Fatigue is a symptom of pregnancy that is often present throughout all three trimesters. Unusual levels of tiredness can become a hindrance during pregnancy, especially if one is still working full-time and/or taking care of other children.
We know that fatigue is caused by an increase in progesterone levels that increase during the early weeks of pregnancy, which means that this symptom is here to stay.
Here are some insights into fatigue during pregnancy and why it occurs, along with some helpful information on how expecting moms can fight it during their 9-month pregnancy journey.
Fatigue During Early Pregnancy: Why It Occurs
As mentioned, fatigue is present most of the time in early pregnancy due to an increase in progesterone levels to help support the growth of many different aspects within your body.
Those increases in progesterone levels are put to work through growing the placenta, increasing the milk glands for breastfeeding after birth, creating an increase in blood flow, and accommodating other body changes.
Fatigue In The Third Trimester: Why It Occurs
Fatigue in the third trimester looks a bit different than fatigue early on in pregnancy, as it should. At this point in one’s pregnancy, their baby bump would be a considerable size which can contribute to other symptoms such as insomnia, heartburn, and even restless leg syndrome, which causes more stress on the body and less quality sleep.
Other ways in which fatigue in the third trimester evolves from early pregnancy is the physical and mental stress of preparing to have a baby combined with other duties such as work, raising other children, or other duties one might tend to. All of these symptoms can be exacerbated by intense fatigue in the last couple of weeks during pregnancy.
Unfortunately, there is not one magic fix for pregnancy fatigue, but there are some remedies out there that some pregnant people have found success with! So let’s explore some of the ideas expecting moms can try when the pregnancy fatigue is really becoming cumbersome.
Take It Slow and Easy To Avoid Pregnancy Fatigue
This is “easier” said than done, but this truly is the time to give oneself some grace during their pregnancy. Your life is about to change very soon, and then you will experience a different type of fatigue. So for now, take it slow and easy.
Remind yourself that the household chores can wait another couple of hours or enlist your partner in helping with some of the things on your to-do list. Maybe even look into hiring some help for cooking and cleaning around the house, especially if you have other kids in the home!
Remember, it’s okay to give your body extra rest and care during pregnancy. In fact, it’s recommended!
Go To Bed Earlier To Help With Pregnancy Fatigue
If you suffer from pregnancy insomnia or any of the other symptoms already listed that make quality sleep elusive, one way to fight pregnancy fatigue is by simply moving your bedtime up. This is a simple yet effective way of trying to fight off the fatigue before it becomes too much.
Feeling in control over your body while pregnant can be a challenge, but making sure that you have a handle on your sleep and how often the fatigue permeates into your routine is one way to gain that autonomy over your body.
Fight Pregnancy Fatigue By Eating Throughout The Day, Not Just At Mealtimes
The body is going through many changes, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy when the baby is growing and taking in as many nutrients as possible. It’s important to eat and/or snack throughout the day, not just at the traditional three mealtimes. Healthline recommends six smaller meals as opposed to three standard meals but your situation might require a different meal plan.
This helps keep your blood sugar elevated as well as energy levels. By eating throughout the day, you are ensuring you never get empty or get behind on your regular bodily functions.
Move Your Body To Avoid Pregnancy Fatigue
Although this article has highlighted giving yourself some rest to fend off fatigue during pregnancy, some physical activity can be beneficial to the pregnant body and fighting fatigue. As always, following your doctor’s recommendations for exercise is the best plan, but if you can tolerate some movement, it can help fight off extreme fatigue and replace it with good endorphins!
This could look like a walk outside or inside on a treadmill, getting some extra steps in while doing other household chores like grocery shopping, or even an exercise class like yoga. Not only will good hormones be released, but moving your body could also help you sleep better at night.
Making Conscious Food Choices Can Help With Fatigue During Pregnancy
You may be poised to reach for caffeinated beverages or sugary snacks to help with your fatigue, but it’s important to remember that the foods we choose to put in our bodies can have some negative effects on fatigue, like a sugar crash.
Pregnancy is a time to get your nutrients in whatever way you can, especially if you suffer from morning sickness, but trying to make healthy choices when choosing food can go a long way in fighting one’s fatigue while pregnant. Protein-rich foods will stay with the body longer than sugar and carbs, especially when incorporated throughout the day.
When Does Pregnancy Fatigue Require A Doctor’s Intervention?
There does come a point when an expecting mom may feel the need to reach out to their doctor for advice on their continued fatigue, and that is encouraged! There are certain medical conditions that can cause extreme fatigue that does not deviate, even when some of the above suggestions are put into practice.
The main medical areas of concern when it comes to high fatigue during pregnancy are anemia, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes (which can be very serious), prenatal depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome (normally seen when diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum).
Will My Pregnancy Fatigue Ever Ease Up?
The good news is YES! Typically, the early pregnancy fatigue starts to taper off around the second trimester, so you should expect to have some energy back after your initial early pregnancy symptoms. As mentioned, fatigue tends to creep back up during the third trimester in different ways just because of how the body has changed, but the early fatigue symptoms should ease up around Week 14.
It’s always best to check in with your doctor regularly about your symptoms and how you are managing them. Every pregnancy is different and what works for some pregnant people may not work for all, so try not to get discouraged if your fatigue during pregnancy persists!
