Tired of being tired? Wake up to these fatigue-fighting strategies.
Why are you so tired?
Your body is working hard to support new life and adapt to the many physical changes that come with the development of a baby. Increased progesterone, lower blood sugar levels, and lower blood pressure — all common in early pregnancy — might sap your energy.Keys to fighting fatigue during pregnancy
When fatigue strikes, try these tips to help reduce symptoms:- Choose nutrient- and protein-rich foods, such as low-fat milk, yogurt, beans, chicken breast, or peanut butter.
- Skip the quick fix, like donuts, candy, or sugary drinks. They might be a temporary fix, but they’ll leave you more tired in the long run. Energy drinks should be thought of as dietary supplements and might not be safe for your baby. Check with your doctor.
- Eat every four hours, beginning with a balanced breakfast. Try to include at least one whole grain and a fruit or vegetable with each mini-meal or snack.
- Limit caffeine. *It's advisable to limit caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee and cola to just one serving a day during pregnancy. Excessive caffeine may increase the chance of miscarriage. If you still have a craving, limit yourself to a single caffeinated drink a day.
- Listen to your body, and get the rest you need. It sounds simple, but it can be easy to forget during this busy time.
- Exercise regularly (with your doctor’s guidance).
- Get as much of the iron, vitamins, and minerals you can from iron-rich and energy-dense foods.
- Hydrate. Drink at least ten 8-ounce (240ml) glasses of water or other fluids daily.
*Source: Healthhub.sg/live healthy/dos and donts in pregnancy
