Yoga for First Trimester Fatigue

The first trimester of pregnancy is notorious for "morning sickness." While anyone who has been pregnant knows that the sickness is not contained to the morning, you may also be aware that there are many other symptoms in the first trimester that we also have to contend with, one of the other tough ones is fatigue. All-encompassing fatigue!

Why do we feel SO tired!? Well, you are growing a human, for starters. Also, hormones are changing drastically, and your placenta has not yet developed to take on this hormonal challenge. Your body is producing more blood to carry nutrients to your growing baby which may cause iron-deficiency anemia and therefore causes fatigue. Because your blood volume increases, your blood sugar levels and blood pressure are then lower.

What can you do about it? For starters, listen to your body and rest when you need to! What better excuse do you need to listen to your body than pregnancy? It is great practice for labor, birth and motherhood.

Second, do a slow, restorative yoga practice. I know, the thought of rolling out your mat is too much, but if you can muster up the energy to set up your props, you're mostly there. The video sequence that follows has 7 poses that can take you an hour or longer if you like. I demonstrate the poses for 2-4 minutes, but hit the pause button any time and stay for as long as you need. Take a nap in savasana! Even if you only do one or two of the supported postures, you are taking time for yourself. One of the greatest ideas of yoga is that by simply placing your body in a certain position, you affect your mood, your endocrine system and are connecting with yourself. The simplest of actions can be effective.

Please enjoy this sequence for first trimester fatigue.