Expectant Energy- The Third Trimester

You made it through the morning sickness of the first trimester, you thrilled at the first kicks and movements of the second trimester, and now you are staring down the final stretch of the third. And suddenly, you find yourself asking, “Where did all my energy go?”
Relax.
It’s normal. But you do not have to spend the rest of your pregnancy sitting on the couch, wondering how you are going to manage between now and childbirth. There are some things you can do to help increase your energy the next few months without drinking copious amounts of caffeine.

Sleep Well.
You may not feel as sleepy as you did in your first trimester, but that does not mean you should give in to the temptation to stay up late to finish that DVD. It will still be there in the morning, and you will be more alert to enjoy it.
Exercise regularly.
It sounds counter-productive, but exercise will actually increase your energy. It also prepares your body to recover from the stresses of childbirth more quickly after your little one arrives. If you have been exercising regularly up to this point in your pregnancy, good for you! Under your doctor’s direction, keep up the good work! If you have not been exercising, ask your doctor for recommendations so as not to overdo it.
Stay hydrated by drinking water.
You are probably already doing this one, as recommended by your doctor. Keep it up, and enjoy the healthily refreshing sensation.
Take breaks.
Instead of trying to vacuum the entire house in one sweep, take it in little bits. Break tasks and chores into smaller segments, with time in between to sit and elevate your feet. After all, with a baby pressing on your inside organs and limiting your lung capacity, you will do better with extra opportunities to breathe.

Prepare for the arrival of your little one.

Finish the nursery and stock necessary clothing and supplies. Anticipation, itself, can be a marvelous source of energy.

Buy and use a maternity support belt.

Check the maternity department of your favorite department store or on-line source for a maternity support belt. Much as a bra provides support for your enlarging breasts, a maternity belt supports an enlarging belly, redistributing weight to relieve both tired abdominal muscles and the back. This small change makes an incredible difference in energy.

A few simple measures can mean the difference between complete exhaustion in the third trimester and sufficient energy to accomplish something each day. Enjoy this time as an expectant mother while looking forward to the big event.