Fatigue during pregnancy is common, especially in your first trimester. It results from hormonal changes, nausea and vomiting, which reduce the sense of hunger. Feeling tired is a common symptom during pregnancy, also when expecting twins, or having one or more children at home.
How to Fight Fatigue During Pregnancy
In your first trimester, it is normal to feel tired and exhausted, and afternoon naps will be one of your many habits. Sleeping very early in the evening is also completely normal when you are pregnant: as your body is adapting to the pregnancy. Try and rest as much as possible, and have your partner, family or friends help you with household chores and shopping.
If the tiredness seems extreme and shows no signs of reducing, then it is best to contact your doctor for a checkup and make sure everything is going well. If you are expecting twins or you have had close pregnancies, it is vital to check that you do not suffer from a lack of red blood cell anaemia.
In the case of anaemia, the treatment is based on dietary advice and the prescription of iron, if necessary. It is important to know that these products lead you to use the toilet more frequently than usual, but don’t worry. Iron is mainly found in red meat, but if you are a vegetarian, or you simply are not a meat lover, there are other alternatives: you can also find iron in spices, such as cumin, sunflower seeds, olives and legumes.
Recommended Diet Against Fatigue During Pregnancy
Enough iron intake during pregnancy is essential for women’s health and the correct development of the fetus. In pregnant women, iron deficiency can lead to tiredness and infections. You should consider taking an estimated 20 mg per day, and even more during the last six months. You also require a regular intake of bread and green vegetables, meat, eggs and fish.
Dizziness During Pregnancy
Dizziness during pregnancy may be related to a drop in your blood pressure. Lie on your left side with your legs slightly raised by a pillow. If dizziness is accompanied by sweating and you have not had a meal, you may be hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) which is the body’s primary source of energy. Lie down and drink a well-sweetened drink such as (herbal tea or fruit juice) and snacks. If this happens regularly, it is best to consult your doctor.
Discomfort Faced During Pregnancy
The discomfort pregnant women frequently face is often benign, but that could still be an early sign of severe pathology, and that must be cured. If you are not feeling well, lie down on your left side so that the uterus does not compress the return of blood to the inferior vena cava. Ask for a pillow to be placed under your legs, as that will facilitate the return of blood from the legs to the heart. Don’t lie on your back. Remove all the clothes that oppress you (e.g. belt, bra, etc.).
