Fatigue is often one of the first early pregnancy symptoms and is common in the first trimester. In fact, it is so overwhelming to some women that they often find themselves ready for a nap a few hours after a good night’s sleep.

Why are you so tired all the time? Your hormone levels are changing, your body is increasing its blood supply, your blood sugar levels and metabolism are adjusting, and your body is working overtime to produce the essential placenta that will nourish your baby throughout pregnancy. No wonder you’re tired!

What can you do to feel more rested? The most obvious solution is Get More Sleep! Your body needs all the rest it can get to build your baby’s placenta.

One of our readers writes, “How’s this for timing? I just got this great new job, where I’m managing a whole department. I’ve been waiting for this position my whole career. Three months into it, I’m working more than I’ve ever worked before and loving it. A couple of weeks ago I find out I’m pregnant. I’m so exhausted that I can barely make it through the day, much less until 6:00 or 7:00 at night, which are my normal hours. What should I do?”

This reader’s dilemma is a common one, and the first of many internal battles you may have if you’re a working mom. Just know that the fatigue will diminish sometime in the beginning of the second trimester. You will then feel a burst of energy through your seventh month, when again, you may suffer fatigue. Now is the time to think about your priorities. Do you want to be working until 7:00 at night with a new baby? Probably not. Take your time and remember that you have nine months to sort things out. Until then, ask your boss if you can rearrange your schedule. If you are working long hours, this may increase your stress level which is not good for you and your developing baby. In addition to lowering your stress level, be sure to eat right. Food gives you energy to get through the day. Good luck and sleep tight!

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