevent these consequences of appropriate methods, such as yoga, walks, or rest.
Fatigue during pregnancy: The 4 Best Tips To Overcome Pregnancy Fatigue
You can alleviate fatigue during pregnancy by doing certain things. We have summarized the four best tips against exhaustion for you in the following section.
Take breaks
Rest and give yourself sleep when you don’t feel well. However, you should not just lie on the bed. Staying in one place for too long can make you feel even more tired. Try to find a good balance between relaxation and exercise.
Balanced diet
You must eat a balanced diet during pregnancy. A balanced diet includes especially fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products. You should avoid fatty and unhealthy food. We want you and your baby to feel good.
Alternating showers
Alternating showers stimulate your circulation and constrict and dilate your blood vessels through warm and cold stimuli. Through the change of the blood vessels, it comes to positive effects on:
- Metabolism
- Immune system
- Heart
- Thermoregulation
- Mood
Exercise
Move as often as possible in the fresh air. Through movement, you take in oxygen, which makes you less tired. Sunlight strengthens your natural day-night rhythm. This way, you feel fitter during the day and can fall asleep better at night.
Conclusion
Fatigue during pregnancy occurs in most cases. You do not have to worry about it. Unless you are plagued by extreme fatigue, then you should see a doctor and get advice. In most cases, however, the fatigue subsides.
Try to enjoy your pregnancy as much as possible. It is logical that your body needs more energy due to the hormonal changes and that you, therefore, tend to feel tired more often. We wish you all the best during your pregnancy and hope that this article has answered the most important questions and tips regarding fatigue during pregnancy. Check here for more parenting tips.