If you're sleepy during the day, take a nap, and try to go to bed earlier at night. Don't feel guilty! If you're tired it's because your body needs sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking a non-caffeinated tea, or reading before bed (or anything that relaxes you and slows your thoughts.) If you love baths with candlelight, than give that a try! If you can manage it, try to get around 9-10 hours of sleep per night.
2. Cut back on your commitments.
If you can, try to take the occasional day off work, or send the kids to Grandma for the day. Ask friends and family to help you with any other commitments you might have. Basically, try to become "less busy" (I know it sounds impossible!) so that you give yourself time to relax and rest. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and you deserve the rest!
3. Eat more "good stuff".
Because you're pregnant, you need to increase your daily caloric intake by 300 to 500 calories a day. That doesn't mean that you should go and fill up on chocolate bars, chips and candy (even though it's tempting!). In fact, you should try and cut back on caffeine and sugar because these will make your fatigue even worse. Eating smaller, more frequent meals seems to help some women with their fatigue. Try to snack on fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods throughout the day. Try to keep healthy snacks on hand when you leave the house. If you become really tired at work for example, eating a snack will give you the pick up you need.
4. Get some exercise.
Even if you totally don't feel like it, pushing yourself to get some moderate exercise each day will do wonders for your fatigue. Taking a short walk or going for a swim can actually make you feel better. Although, to be honest, it's very difficult to get exercising when all you want to do is sleep.
Sometimes, fatigue can be a sign that you have an iron deficiency. If you're concerned that you may have an iron deficiency, talk to your doctor. There are lots of ways to increase your iron intake.
