Coping with pregnancy tiredness
Pregnancy can be a wonderful thing but for some women, between the mood swings, the morning sickness and the tiredness, it doesn't always feel that way. Developing coping strategies to help you deal with the changes (and the effects of those changes) can make a lot of difference.
With all the work going on inside your body, tiredness in the first trimester is entirely normal. Rather than fight it, it is important to give in to it sometimes. Remind yourself it's important to take time out for you to simply rest and be still. Even ten minutes quiet time in a busy day can help. Drink a calming herbal tea and close your eyes - you need it.
Try not to get weighed down with the frustration of feeling like you can't properly achieve all that you feel you should. You're doing the most important job of all, caring for your unborn baby. And you'll get your energy back as you move into the second trimester.
In the latter stages of your pregnancy, you may find your sleep is interrupted for a variety of reasons. These include:
- Frequent toilet visits
- Heartburn
- Movement of the baby
- Back ache
- Anxieties and fears about approaching childbirth and parenthood
- Exercise in the late afternoon or evening helps relax you
- Avoid late-night snacking
- A comfortable, warm bath (be aware that hot baths are harmful to your baby) or meditation before bed
- Take half an hour to relax with a favourite TV show, CD, or engrossing book before heading to bed may help relieve the mental stress
These things are all natural and need to be accommodated. Try these helpful tips:
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This article was written by Claire Halliday for Kidspot. Sources include the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne and Family Planning Queensland.
