Exhaustion During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most challenging time in a woman's life. Along with happiness, she has to bear the responsibility of her baby developing inside her womb. Although exhilarating happiness persists, it brings great deal of tiredness and exhaustion. Experiencing fatigue is very normal during the first trimester. Exhaustion, dizziness and nausea are natural during initial stages of pregnancy and do not involve any serious concern. However, if this exhaustion persists and increases with passing days, then there is a possibility of underlying disorders.

Causes of Exhaustion During Pregnancy

It's indeed a tough job for a pregnant woman to nourish her baby and to take care of herself simultaneously. Apart from this, other responsibilities like household jobs, dealing with family and official matters cause immense exhaustion to her body. Hormonal imbalances during the first trimester is responsible for causing morning sicknesses, nausea and dizziness. It is very natural to experience these symptoms as her body prepares to implant the embryo. During this time the size of uterus increases to build the placenta and harbor the baby for nourishment, until delivery. Changes in levels of progesterone and estrogen affects her body. This overall affects the body's metabolism and food habits. Sleepiness, lack of energy and fatigue and tiredness during pregnancy are more likely to happen.

Exhaustion levels fall during second trimester as the body gets accustomed to hormonal changes and with her baby developing inside her. Energy levels rise and tiredness sweeps away. During third trimester, exhaustion is once again common, as the uterus starts growing more rapidly. This is quite strenuous as her body prepares for labor. Exhaustion and tiredness continues until the baby is born.

Severe exhaustion even after completion of first trimester is not something common. If this continues, you must visit your doctor. It can be the outcome of depression, overwork, stress, insomnia or any underlying illness. Sudden exhaustion during pregnancy needs immediate diagnosis. It can be due to anemia, thyroid problems, low blood pressure, diabetes or chronic fatigue syndrome. Early diagnosis helps to get rid of severe exhaustion, with proper medication.

How to Deal With It

Fighting the exhaustion is actually very difficult, as this is related to something occurring inside the body, showing external effects. However, there are some ways to reduce this condition. You should concentrate on your lifestyle and try to modify your daily routine, if it involves too much labor. You must have adequate sleep and follow a proper diet. If you are at home, take naps in between and have plenty of water and juices. Keep your body flexible and vibrant by regular, mild exercises.

Cut out working hours and hectic lifestyles. Unnecessary social commitments, involving much energy and enthusiasm causes immense fatigue if you are pregnant. Avoid doing heavy household works and try to get extra help at home. Check for your sleeping posture and for sufficient comfort support yourself with extra pillows.

In case you face severe exhaustion, do not delay to visit your doctor. Be open to him/her and speak out every discomfort you face. Proper medication is the ultimate cure to fight extreme exhaustion during pregnancy. Apart from all these, lead a healthy lifestyle free from depression, stress and addictions (alcohol, tobacco, etc.). These are few things that must be avoided strictly throughout your gestation period.

Exhaustion during pregnancy, though makes you feel low at times, cannot overwhelm the excitement and anticipation that you experience with your child. It's the most precious moment in a woman's life establishing a different emotional attachment with her partner and the baby growing inside her, altogether.