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- Why do we feel tired in early pregnancy?
- Does the sex of the baby influence fatigue?
- Popular myths to predict the sex of the baby
- Fatigue: what can you do to relieve it on a daily basis?
Why do we feel tired in early pregnancy?
Fatigue in early pregnancy is a very common pregnancy symptom . According to INSERM, 6 out of 10 women experience severe fatigue before the 10th week.
There are several reasons for this state of exhaustion. Your body produces many more hormones , including progesterone . This hormone helps muscles relax and the baby implant, but it also increases the feeling of drowsiness.
Your blood pressure drops slightly to accompany the development of the placenta. This change may increase feelings of dizziness or fatigue.
HCG (the pregnancy hormone) levels rise rapidly, especially if you are expecting twins or perhaps a baby girl .
Your cardiovascular system is also adapting to pregnancy. Your heart has to work harder to supply blood to the uterus, which puts a strain on your body.
Gradual weight gain and the constant effort to create life also contribute to this natural fatigue.
Does the sex of the baby influence fatigue?
When fatigue sets in early in pregnancy , many expectant mothers wonder if it could be a clue about the sex of the baby .
Some studies have explored this idea. For example, a 2004 Swedish study showed that having a girl could lead to more severe nausea . However, no clear link was found with fatigue .
More recently, a team of researchers from Ohio State University focused on immune responses during pregnancy. Their results, published in 2017, show that women pregnant with a baby girl have a more intense immune response.
To reach this conclusion, the scientists measured levels of cytokines , markers of immune activity. The result: these levels were higher in expectant mothers of girls. This increased inflammation could explain more pronounced fatigue or more severe morning sickness .
But be careful: no two pregnancies are alike. Even for the same woman, symptoms can vary from one pregnancy to the next. And expecting a baby boy doesn't mean you can't feel very tired.
Popular myths to predict the sex of the baby
In France, 51% of births are boys , but that doesn't stop beliefs from circulating about the sex of the child to come!
We often hear about the pendulum test , the shape of the belly , or even the number of beats per minute : more than 140 bpm for a girl, less for a boy.
Weight gain , intense fatigue , belly size , or even skin radiance ("more beautiful" or "duller") are also studied in these pretty myths. They make you smile... but should not become a source of stress .
Fatigue: what can you do to relieve it on a daily basis?
Whether you're expecting a girl or a boy , the key is to listen to your body. Fatigue in early pregnancy is normal. It deserves your full attention.
Try to sleep as soon as possible , even just a few minutes during the day. Treat yourself to guilt-free naps . Get moving: a short walk or some light stretches can do wonders.
Nutritionally, choose foods that boost energy, such as almonds or fresh fruit. Stay well hydrated. Don't hesitate to talk to your midwife or doctor, who may order a blood test to ensure you don't have any deficiencies and prescribe vitamins .
Also consider pampering yourself with sensory rituals: a warm bath at the end of the day, a gentle self-massage with a pregnancy stretch mark cream to deeply nourish your skin and soothe tension.
Remember: Fatigue doesn't necessarily predict the baby's sex. It's just a sign that your body is working hard to create life. If you experience debilitating fatigue, always talk to a healthcare professional.
Whether you're expecting a girl or a boy, early pregnancy fatigue is a common symptom. It deserves your full attention and lots of gentleness. Take care of yourself, surround yourself with kindness, and savor every moment of this unique adventure. 🧡
