When does the tiredness start in pregnancy

Pregnancy Fatigue

Fatigue during pregnancy is very common. Some women may feel exhausted throughout their pregnancy, while some may hardly feel tired at all. Although experience with fatigue tends to vary, most women will feel more tired than usual during their pregnancy. Fatigue during pregnancy is most common during the first trimester. It tends to go away during the second trimester, but will usually return in the third trimester.

First Trimester Fatigue

During early pregnancy, hormonal changes are likely the cause of fatigue. Your body is producing more blood to carry nutrients to your growing baby. Your blood sugar levels and blood pressure are also lower. Hormones especially increased progesterone levels, are responsible for making you sleepy. In addition to the physical changes occurring in your body, emotional changes can contribute to decreased energy.
Whether the pregnancy is planned or unplanned, you may experience anxiety about motherhood, worry about the baby’s health, or even experience conflicting feelings about your pregnancy. It is important to understand that your emotions do play a part in how you feel physically, and all of these things are a natural and normal part of pregnancy.

Second Trimester Fatigue

During your second trimester, there is a good chance your energy level will increase and you will start to feel more like your old self.  Many women take advantage of this time during the pregnancy to accomplish important tasks, as energy levels will likely decrease again in the third trimester. This is often called “The Happy Trimester.” Now don’t be alarmed if during this trimester you still experience fatigue. More than likely it will be less obvious, but unfortunately, fatigue during pregnancy is still possible during the second trimester.

Third Trimester Fatigue

In late pregnancy, you will most likely begin to feel tired again. At this point you will be carrying extra weight from the baby, maybe having trouble sleeping, and dealing with frequent urination more often. The following are a list of ways to cope with the fatigue you may be experiencing.

Coping Steps for Fatigue During Pregnancy

• Rest– Make sure you allow yourself to get extra bed rest during the times you feel fatigued. This can be accomplished by going to bed earlier or taking a nap during the day, if possible. Avoiding fluids several hours before bed is also a good way to cut down on the number of times you have to get up at night to use the bathroom.
• Adjust Schedule – If your current commitments or activities prove to be too draining during pregnancy, you may have to temporarily adjust your schedule to be less busy. This can include cutting back your hours at work, if possible, or asking friends and family to assist you with housework/errands.
• Eat a Balanced Diet– Eating nutritious meals will go a long way toward supporting your energy levels. Make sure you get enough iron, protein, and calories. Fatigue can become worse if you are not getting the proper nutrients. Also, you will need to ensure you stay hydrated during your pregnancy.
• Moderate Exercise – Although you may feel like you do not have the energy to exercise, if you incorporate moderate activity, such as a 30-minute walk, this will actually make you feel more energized. Exercise is beneficial in pregnancy unless your healthcare provider has advised otherwise.

Compiled using information from the following sources:

Roger W. Harms, M.D., E.-I.-C. Mayo Clinic: Guide to a healthy pregnancy. USA: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Feeling wiped out now that you’re pregnant? Welcome to one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. What may come as a surprise is just how tired you feel. Put your mind at rest as we explain what’s happening and find out what you can do to get through the energy-zapping stages of pregnancy.

Is it normal to feel tired during pregnancy?

Oh yes, feeling tired is very normal in pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks as your body changes, and after 28 weeks when your growing bump can make getting a good night’s sleep feel like a rare event. Extent of tiredness varies from woman to woman, with some women feeling absolutely shattered throughout pregnancy while others are less affected; most women, however, will feel more tired than usual while they’re pregnant.

What causes tiredness in pregnancy?

In the first 12 weeks your body is working incredibly hard and going through enormous changes. Your baby’s major organs are forming, your hormones are changing and your blood pressure and blood sugar fall. Small wonder that you feel more tired during these early weeks, and often tiredness is one of the first signs that you are pregnant. On top of that you may feel more emotional during these early weeks which in turn can affect your energy levels.

Excessive tiredness and lack of energy can be a symptom of iron deficiency anaemia: this is common in pregnancy due to a combination of more red blood cells being produced in pregnancy along with a lack of sufficient iron in the diet. Good sources of iron include red meat, green vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals, lentils and beans.

You’ll be tested for anaemia as part of your antenatal care at 8–12 weeks and at 28 weeks. Talk to your midwife if you have a history of anaemia or you think you have symptoms; a blood test can be arranged at any point in pregnancy to get things checked out.

When does pregnancy fatigue begin?

Feeling very tired in pregnancy typically begins early in the first 12 weeks (first trimester) right after conception and implantation. The good news is that your energy levels should improve during the second trimester but it is likely that during the last trimester you will tire more easily as your baby (and bump) get bigger.

What can I do to help cope with tiredness in pregnancy?

Simple measures can help you to cope with tiredness in pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy you will need more rest than usual, which of course can be difficult if you are still working or are looking after other children. Having a daytime nap can help, along with sitting with your feet up when you can and getting an early night.

Accept help from family, friends or colleagues if you struggle to find time to rest. Other tips include:

• Eat a healthy diet, including foods rich in iron and protein, to keep your energy levels up (if you’re feeling sick try to eat little and often)
• Avoid tea, coffee or other caffeinated drinks (such as cola) in the evening—remember there is a recommended limit of 200 mg of caffeine each day for pregnant women
• Drink plenty of fluids during the day but cut down on how much you drink in the evening to reduce needing the loo during the night
• Keep active during the day and throughout pregnancy aim to exercise for 150 minutes per week. Swimming, walking and pregnancy- yoga are all great forms of exercise
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. They’ll harm your baby as well as stopping you sleeping
• Use pillows between your knees and to support your bump if it makes lying on your side (recommended after 28 weeks) more comfortable
• If you can’t sleep once you’re in bed, try not to worry—it’s frustrating but it won’t harm your baby. Worrying will make it harder to switch off and relax
• Try a relaxing bedtime routine, maybe a warm bath and reading, and avoid screens for the last hour before bed as these can activate your brain rather than calm it down.

Can tiredness hurt my baby?

Although tiredness during pregnancy can be pretty rubbish for you, it won’t hurt your baby. That said, if you’re worried that you’re feeling constantly exhausted or you’re concerned about your health, talk to your doctor or midwife, especially if you feel more than just a bit low or run-down. Feeling hopeless and losing interest in what you once enjoyed, along with exhaustion and problems sleeping can be signs of antenatal depression. Your doctor or midwife can offer advice and help here if you’re worried.

Strange dreams during pregnancy

If you find you’re having weird dreams or nightmares when you’re pregnant, don’t worry, this is normal and won’t cause any problems, other than disturbing your sleep.

What does early pregnancy fatigue feel like?

What week pregnancy most tired?