Mom-to-be Ileana D’Cruz talks about fatigue during third trimester of pregnancy; expert advises ways to cope

“K they weren’t kidding about that third trimester fatigue,” she captioned the story. (Source: Ileana D’Cruz/Instagram)

How to cope with pregnancy fatigue

While pregnancy is a beautiful journey, it comes with its own hardships. However, it’s completely normal for a pregnant woman to feel fatigued, especially during the first and third trimesters. “Fatigue can occur due to a combination of physical, emotional and hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy, including disrupted sleep patterns, changes in hormone levels and other physical changes,” Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali told indianexpress.com.

The most common symptoms of pregnancy fatigue include extreme tiredness, difficulty concentrating on tasks, decreased motivation, feeling anxiety, aches and pains throughout the body, loss of appetite, reduced interest in activities, increased mood swings, and feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and depression, says the expert.

Fatigue during pregnancy is a signal from your body that you need to take it easier these days. Don’t ignore the signals your body is sending you. Additionally, there are several remedies and treatments that can help alleviate pregnancy fatigue, this includes:

*Rest: It is important for expecting mothers to prioritise rest and sleep whenever possible.

*Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein can help expecting mothers feel more energised. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks.

*Exercise: Physical activity can help increase energy levels. Start with gentle activities like walking or yoga, and gradually increase intensity as you feel comfortable.

*Support: Talking to other pregnant women who are experiencing similar challenges can provide emotional support and help combat feelings of fatigue and isolation. Joining a support group or reaching out to other women can help you feel less alone.

*Medical treatment: If fatigue persists and affects your ability to function, it is important to speak with your doctor. They may recommend a treatment plan that includes medication, therapy or other interventions.

Concluding, Dr Kapoor said, “Pregnancy fatigue, or exhaustion, is a common experience for many expecting mothers. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and physical demands of caring for a fetus. Adequate support from friends, family, and partners, proper rest and nutrition, exercise, and alleviating stress can help manage pregnancy fatigue.”

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