Pregnancy Symptoms: Fatigue

Fatigue may be the most trying early pregnancy symptom for many women. During pregnancy, your body is working around the clock to create another person inside of you. Fatigue will strike strongly during the first trimester, somewhat diminish during the second as your body gets use to pregnancy, and return during the third trimester when the added bulk and weight of your baby interferes with sleep. Nausea and vomiting may also contribute to your fatigue.

Coping with Fatigue

Fatigue can put a serious dent in anyone's day, so consider some of the following suggestions to help you manage this early pregnancy symptom:

• Exercise daily; while this might seem like a daunting task for pregnant sleeping beauties, exercising helps release endorphins which give you a feeling of increased energy. Exercising daily will also help you sleep more soundly at night.
• Listen to your body and take a nap if you need to. A 15 minute nap might be just what you need to recharge your batteries.
• Eating a healthy diet will not only benefit you, but it also benefits your baby. Minimize you caffeine intake as well.
• Go to bed early.
• Get help around the house when you can.

While fatigue might force you to slow down, consider this a good time to catch up on some much-needed rest!