Halfway through our hike around Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin’s scenic state park of the same name, I was ready to pick a bench and crash. I had hiked this trail many times before, but this time I simply did not have the energy to finish. While the rest of my group finished the trek up the hill and over the boulders, I headed back to the campsite with my husband and passed out in the tent for two hours. Several times during our camping trip, I stumbled to the tent and fell asleep, napping for 2-3 hours at a time. I was exhausted. I attributed it to simply needing to catch up on sleep. A few days later, however, the reason for my fatigue presented itself in the form of two pink lines. I was pregnant! (This also explained why I was eating so many s’mores!)
Fatigue is common in pregnancy. It can wax and wane from week to week. Managing your energy and to-do list during pregnancy is not unlike making a budget with an irregular income. You have to conserve when energy levels are low and do as much as you can when you are able. Never be afraid to ask for help, either.
Keep a list handy of things you want to get done, such as laundering layette items or organizing your baby’s toys. Whenever you feel up to doing something, check something off the list. On the other hand, realize that it’s okay to leave the list on the fridge for a while if you are tired. Listen to your body’s cues. If you have the opportunity to rest, you should take it. If you have kids, have dad or grandma take them to the park and burn off some energy while you take a nap. An hour could do wonders and have a big impact on your mood as well.
You can maximize your energy by eating complex carbohydrates, lean protein, sticking to a regular sleep schedule and drinking plenty of water. Avoid the use of excessive caffeine or sugar. The short burst of energy you will receive will soon be followed by a crash, leaving you more tired than you were before. Give yourself a curfew and stick to it. Most people, especially women who have been pregnant before, will be very understanding if you excuse yourself from a party or gathering a little early.