What is Pregnancy Fatigue?
Most women experience constant fatigue during pregnancy. Feeling tired, sluggish and low on energy is perfectly normal during this time. Your body is taking extra strain because of the creation of a new life growing inside you.
What Causes Pregnancy Fatigue?
Fatigue most often occurs during the first trimester and the third trimester, in labor and postpartum. During the early stages of pregnancy, most women feel severe fatigue. This may be due to hormonal changes, in particular the rising levels of progesterone as well as symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Disrupted sleep routine due to frequent night visits to the bathroom can also make you feel tired and irritable. Physical and psychological changes can take a toll on you and leave you feeling mentally and emotionally drained – adding to your fatigue. Now is the time for you to start listening to your body and take special care of yourself.
During the second trimester many women experience a surge of energy but by the third trimester, fatigue, and listlessness may re-emerge. If you continue to feel exhausted during your second trimester, you may want to consult your doctor. Although many women may experience continuous fatigue throughout pregnancy, underlying causes such as anemia, anxiety or depression should be ruled out first.
In the third trimester, your body is carrying around more weight and you may have trouble sleeping as a result of heartburn, backache, leg cramps, frequent urination or the baby moving around. Remember that at this point your body is slowly preparing for labor and birth.
Active labor can be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. Pushing between contractions can tire you out especially if the baby is struggling to come out or other complications arise. All mothers feel fatigue directly after giving birth but with enough rest, they will heal and adjust to motherhood relatively quickly. If persistent fatigue continues, it may be a sign of postpartum depression.
Early prenatal care which includes eating healthily, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting lots of sleep and having regular appointments with your obstetrician or midwife is vital to help you overcome fatigue during pregnancy.
Help for Pregnancy Fatigue
Essential aromatherapy oils can uplift and energize you instantly on those days during your pregnancy when you are feeling especially tired, sapped of energy and anxious. Use pure aromatherapy oils such as Litsea cubeba, Grapefruit and Mandarin to increase energy levels, treat fatigue and regulate sleeping patterns as well as fragile emotions. These oils provide a wonderful aromatic experience by pampering the mind, body and soul – the perfect natural remedy for every new mom-to-be!!