A pregnant woman may be feeling different emotions and physical symptoms at various stages of her pregnancy. However, one symptom is almost always looming around the corner, and that symptom is fatigue. Fatigue during pregnancy is quite normal and is typically caused because of erratic hormones, physical changes to the body and anemia.
High Desert women should recognize that adequate rest is especially important during pregnancy, in order to help them feel their best and support the life that is growing inside of them. At Reza Ahmadinia OBGYN, we have found that the following tips help Hesperia women rest better during pregnancy.
How Can I Get More Rest During Pregnancy?
Talk with your doctor about the fatigue you are experiencing and determine the cause of it. If you are in the first trimester, the extreme fatigue that you are experiencing is due to the fact that your hormone levels are rising exponentially. Take naps, and go to sleep earlier if you need to.
During the second or third trimester, it could be caused by anemia. Have your doctor test your iron levels and determine if you need a supplement to help boost your energy. The third trimester also ushers in more fatigue as insomnia and an inability to sleep soundly often make it hard to get a good night’s rest.
Learn how to get comfortable despite the fact that your body is changing on a daily basis. Most pregnant women find that sleeping on their side is the best way to get comfortable when going to bed. A body pillow can provide additional support for the pregnant belly as well as for the legs.
Try to lower your stress level and use natural techniques that can help you reduce the stress that you are experiencing. Do not take on too much during your pregnancy, and try to focus on the positives of pregnancy in order to reduce stress.
Deep breathing exercises can help slow your heart rate down and keep you from feeling too overwhelmed by the magnitude of pregnancy and parenthood. Inhale slowly and count to four, and then exhalae and count to six. Repeat this until you feel relaxed and comfortable again. Light exercise or prenatal yoga also might help you relax, but be sure to get clearance from your OB/GYN prior to taking on a new exercise regimen.
Plenty of people will tell you to sleep now while you still can, and that might be easier said than done during pregnancy. You know that once your new child arrives, you will have plenty of sleepless nights that lie ahead.
However, you need to focus on the present and worry about getting the rest you need in order to support yourself as well as the baby that is developing inside of you. Talk with your OBGYN at your next prenatal appointment about any tiredness or fatigue that you might be experiencing, and together you can figure out the best solution for you.
