Growing a little human is exhausting! Let’s talk about when and why you’ll feel the most fatigued and how to safely keep your energy up during pregnancy.
By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, Chief Medical Advisor, Natalist
Fatigue will vary month by month during pregnancy, and at times it may feel like you’ll never get your energy back. It’s important to remember that energy loss is completely normal, and it’s occurring because your body is working overtime to supply for your baby. But there are some things you can do to combat fatigue.
How do energy levels change by trimester?
First Trimester
Fatigue and low energy are most common during the first trimester of pregnancy, as these first three months come with a lot of hormonal changes. Progesterone, a primary hormone for pregnancy, is also a primary cause of energy depletion. Your body is doing a lot to help you adapt to pregnancy like increasing blood flow, producing extra hormones, and on top of it all, draining emotional changes.
Second Trimester
It’s common for many women to notice increased energy in the second trimester compared to that first trimester slump. This is your body adjusting to the sudden surge of hormones. While hormone levels are still increasing, they are increasing at a steady rate instead of all at once. The second trimester is sometimes referred to as the honeymoon period because you have some energy back and will likely take advantage of this time by doing a lot of shopping, planning, and preparing for your baby.
Want to learn more? Read the full article on Natalist.com.
