Tips For Beating Pregnancy Exhaustion
Exhaustion is real during pregnancy, let me tell ya. Especially during the first trimester, when you want to do absolutely nothing. As you can see I haven't written a blog post in about a month and a half due to this pregnancy kicking my butt!
You are probably working, possibly have other kids to take care of, and need to get housework done. So taking naps all day is most likely not an option for you.
Good news mama, there are several natural ways to beat exhaustion during pregnancy and help you get your energy back. So read up on the tips below and kick that pregnancy exhaustion to the curb!
Tips For Beating Pregnancy Exhaustion
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Drink More Water. Seriously.
Your body needs plenty of water to function at its best, so if you are not getting the water you need. You will most likely notice some unsatisfactory results.
Dehydration is one of the main causes why someone may be experiencing fatigue. So for this mere reason, you will want to make sure you are getting in 8-10 (8 ounce) glasses of water a day. This will be sure to help you battle fatigue and preserve your energy.
Having a water bottle, is a great way in helping make sure you are getting your daily intake of water. It is also easily accessible, so this helps as well! I personally love this water bottle as it has ounce markers to keep me on track throughout the day. It also contains a strainer to easily infuse fruit in my water!
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Your body gets its energy by burning calories. So it is essential that you are eating enough throughout the day in order to help you stay energized. Eating small and healthy snacks throughout the day can help you restore your calories. This will be sure to provide your body with several resources to make energy.
Eating smaller snacks throughout the day is extremely helpful if you are dealing with morning sickness. Eat a small snack or light meal before you really start to feel hungry, to help prevent nausea, as well as keep you awake and alert.
Quit The Fatty/Fried Foods
Our bodies need the right fuel to keep us energized throughout the day.
Fatty, fried, and highly processed foods can slow down your digestion, drain you of your energy, and make you feel nauseated longer. They can also cause heartburn, bloating, as well as some other undesirable side effects. Skip the fatty foods, and instead fill your plate with healthy carbs, lean protein (chicken), and fruits and veggies to help boost your energy.
Eat First Thing In the Morning
When waking up in the morning, enjoy a light and nutritious breakfast. Try yogurt with fruit, an avocado with toast, or some eggs. This will help give you a boost of energy to start your day.
If you do not have much of an appetite, you still need to try to get some food in your stomach. As an empty stomach can enhance your nausea. Shoot for saltines, oyster crackers, dry plain cereal, or some Belvita breakfast biscuits (they come in several different flavors).
Choose Bland Yet Nutritious, Whole Foods
Highly processed foods that are high in sugar, salt, and refined carbs can make you feel even more nauseated and fatigued than you were before.
Toss the processed foods and instead go for fresh veggies and fruits, as well as whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins. These foods will be sure to maximize your nutrition and not make you feel wiped out.
Consider Vitamin B6
B-vitamins help give you an extra boost of energy and it may even help reduce nausea. Consider talking with your healthcare provider about adding Vitamin B6 to your regimen.
You can also shoot for eating more foods that contain Vitamin B6 as well, such as bananas, chicken, oatmeal, peanuts, eggs, etc. These foods will help your body recharge, boost its serotonin levels, and help you feel more energized.
Go For A Walk or Get Up and Stretch
Getting in some exercise throughout the day can help boost your mood as well as help wake you up. Exercising also releases endorphins, which can help make you feel happier overall.
Get out and about and enjoy some fresh air. This always makes me feel better and boosts my energy as well.
If you are planning on starting a new exercise routine during pregnancy, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider first.
Get More Sleep
Getting enough sleep at night is a great way to help you recharge and stay energized throughout the day.
Getting in a quick nap throughout the day, can also help you feel more energized. Especially if you aren't getting the quantity or quality of sleep you need during the night.
Although, getting enough sleep during pregnancy is not always the easiest. So here are some great comfort tips for sleeping during pregnancy.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a crucial mineral, for converting sugar into energy.
The suggested daily intake of magnesium for pregnant women is about 350 mg. Magnesium is included in some prenatal vitamins, although not all. So either get a prenatal vitamin that contains magnesium or be sure to get enough magnesium elsewhere in your diet.
Almonds are one of the foods highest in magnesium, while also high in protein and fiber. And not to mention, light on your stomach. So they are one of the best snacks to eat during pregnancy to help boost energy. Some other foods include avocados, leafy greens, bananas, whole grains, and legumes.
Use Caffeine Wisely
Caffeine may be one of the most controversial topics when it comes to pregnancy. Some women may have been advised to completely stay away, stating that it could potentially cause birth defects or be responsible for miscarriage.
However, most studies show that a moderate amount of caffeine (200mg, approximately 1-2 cups of coffee a day) is safe for your developing baby.
You do not need to completely cut out caffeine from your diet, in order to have a healthy pregnancy. If you need a cup of coffee or tea to make it through the day, then by all means have that cup of coffee or tea.
Although, the thing to remember is MODERATION! Do not overdo it!
Consult with your doctor about caffeine during pregnancy, as well. As all pregnancies are different and some may be higher risk than others.
Mamas don't be afraid to ask for help throughout your pregnancy as well. Your partner, friends, parents, etc. will all be there to help you along the way!
Congratulations once again, mama! Enjoy your pregnancy as it tends to go by fast! And I hope you found some of these tips helpful in beating that dreadful pregnancy exhaustion.
Also a couple tips before you go. Ginger ale and ginger chews were a huge lifesaver for beating pregnancy nausea this time around. Meal prepping is also a huge life saver. With my first child, I prepped meals to have handy when coming home with a newborn. Instead of worrying about getting supper on the table, I had several meals prepped that I could just pop in the crockpot for the night. I plan on doing the same with this child. Although, I also prepped some meals for my first trimester, this time around. With nausea being strong as well as exhaustion, I found that I did not want to cook supper all too often. So meal prep crockpot meals were a definite win!
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