A common side effect of pregnancy is fatigue, which tends to occur during the first trimester and again as the due date seems to draw closer and closer. While there are some expectant moms who are lucky enough to go through their pregnancy without feeling tired at all, there are some who may end up feeling tired at least most of the time. Excessive weight gain and pregnancy fatigue aren’t necessarily linked, but they may turn out to be a contributing factor. Getting a restful night’s sleep becomes difficult during pregnancy because of a growing bump and other side effects such as restless leg syndrome, heartburn and backache. This gives rise to daytime fatigue.

Following the steps below may help women in avoiding fatigue during pregnancy:

1. May pregnant women can be affected by iron-deficiency anemia, which tends to cause fatigue and should be ruled out. Blood is usually drawn by the doctor in your first prenatal visit and again later during your second trimester or at the beginning of the third one to test for anemia. The doctor will prescribe iron supplements if you are suffering from anemia.
2. One should also pay attention to the signals given by the body. If you feel like resting, don’t put it off and just do it. You can go to bed earlier than usual. If you feel tired, you can always relax with your feet up. Whether you have work commitments, social events or even housework, don’t forget that you have to put your health and the well-being of your baby before everything. You can also ask your employer if you can work from home or reduce your hours for a couple of days every week. The signs of fatigue should not be ignored.
3. You can keep your energy levels up by eating a healthy diet. It is said that a pregnant woman needs about 300 extra calories every day. You should try to limit your intake of sugary treats and junk food and instead increase consumption of lean meats, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. You shouldn’t deny your body’s craving, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have a balanced diet. Keep in mind that unhealthy foods cause people to feel sluggish while complex carbohydrates and protein can give the body a long-lasting energy boost. Drink lots of water, eight glasses per day is recommended and avoid caffeine. Most of the water should be taken during the day if you don’t want to make nighttime trips to the toilet.
4. Moderate and regular exercise should be done. One may feel energized even after a short walk. You should take your time and should immediately stop if you get tired. Concentrate on breathing deeply and do stretches for warming up and cooling down.
5. Fatigue can also be a symptom  of depression during pregnancy and you can make an appointment with a counselor to discuss the state of your mind.

As long as these steps are followed, one can avoid getting fatigued when pregnant.