By: whattoexpect.com

Fatigue During Pregnancy

Exhaustion, tiredness, fatigue — whatever you call it, it's (literally) a drag. Here's what causes pregnancy fatigue and what you can do about it.

What is pregnancy fatigue? Pregnancy’s hard work! Your body’s going into full-work mode to create a life-support system for your growing baby, so it’s normal for you to feel a strain on your energy — especially during the early months.

What causes it?

Pregnancy is sort of like climbing a mountain or running a marathon (without having trained), while carrying a backpack that weighs a little more every day — in other words, it's hard work! During the first trimester of pregnancy, a huge amount of energy goes into building a life-support system for your baby (namely the placenta). In the third trimester of pregnancy, fatigue returns as your growing fetus puts more demands on your body — and as sleep becomes more elusive. Also to blame, all that mood upheaval — riding the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy can be exhausting. It's no wonder you're pooped!

Pregnancy Fatigue — What You Need to KnowBy the end of the first trimester, your body will have completed the Herculean task of manufacturing the placenta and grown a bit more used to the hormonal and emotional changes that have occurred. The second trimester is usually a time of renewed energy, but beware: Fatigue could return with a vengeance in the last trimester.

Pregnancy Fatigue — What You Need to KnowBy the end of the first trimester, your body will have completed the Herculean task of manufacturing the placenta and grown a bit more used to the hormonal and emotional changes that have occurred. The second trimester is usually a time of renewed energy, but beware: Fatigue could return with a vengeance in the last trimester.