Fatigue in the First Trimester

March 19, 2010

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Fatigue in the First Trimester

by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Early in pregnancy, most women feel severely fatigued. Many find that they can't get through the day without a nap, or that they go to sleep as soon as they get home from work. Why is this so? No one knows for sure, but there is probably a reason we have developed this tendency since it is so universal. Perhaps it is a signal for us to start listening to our bodies and treating ourselves well early in pregnancy. After all, our bodies are hard at work creating a whole new being. It's a wonder that we don't suffer more discomforts while this miracle is taking place.

To feel more rested and energetic:

Eat healthful, nutritious meals.

Get plenty of exercise to boost your energy level.

Go to bed earlier and get up a little later if you can.

Get help at home with cleaning, cooking, or tending the kids.

At work, try to take short breaks and maybe find a quiet place where you can put up your feet and close your eyes for a few minutes. You could rest during your lunch break, but make sure that you leave enough time to eat.

If you have other children, you may find that you are more fatigued during this pregnancy, and it can be hard to find time to rest. Try to lie down at the same time your other children are napping. If they don't nap, tell them it's quiet time and Mommy needs to rest.

Do the best you can to get through this difficult time. The good news is that most women find that they have much more energy at the start of their second trimester.


RELATED INFORMATION

			First Trimester Experiences
			Morning Sickness in Pregnancy
			Sex in the First Trimester
			Fatigue During Pregnancy

Created January 17, 2001
Reviewed January 19, 2001

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