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Everything you need to know about fatigue during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is very common and normal for pregnant women to feel fatigue, especially in the first and third trimester of pregnancy.

All the physical changes that occur in a woman’s body up until the date of delivery make her feel more fatigued. To help overcome these moments, it is advisable to face this phase calmly.

In this article, we will explain the reasons for fatigue in the three trimesters of pregnancy and give you advice on how to best overcome these moments!

What are the causes of fatigue during pregnancy?

Fatigue and tiredness are some of the first symptoms of pregnancy, especially in the first weeks of gestation, because this is the time when the baby begins to develop inside the mother’s womb and this process will require extra energy from your body.

In order for the baby to receive oxygen and essential nutrients for its development, the pregnant woman’s body produces more blood and, to do so, the heart has to pump faster, which also causes fatigue in the pregnant woman.

During pregnancy, there are also many hormonal changes, namely an increase in progesterone, which causes more sleep, irritability or emotion in situations that previously went unnoticed.

Nausea and vomiting, very common symptoms in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, can also contribute to tiredness, as can the increased need to urinate several times during the night, which ends up interrupting sleep and also causing tiredness. 

First trimester fatigue

In the first trimester of pregnancy, in addition to the development of the fetus, the placenta is created, which will nourish the baby throughout the pregnancy. This process requires a lot of energy, causing the woman’s body to prioritize the development of the pregnancy over daily activities.

During this period, progesterone levels will increase significantly and this can make you feel more sleepy. Your metabolism will also speed up, consuming more energy, which can lead to fatigue.

As we mentioned earlier, nausea and vomiting, as well as the increased need to urinate several times during the night, will also contribute to fatigue.

Fatigue in the second trimester

At the end of the first trimester, hormone levels stabilize and the placenta is already formed, resulting in an improvement in fatigue and sleep.

Some pregnant women continue to feel tired at this stage of pregnancy. Don’t worry, this is also common, although it happens less frequently. If this is your case, listen to your body’s signals and try to rest when you need to.

Fatigue in the third trimester

In the last trimester of pregnancy, you are likely to feel exhausted again. As your uterus and belly begin to grow, plus the weight of your baby, combined with the compression of the blood vessels in your pelvis and abdomen, you will start to feel fatigued again.

The anxiety caused by the approaching birth date, as well as the pressure on the bladder, which will make you need to urinate several times during the night, will prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep, inevitably causing more tiredness.

Should I be concerned about fatigue?

Fatigue is generally not a major concern, but extreme fatigue can also be a symptom of anemia if you are not getting enough iron. For this reason, if you feel very tired or have other symptoms, it is important to talk to your obstetrician.

Tips for relieving fatigue during pregnancy

To help you have a less stressful pregnancy, here are some tips to increase your energy and better deal with fatigue:

  • Create a bedtime routine: Try to create a routine for a more consistent sleep schedule. Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day of the week. Ideally, you should get at least eight hours of sleep per night.
  • Find comfort when sleeping: A good night’s sleep is half the battle for a peaceful pregnancy. To do this, find a comfortable position from the first few weeks, and get used to sleeping on your side with your knees slightly bent.
  • Take regular breaks: During your workday, take a break every three hours to relax your body. If you spend a lot of time sitting, get up and walk around a bit. If you spend a lot of time standing, sit down periodically and rest with your legs raised.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: Eat a variety of foods rich in protein and iron that will help maintain your energy throughout the day.
  • Hydrate your body: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and reduce your intake as night approaches to avoid having to wake up so many times during the night to urinate.
  • Practice physical exercise: Performing physical activities regularly can give your body an increase in energy, however, speak to your obstetrician to find out which exercises you can do during pregnancy.
  • Rest whenever you feel the need and have the opportunity: Learn to follow your body’s instructions. Whenever you have the opportunity throughout the day, take the opportunity to take a nap, no matter how short the period of time. Rest is vital during pregnancy.