Handling tiredness

When your body is working hard to support a pregnancy, you may get tired more easily. Finding time to rest during the workday can be tough. It might help to:

• Take short breaks often. Getting up and moving around for a few minutes may give you a boost. Spending a few minutes with lights off, eyes shut and feet up also may help you feel less tired.
• Drink lots of fluids. Keep a water bottle near you and sip throughout the day. Drink earlier in the day rather than near bedtime to cut down on nighttime bathroom trips.
• Exercise. Physical activity can raise energy levels. That's especially true for people who sit at a desk all day. Take a walk or go for a swim after work. Or join a prenatal fitness class. But before you start a new fitness routine, talk with your healthcare professional first.
• Go to bed early. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep every night. Resting on your side can help keep blood flowing well to the developing baby. It also may ease swelling. For added comfort, put pillows between your legs and under your belly.
• Eat foods rich in iron. Feeling very tired may be a symptom of iron deficiency anemia. If you are diagnosed with this condition, making changes to your diet may help. Choose foods high in iron. Examples include dark green leafy vegetables, iron-fortified cereals, eggs, lean red meat, poultry and seafood. Your healthcare professional also may advise you to take an iron supplement.