It’s common to feel exhausted during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. In the first three months, your body is working overtime to create a new life, which can be extremely draining. Feeling tired is perfectly normal. Listen to your body and make sure to rest when you need it. Most women start to feel more energetic in their second trimester. The last few months of pregnancy can also be tiring, as this is when you’ll be at your heaviest.
Our advice: Listen to your body and try to rest or nap if you can during the day.
Sometimes fatigue is caused by an iron deficiency, otherwise known as anaemia. We may check your iron levels throughout your pregnancy to rule this out.
Our advice: To maintain a healthy iron level, make sure you eat a varied diet throughout your pregnancy. Wholegrain bread, leafy greens, red fruits, nuts, and apple syrup are all great sources of iron. Do not drink dairy products during meals.
Nausea and vomiting are particularly common in the first three to four months of pregnancy, due to an increase in pregnancy hormones.
Tips
Eat a light snack before you get out of bed, such as a cracker. Avoid coffee and carbonated drinks. Avoid fatty foods, salty foods, and foods that cause gas (such as cabbage) and try to eat small meals throughout the day. You’ll know best what foods work for you.
If you experience extreme nausea and vomiting and can’t keep down any food or water, contact us immediately.
During pregnancy, you may experience back or pelvic pain caused by your growing belly, changes to your posture, and hormones that relax your ligaments.
Good posture can help prevent and relieve pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain.
Your growing uterus is held in place by four ligaments in your abdomen. Exertion, sudden movements, and standing for long periods can all cause round ligament pain.
This feels like a stabbing pain down the side of your belly towards your groin and/or vagina. While very painful, it is not harmful and usually subsides on its own as your ligaments adjust to your growing uterus.
Vaginal discharge often increases during pregnancy due to increased blood flow to the pelvis and vagina. As long as the discharge doesn’t have a foul smell, it’s perfectly normal.
Contact us if you experience any pain, itching, or burning, or if the discharge has an unusual colour or smell.
Hormonal changes and the pressure of a growing uterus can cause your intestines to slow down during pregnancy. As a result, bowel movements may occur less often and may be harder than usual. This can be painful and may cause haemorrhoids. Hard stools and haemorrhoids may also cause blood loss during bowel movements.
Tips
Eat high-fibre foods, such as raw vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Drink at least two litres a day, but avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee.
Stay active.
