First, we rest...

You’re pregnant. You’re excited. You’re a little overwhelmed. But mainly you feel like you’ve been hit by a ten tonne truck. You simply can’t get enough sleep. Your bed time is 8pm. You wish it could be earlier. You dream of being able to nap under your desk. Your weekends are a complete write off.  

I’m here to tell you all of this is completely normal. And the way you are feeling right now won’t last forever. So instead of focusing on how tired you are, think about the miracle that is occurring inside you right now. Literally all of the embryological development is occurring inside you while you try to maintain the pace of your life. 

When we think like this, it makes sense that you’re feeling a little exhausted. Of course all your body wants to do is shut down and sleep.

I often tell my patients that, in some ways, it’s more beneficial to take time off in the first trimester - rather than the third. Particularly if they are experiencing bad nausea. You could even consider a three day weekend to give you some time to recover. Or try to finish work at 3pm, so you can go home for a nap, an early dinner and an early night. I know. I know. That might not feel like a practical option, but I encourage you to give yourself permission. You will be much more productive if you allow yourself to rest now. 

Also don’t be afraid to cancel your weekend plans to hang at home and sleep. Many women try to keep very unrealistic social commitments in their first trimester. But know you won’t cope well with late nights if you’re already exhausted. And know that this is just a phase, not the end of your social life.   

If you feel like exercising, go for gold! But if all you feel capable of is curling up on the sofa, let your body do what it needs. Don’t push exercise. Rest is vitally more important right now. We want all that energy to be directed into your baby’s development.

This phase of exhaustion will pass. I promise. I encourage you to see this phase as an opportunity. An opportunity to start listening more carefully to what your body wants, and give it what it needs. You’ll be amazed at what happens as you start to listen to your body and deepen your connection with yourself.