Many women feel particularly tired during the first trimester. This is perfectly normal. Fatigue is the result of changes that occur in the body of pregnant women including increased levels of hormones. You will realise that extreme tiredness will settle around the 12th to 14th week gestation. After this time you will feel more energetic and almost normal again. This will last till 30 to 34 weeks gestation when you will start to feel tired again. At this time, however, the fatigue is due to the increased weight of pregnancy.
How can you help yourself:
- Rest when you feel overstrained and sleep early at night.
- Eat healthy and avoid caffeine and sweets. Sweets can give you initially a feeling of energy boost but soon you feel overwhelmed as the sugar levels in your blood will fall as a result of a surge in insulin secretion.
- Seek help from your family and friends for the housework. It is very important, especially if you already have children, to help you find time to relax.
- Do not unnecessarily overload your daily schedule.