Naturally Boost Energy while Pregnant

Energy Booster for Baby Belly Fatigue

First off, energy and pregnancy sound like oxymoron. I never realized until I went through it that the first trimester is pretty much like wearing a lead jumpsuit 24/7. The second trimester is somewhat of a brief reprieve as if there are ropes holding up that majority of that lead jumpsuit, but some days the ropes snap and down comes that weight again.  Why so tired so soon? Your body is doubling its blood volume, you’re in need of greater hydration requirements, your regular sleep pattern is disrupted, playing whack-a-mole with your hormones and oh yeah growing a “Mini Me” at a rapid rate- of course you are going to feel off!  Add in the fact that you can no longer rely on coffee or energy drinks to give you that mid-day boost…what’s a gal to do? Well, as a Holistic Nutrition Coach, I challenged myself to evaluate the causes and find real natural solutions to help get that pep back in my step.  

1)      Are you getting enough sleep? If you were like me I thought I was Superwoman who didn’t need additional sleep requirements. Prior to pregnancy I was happy to run on 4-5 hours of sleep and work 16 hours days (admittedly, my most unhealthy habit).  Sleep is CRUCIAL to your own health and the growth of your baby. Rest helps you mentally rejuvenate, repair your muscles and restore natural hormone cycles and obviously boost energy levels. Save the “I can run on fumes attitude” for when your baby needs you at all hours of the night. Rest up NOW while you can.

2)      What are you EATING??! This is huge for several reasons. If you are noshing on chemically laden processed foods, and highly refined carbs, you are setting your hardworking body up for failure. Those “non-foods”, as I call them set you up for sugar spikes and inevitable dramatic energy drops. They don’t provide any nutritional value to help your body cope with the stress and changes. In addition, your digestion naturally has slowed to allow your body to pull as much as it can from the food you are taking in. The longer food sits in you sometimes though can make you feel overly full and sluggish. High fat foods will also make your body work harder to deal with the repercussions and slowed digestion. Opt for more fresh foods like fruits and veggies because they have natural enzymes that help you digest the food (digest themselves). Think about when you cut an apple and leave it out, it degrades and shrivels up into itself- self-digesting. Fresh plant based foods are alive and help you naturally transfer energy to you and by helping your body fight off invaders and daily stressors they become your energy soldiers battling fatigue for you.

3)      Antioxidants and nutrients – Are you remembering your prenatal vitamin, omegas and calcium EVERY DAY? Is your prenatal one that your body can make use of or is breaking down too slow before your stomach empties it losing valuable nutrients can be distributed? TEST: Drop your vitamin in a glass of vinegar... stir gently  for one minute… let sit…does it breakdown over 30-45 minutes?  Getting enough greens? Chlorophyll from plants in foods or supplement form help boost cell energy.  Tip: try Ginger Tea – it is spicy and energizing. Place 4-5 small pieces of freshly peeled ginger in a cup with boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes. Ginger tea strengthens the nervous system, helps prevent fatigue, and bonus!: may help reduce pain associated with uterine cramps! Don’t drink more than 1-2 cups per day, as excess doses may exacerbate heartburn, and consult your caregiver about using ginger if you are on medications.

4)      Exercise – dragging those tired legs out for a nice little walk, lifting light weights, using resistance bands from your office or couch, swimming or just getting more movement in will dramatically improve your energy, stamina, clear thinking, blood flow and release endorphins (those feel good chemicals in your brain). Maintaining strength and stamina during pregnancy may help lessen labor difficulties, helps you lift and hold your precious baby without great strain. Let’s face it you are going to be hauling strollers, diaper bags, toys, pack n plays and a rapidly growing and squirming child. You need those muscles girl!

5)      Meditation and relaxation: Find some calming music, lower the lights, get into a comfortable, supported position and start emptying your mind from the days stress.  Try adding oils such as peppermint, lemon, bergamot, eucalyptus, and orange oils which are all invigorating. Be careful not to get any colored oils on your clothes, they will stain! Blend oils with almond oil and give yourself a foot (or whole body!!) massage. Or, blend with water in a spray bottle, and mist yourself whenever you need a boost.

6)      Stretch: Remember how I mentioned your blood volume was doubling and digestion was slowing? Well you need to assist your body in transporting blood and oxygen. Start your mornings with some light stretches seated or standing (never lying flat on your back after 18 weeks – the pressure on major arteries can drop your blood pressure too low). Mid- day when you feel that slump hitting, try some cat/dog poses  on all-fours or visit http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/fitness/pregnancy-workout/?page=2 for some modified yoga poses.

7)      Breathe: 8 stroke breath for energy and stress release: Sit in any comfortable posture. Let the eyes close and begin to inhale in 8 equal strokes through the nose. Exhale in one long smooth stroke through the nose. This exercise forces your attention to the breath. Inhaling in 8 strokes is invigorating, the long exhale is relaxing. The exercise will leave you clear headed and balanced. Practice for up to 11 minutes.

Right nostril breathing for energy: Block the left nostril with the left thumb. Breathe long and deep through only the right nostril.

Respect what your body is going through...know that all lows will soon be followed by amazing highs. So hang in there my ever-expanding waistline pack of sisters!