Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy. You may feel fatigue because of too much or not enough activity. It can also come from stress, lack of sleep, boredom, and poor diet. Many medical problems, such as viral infections, can cause fatigue. Emotional problems, especially depression, are often the cause of fatigue.
Fatigue is most often a symptom of another problem. Treatment for fatigue depends on the cause. For example, if you have fatigue because you have a certain health problem, treating this problem also treats your fatigue. If depression or anxiety is the cause, treatment may help.
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion or a need to rest because of lack of energy or strength.
Fatigue may result from overwork, poor sleep, worry, boredom, or lack of exercise. It is a symptom that may be caused by illness, medicine, or medical treatment such as chemotherapy. Anxiety or depression can also cause fatigue.
It's common to feel tired after labor and delivery. Caring for a new baby, loss of sleep, and the normal physical changes as your body returns to its nonpregnant condition can add to your fatigue. It's important to focus on your healing and taking care of your baby for the first 6 weeks. Start other activities slowly as you feel stronger.
Here are some tips to help with fatigue in the first few weeks and months after delivery.
Don't skip meals or go for long periods without eating. Choose healthy foods.
Go outside, take walks, or keep your blood moving with your favorite workout. If you don't have your usual energy, don't overdo it. If you had any problems during your pregnancy or during labor or delivery, your doctor may give you more specific instructions about activities.
Don't take on extra activities or responsibilities.
Let them help you care for your baby.
If you have generalized weakness and fatigue along with other symptoms, look closely at those symptoms. Home treatment for your other symptoms usually will improve your weakness and fatigue. Mild generalized weakness and fatigue that occur with a viral illness usually improve with home treatment. Here are some things you can try.
Try to stay away from others and get some extra sleep.
Return to your usual activities slowly to avoid making the fatigue last longer.
Be sure to drink extra fluids to avoid dehydration.
Switch between rest and exercise. Gradually increasing your exercise may help decrease your fatigue.
Medicines like cold and allergy medicines often cause fatigue.
Eat a balanced diet to increase your energy level. Don't skip meals.
Reduce your use of alcohol or other drugs, such as caffeine or nicotine.
Spend that time with friends or try new activities to break the fatigue cycle.
This may be the first step toward controlling fatigue.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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