If you are also constantly feeling lethargic, weak, and sleepy during pregnancy, then know the medical reasons behind it and ways to reduce fatigue. Let's understand why fatigue occurs during pregnancy and how it can be dealt with.

Constant fatigue in pregnancy: Pregnancy is a very special time, but during this time many types of physical and hormonal changes occur in the body of women. Due to these changes, most women feel tired, lethargic and lack of energy. Sometimes this fatigue is so much that even after resting for the whole day, the body feels tired. This is a common problem, but there are medical reasons behind it which are important to understand.

Many major changes begin in the body from the beginning of pregnancy. First of all, a hormone called progesterone increases very rapidly in the body. This hormone helps in keeping the womb safe and in the development of the child, but one of its side effects is that it makes you feel more sleepy and tired. Apart from this, there are many other types of changes that start appearing in the body.

Why does fatigue occur in pregnancy?

Dr. Saloni Chaddha of the Gynecology Department at Safdarjung Hospital explains the causes of fatigue during pregnancy.

1- If you are also constantly feeling lethargic, weak and sleepy during pregnancy, then know the medical reasons behind it and ways to reduce fatigue. With the right information and caution, you can make your pregnancy even more safe and comfortable. Let's understand why fatigue occurs during pregnancy and how it can be dealt with.

2- Apart from this, the body produces more blood to nourish a new life. This makes the heart and body work harder, which leads to fatigue. Fatigue is most common in the first trimester (3 months) as the body is adjusting to pregnancy at that time.

3- Iron deficiency (anemia) in the body of a pregnant woman can also be a major cause of fatigue. The body needs more iron to provide adequate oxygen to the baby growing in the womb. When it is not available in sufficient quantity, the body feels weak and lethargic.

4- One of the reasons for fatigue is lack of sleep. During pregnancy, things like hormonal changes, frequent urination, back pain and restlessness hinder good sleep. When sleep is not complete, fatigue is natural. Sometimes stress and anxiety can also increase fatigue. The responsibility of becoming a mother, worry about the child's health, work and family responsibilities cause mental fatigue.

How to deal with this fatigue

1- The first solution is to rest as much as possible and get enough sleep. If needed, you should also take a short nap during the day. This helps in re-energizing the body.

2- It is very important to have a balanced diet. Food rich in iron, folic acid, protein and vitamins reduces fatigue and gives strength to the body. If the doctor has prescribed iron or multivitamin supplements, then they should be taken regularly.

3- Light exercises, such as walking or pregnancy yoga, also improve blood circulation in the body and reduce fatigue. But do any exercise only after consulting a doctor.

4- Try to reduce stress. For this, meditation, music therapy or talking to your close ones can be helpful. Mental peace also relaxes the body.

5- If the fatigue is getting too much, accompanied by dizziness, difficulty in breathing or rapid heartbeat, then you should immediately contact a doctor. These signs can be of a serious problem like anemia or thyroid disorder.

6- The amount of fatigue can vary at each stage of pregnancy. It is more in the first trimester, there is some relief in the second trimester and in the third trimester, fatigue may increase again due to weight gain and lack of sleep.