Fatigue in Pregnancy

The test was positive. Now it seems that you can't stop yawning. You're tired all the time. Is this really what it's going to be like for the entire nine months?

Fatigue is common in pregnancy-especially in early pregnancy. Growing a baby takes a lot of energy. Napping is a great way to get a quick pick-me-up. If you can manage to grab thirty minutes or more, it can really make a difference in your day. Another resolution for fatigue is to look at your diet. Don't ask are you getting enough to eat-ask are you getting enough nutrition. Non-pregnant women should be getting 2000 calories per day to maintain their health. Early pregnancy requires 2250 calories per day, and from mid- to late pregnancy, your daily requirement increases to around 2600. Multiples, of course, require even more. But besides increasing your calories, you should be paying attention to what you're eating. A green salad consisting of spinach, dark leaf lettuce, chicken, mushrooms and tomatoes will relieve more fatigue than an order of fries. Protein is very important in pregnancy, so increase your servings. Exercise can also help jump start your body... just taking a daily walk can help energize you. If the weather is too cold or wet, walk at the mall or other sheltered area. Swimming is also energizing, and can really feel good in late pregnancy because the buoyancy in the water alleviates stress on the body by the added weight of the baby.

There are also more serious causes of fatigue that you should look into if rest and nutrition don't seem to be helping. Anemia is a major cause of chronic fatigue in pregnancy. The most common form of anemia in pregnancy happens when you are low in iron. Iron is necessary to make hemoglobin, which distributes oxygen throughout the body. Besides fatigue, symptoms of anemia include paleness, labored breathing, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. If you are feeling these symptoms, it is time to see your doctor or midwife for a blood test. If you find you are anemic, you can try raising your iron by changing your diet. Eat more meats like beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and duck... especially organ meats like liver, if you eat meat. Shellfish can also be helpful, if they are available and affordable. For non-meat options, look to the leafy vegetables in the cabbage family, such as broccoli, turnip greens, kale, and collards. Dried beans and other legumes like peas can help, as can iron-fortified breads and yeast-leavened wheat breads. Iron supplements are also available, but many of the tablet varieties are not easily assimilated into our bodies. You may want to try an herbal supplement that contains yellow dock and dandelion.

Dental problems, infections, and heart complications can also be underlying causes of fatigue. Check with your dentist and/or doctor if you find that your fatigue persists.

Emotional issues can cause you to feel fatigued. Find time to talk it out with someone... maybe your partner, a close friend, your doctor, or your midwife.

If you are expecting multiples, expect your fatigue to persist well beyond the first trimester. Multiples require a lot more rest and nutrition for their optimal growth. While this is possible, it often doesn't happen due to other claims on mom's time and resources. It may be challenging, but try to create a support network. Friends or family can help out occasionally so you can sneak in a few more naps, or share veggies from their garden.