Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy.
Nothing sounds more appealing or necessary most of the time than a plunge into your pillows.
If it does, you’re in good company.
It’s normal to feel tired when you’re pregnant.
Pregnancy fatigue can be especially pronounced early in thefirst trimesterand again later, in the third.
Here’s what to do about it, and when it might signal something more serious.
Is extreme fatigue normal in early pregnancy?
It’s normal to feel fatigued and even exhausted during the first months of pregnancy.
Fatigue, even extreme fatigue, is anearly sign of pregnancythat nearly all women experience in the first trimester.
It’s also very normal in the third trimester, affecting an estimated 60 percent of all pregnant women.
What does pregnancy fatigue feel like?
Fatigue is officially considered a constant lack of energy.
How early does pregnancy fatigue start?
Fatigue can begin in the very first weeks of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is sort of like running a marathon while carrying a backpack that weighs a little more every day.
In other words, it’s hard work!
Third trimester fatigue is due to:
Can fatigue hurt my baby?
In fact, it’s a sign to get the rest you need.
While you might think you could fall through the floor, your baby doesn’t feel a thing.
Sometimes severe pregnancy fatigue can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires treatment.
So listen up, and get the rest you need.
If you already have kids, this isn’t the time to be Supermom.
Let the dishes wait until later, and try not to worry about constantly cleaning.
Order your groceries online if that’s easier for you.
Choose healthy takeout instead of cooking sometimes, or ask your partner to take on kitchen duty.
If you’re able to hire someone to do the housework for you, all the better.
Ask for help
There’ll be no rest for the bleary-eyed in the months to come.
If anyone in your circle asks about giving you a hand, say yes!
A total of seven to eight hours is ideal; much more can actually leave you feeling more tired.
If you are struggling with aches and pains that keep you up, apregnancy pillowmay be worth the investment.
Spend evenings relaxing with your feet up.
Not much of a napper?
There’s never been a better time to try!
(You might also fail to notice fatigue, since you’re so busy.)
Either way, it’s not easy but still important to make yourself a priority.
Explain to your kids that you’re feeling sleepy because growing a baby is hard work.
Ask for their help around the house.
), and watching movies.
A well-balanced, healthy diet is key to a healthy pregnancy.
Also scale back on the coffee and candy.
Eat often
Resist meal-skipping.
Eating six small meals instead of three large ones can keep your blood sugar and energy steady.
It’ll also help reduce other common pregnancy symptoms, likemorning sicknessand constipation.
Get a move on
Sure, the couch has never looked more inviting.
But paradoxically, the right amount ofthe right kind of exercisecan be more rejuvenating than a sofa break.
Plus, exercise is good for both you and your baby, in more ways than one.
Just don’t overdo it you want to finish up your workout feeling energized, not exhausted.
Consider acupuncture
If fatigue is really dragging you down, consider acupuncture.
Fatigue often eases during the second trimester and returns in the third trimester.
It’s perfectly normal for fatigue to occur at any point in pregnancy, though.
Pregnancy fatigue often improves during the second trimester, which starts at week 14 of pregnancy.
If you’re having severe fatigue (or any other health concern), contact your healthcare provider.
