Feeling Exhausted Mama? – 5 Energy Hacks During Pregnancy

You’re not alone if you’re feeling wiped out as your pregnancy progresses. While some mothers-to-be breeze through, others struggle to get through the day (or even get out of bed). Fortunately, there are some pregnancy energy boosters you can turn to.

Take a look at five natural and healthy ways to diminish the lethargy and enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

While you don’t technically have to dine for two, you still need to start eating a little more to keep up with your body’s needs. Remember, you are growing a tiny human! If you find eating larger meals intimidating, try grazing on healthy, light meals full of iron, protein and complex carbohydrates.

Grazing will help keep your blood sugar levels up and provide the energy you need to get through the day while still growing a healthy and strong bub.

Where possible, avoid filling up on sugary snacks or caffeine, even if you are having lots of cravings. These foods will cause your blood sugar levels to spike and crash, leaving you feeling like you want to crawl back into bed. Limit the quick-fix snacks and you’ll find you have more get-up-and-go.

Having some unsalted nuts, carrot sticks or fruit to hand can fill hunger pangs if they come on suddenly, saving you from a trip to the office vending machine.

MOVE YOUR BODY

Another one of the best pregnancy energy boosters is a little bit of light exercise daily. While it is unlikely you’ll feel up to attempting a marathon or an hour of hot yoga, going for a brisk walk can keep your body healthy and give you that burst of energy you are looking for.

Aim to make regular exercise part of your routine. Take your dog to the park, walk to the shops instead of driving or even take a pregnancy yoga class. Thirty minutes a day of moderate exercise will have you healthy and ready for labour as well as helping maintain your energy levels. But don’t overdo it! Too much exercise is likely to wipe you out instead of invigorating you.

CATCH THOSE ZZZS

Are you getting enough sleep? When you are pregnant, you will probably find you need more sleep than usual. If you don’t get the rest your body needs it will be extra challenging to get through the day.

Cut back on your social activities and non-essential work tasks and take the time to rest. If need be, outsource a few tasks around the house so you can put your feet up and concentrate on building a human.

CHECK YOUR IRON

During the second and third trimester, you may start to run out of energy due to a lack of iron. Iron is an important mineral during pregnancy as it helps make extra blood for you and your little peanut. It also helps carry oxygen from your lungs throughout the rest of your body and to your baby.

Low iron levels will leave you unusually sluggish and foggy. A lack of iron is called Anemia and can be a serious condition in pregnancy, so let your doctor or midwife know if you suspect your levels of fatigue are not normal.

Even if your iron levels are in the safe range, add some iron-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, dried apricots and lentils to your diet for a natural boost.

SOURCE NATURAL PREGNANCY ENERGY BOOSTERS

Fatigue during pregnancy can be in part caused by a lack of hydration so keep your water intake up. You also need an extra dose of daily vitamins including vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. These can be sourced through foods like mangoes and oranges, nuts and sweet potatoes.

For a quick vitamin and energy boost, try MaterniTea’s Activitea blend. This contains the vitamins you need to keep you healthy, active and on your feet.

ActiviTea can be served hot or cold for the ultimate caffeine-free pick-me-up for your pregnancy journey and beyond.