When you found out you were pregnant, you were floating on air. Now all you want to do is crawl into bed. What happened to you?
You’ve got first trimester fatigue. Your body’s working overtime to produce the placenta and all those magnificent, complicated systems that will turn your embryo into a fetus.
These natural remedies will delicately rev your engine when you need it:
- Power nap. It’s been said the amount of energy a pregnant woman uses just sitting in a chair is greater than that used by someone climbing a mountain. On top of that, your body is producing hormones to make you drowsy. What about a compromise? A 15- to 20-minute snooze can provide greatly needed rest, clear your head and get you going.
- Follow your nose. Your sense of smell is working overtime; take advantage of it. According to the Sense of Smell Institute, research shows that a whiff of peppermint increases performance, so savor a candy for a quick blast of energy, or a cup of mint tea to calm and rejuvenate you all at once. And citrus - incorporated into dozens of products from shampoos to seltzer – also invigorates and refreshes.
- Get wet. No one can snooze through a shower! A midday splash washes away fatigue and is just plain fun especially if the temp is a bit brisk.
- When you’re on the go, spritz. Pick up a spray bottle at a local pharmacy fill it with water (and, if you want,  a drop of peppermint or citrus oil). When you need a boost, mist these key spots: your face, behind the neck and along both sides of your arms and legs.
- Get moving. While you should avoid introducing any new exercise moves, a mild workout, a brisk walk, a swim or turning up the music and dancing are wonderful tools to keep you strong and prepare you for delivery.
- Pack protein for power. If you’re dragging, skip the doughnut; refined sugar carbs decrease your stamina and make you even more tired. Eating small amounts of high-protein foods, like pasteurized-milk cheese or a hard-boiled egg, is a healthy way to get real energy and avoid nausea. Raw almonds are an easy-to-carry solution; crunch a few when you start to lag.
If your constant noshing at work is embarrassing you, how about inviting others to join you? You could put trail mix or snacks on your desk, or pass out high-protein cookies. And when your mind turns to pizza at 3 p.m, ask colleagues if they’d like a slice too. You’ll be sure to find takers.
