Low Energy During Pregnancy

by Meredith
(London, England)

Question:

I am dealing with really low energy during pregnancy. I work full time, and when I get home I barely have the energy to make dinner before I'm ready to fall asleep. Do you know of anything I can eat or do to increase my energy during pregnancy? I'm just so tired all the time!

Answer:

Low energy during pregnancy is a really common problem, and for good reason. Your body is working really hard to grow a human, and it takes effort from areas of your body that may not have been worked before. Typically, the first and third trimesters are the times when most women deal with fatigue during pregnancy, but it can strike at any time.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to battle fatigue during pregnancy.

• Give yourself a break. First of all, you have to allow yourself some time to rest, without feeling guilty or lazy. If you can clear your mind of stress, your body will feel more at peace.
  
  If you are tired, you should sleep, regardless of whether it's 7pm and you used to be a night owl. It might take several nights of 12 hours of sleep to feel balanced out again, and that's totally fine.
  
  If you are tired at work, try taking a nap midday in your car (with the windows open), or closing your office door and turning out the lights. At home, definitely build in time for naps, which the pregnant body will often cue you to need at around 2pm-5pm.
  
  
• And, keep moving. This sounds like the opposite advice, but exercise during pregnancy is one of the easiest ways to keep your energy levels up. By getting a little bit of exercise, you increase your serotonin levels and you'll actually feel more energized. Obviously you'll want to avoid strenuous exercise, but walking, prenatal yoga, stretching, and other low-impact sports will make you feel amazing.
  
  
• Add in some energy-boosting foods. No, not coffee. You should still avoid caffeine and stick to more natural foods. Foods packed with vitamin C (like oranges, broccoli, and blueberries) will keep you energized and stimulate your brain. Foods with vitamin B6 (like sweet potatoes and bananas) help produce more serotonin.
  
  Make sure you're eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains, as well as seeds and nuts for snacks. If you have trouble with any of the textures, try juicing the produce or adding them to smoothies. When you eat a really well-balanced vegan diet, you will feel more energized overall.
  
  
• Drink lots of water. It's really easy to get dehydrated when you're pregnant, and drinking water will often give you a necessary boost of energy. Make sure to drink 8-10 glasses each day. I like to keep my water bottle full all day, and those trips to the water fountain can count towards your exercise for the day!
  
  

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