Fatigue

I'm sure you are extremely fatigued and many days exercise is the last thing on your mind. If you can manage to peel yourself away from your chair you will feel more energized. Simple ways to help combat pregnancy fatigue;

1. Eat a balanced diet-include protein in each snack
2. Eat often- do not allow your blood sugar to drop
3. Drink plenty of water-allow your body to increase its blood volume as needed and combat muscle cramps
4. Take power naps if possible- even 10 minutes at work can help
5. Schedule more breaks into your work day- it's only temporary, people understand
6. Don't allow yourself to get too hot-layer your clothing
7. Go to bed at least 1 hour earlier when pregnant - your body is working extremely hard reward it with proper rest.
8. Exercise- although your body is already working hard, 2-3 short exercise sessions/week are beneficial for mother and baby and help with fatigue

Shock to the System

My first pregnancy was planned, I thought? We had talked about wanting to get pregnant, just the thought of this made my heart rate sore when I was exercising at the gym. I was teaching a spin class later that week and my heart rate sored again. We had now decided to go for it, we wanted a baby. The month goes by and it's time for me to pee on the stick, it was positive, we were in tears. It worked, wow. I went to the Dr. to confirm the results and then off to my first ultrasound. Well it turns out I was already pregnant by the time we started trying. This explains my elevated heart rate.

I had a great pregnancy, I felt proud, I was testing all pregnancy exercises and pregnancy fitness programs. My symptoms of pregnancy were muscle cramps and heart burn and a ravenous appetite.

As soon as you get pregnant your blood volume begin to increase and puts demand on your heart, thus elevating your heart rate during activity.