BEATING PREGNANCY BURNOUT: 5 WAYS

Pregnancy burnout during your first and third trimesters is inescapable. No worries, though - these five remedies will improve your energy levels and fight off fatigue.

Tiredness during pregnancy has its silver lining. It's a sign that your hormones are working (which means your baby is growing just fine!).

But why do you feel tired? The answer could be one or more of these reasons:

• Not having enough sleep (plain and simple!)
• Your progesterone levels are up, and that makes you feel sleepy
• Your body is adjusting to morning sickness
• Your heart is working harder because it has more blood to pump now
• You're deficient in essential nutrients like iron since you're sharing them with your baby 
• Your bump has grown, and you have more weight to carry (that is if you are in your third trimester).

 Now, let's dive into how to beat the burnout.

EAT WELL

For obvious reasons! Your body is nourishing both you and your baby, and so it needs all the nutrients it can get. Stick to a low-fat and anti-inflammatory diet packed with essential nutrients like iron and protein. That means adding more organic fruits and veggies to your meals and cutting down on processed foods. Fast digesting carbs should be taboo too. They can make your blood sugar drop quickly, which can worsen fatigue. To top it up, make sure you are taking in enough water.

EXERCISE EVERYDAY

Some light or moderate exercise can also put pregnancy burnout at bay. So take a brisk walk, sweep or vacuum the floor or jump rope. No matter what tickles your fancy, just be active. Exercise lightens your mood and makes you sleep better.

SLEEP ENOUGH

When those hormones are raging, sometimes all you need is some shut-eye. Don't deprive yourself of at least eight hours of night sleep. And get a nap of 20 minutes max during the day whenever you get the chance. But DO NOT OVERSLEEP as this will leave you feeling more sapped.

CUT DOWN THE CAFFEINE

Well, fatigue and caffeine aren't buddies - if you know what I mean. So skimp up on the caffeine. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, drinking one-half cup of coffee every day won't harm your baby. However, don't make a habit of drinking coffee every single day. And that goes for natural stimulants like ginseng too.

STAY CALM

Pregnancy is one hell of a rollercoaster! You will have to grapple with stormy hormones, a high pulse, a growing bump, morning sickness, anxiety, and the list goes on. You owe it to yourself to RELAX. Have your own space where you can meditate, do some yoga, curl up with a book or listen to some music.

Hint:

Get some pregnancy APPs that help with relaxation. They can be a life saver.

By Nana Ama Afoa Osae I Writer I GreatWonderful Team

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