One of the first signs of pregnancy is generalized tiredness and the desire to sleep at all hours. There are even women who suspect they have become pregnant before confirming it because they feel excessive fatigue and sleep. This tiredness becomes more evident during the first trimester, when the body begins to function at full speed to give rise to a new life.
The body produces more blood to send nutrients to the baby, causing the heart and organs involved to work more than usual. At the beginning of pregnancy the placenta is formed and the baby experiences the initial stage of its development in which the main organs are formed and this requires energy.
The hormones, of course, also play a fundamental role. It is believed that drowsiness is caused by the increase in the level of progesterone, which works actively during the first weeks preparing the uterus for implantation of the egg that has been fertilized.
If we add to that the nausea, eventually the vomiting and emotional stress that is experienced during the first months, it is normal for the body to ask for more rest to regain strength. Not to mention if it is our turn in summer when the pressure drop caused by heat is added.
It is understandable to feel tired and sleepy for much of the day, so you should put aside the faults and attend to the claim of your body giving it the extra rest it needs. The best remedy for this disorder is rest.
Of course, when you work it is not so easy. There is also a big difference when it comes to the first or subsequent children, since in the latter case we have a child (two, three or four) to care for, so rest is relative.
How to cope with fatigue?
• Rest whenever you can: Find gaps throughout the day to relax for a while, or if possible, better yet, take naps. After lunch, in the afternoon or before dinner. Any time is good even if the naps are short.
• Sleep more hours at night: Go to bed earlier than usual and if you can get up a little later. If you can't do it during the week, take advantage of the weekend to regain strength.
• If it is not your first child, ask for help to your partner, family and friends who can take care of the children while you rest for a while.
• Healthy eating It is very important to recover energy. The extra energy intake needed during pregnancy is only 250-300 calories, so it is important to eat foods rich in nutrients and vitamins such as folic acid, iron, calcium and iodine, but not fat. That is, the food they feed, not the food they fill. A diet that brings vitality should be based on vegetables, fruits, cereals, dairy and legumes. Also, drink fluids throughout the day to keep you constantly hydrated.
• The exercise It is also essential. Although it may be thought that physical activity could cause more fatigue, on the contrary. Moderate exercise helps raise the energy level. A half-hour daily walk or any activity that does not involve overexertion is recommended for both physical and mental benefit.
• You do not need to stop doing your daily activities, for some women staying active helps them cope with fatigue, but it is not time to become a superwoman. If you carry a frantic work pace, you should reduce the hours and intensity. The important thing is that you start connecting with your body and listen to your needs, because it is not only about your health but also that of your future child.
It is possible that tiredness reappears during the last trimester of pregnancy, when the body makes a great effort to meet the needs of the baby and carry the extra weight. In addition, it is a time when you no longer sleep so well and it is possible that the nights are somewhat moviditas, especially if you have small children.
At the beginning of pregnancy, doctors usually prescribe a multivitamin to meet the demands of vitamins and minerals that the body needs to adapt to the changes that occur. The vitamins of group B are those that mainly help to recover tone and energy. If you feel very tired and do not take a vitamin supplement, consult your doctor.
Also, if you notice excessive tiredness, suffer fainting, too much vomiting, frequent dizziness or paleness, you should consult with your gynecologist because it can be something more serious than a simple fatigue such as anemia or a disorder that needs medical treatment.
