![What Trimester Are You Most Tired During Pregnancy?](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/pregnancy-discomforts.jpg?output-quality=75)
Fatigue is a common symptom throughout pregnancy and feeling tired is most common during the first and third trimesters.
During the first trimester, causes of fatigue include:
- Hormonal changes
- Increased progesterone levels can cause sleepiness
- The body produces more blood to carry nutrients to the growing baby
- Blood sugar levels are lower
- Blood pressure is lower
- Emotional changes
- Anxiety about motherhood
- Worry about the baby’s health
- Conflicting feelings about the pregnancy
During the second trimester, energy levels tend to increase, though it is still possible to feel tired.
During the third trimester, tiredness may return, caused by:
- Carrying extra weight from the baby
- Trouble sleeping
- Dealing with frequent urination
When Should I Be Concerned About Fatigue During Pregnancy?
Extreme fatigue during pregnancy is not normal and may be a sign of an underlying health condition. See your doctor if your fatigue is:
- Persistent
- Severe
- Lasts throughout the entire pregnancy
Causes of fatigue that may be of concern include:
- Gestational diabetes
- The body becomes resistant to insulin during pregnancy which may cause fatigue
- Other symptoms of gestational diabetes include unusual thirst and frequent urination in large amounts
- Anemia
- This is a low red blood cell count, which may occur after week 20 when blood volume increases and can deplete the body’s stores of iron
- Other symptoms of anemia include weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness/fainting
- Thyroid problems
- Having too little (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormone can cause fatigue
- Other symptoms of thyroid problems include sudden weight changes, temperature sensitivity, depression, and irritability
- Prenatal depression
- Being more tired than normal for pregnancy can be a sign of prenatal depression
- Other symptoms of prenatal depression include sadness, apathy, wanting to sleep all the time or not at all, wanting to eat all the time or not at all
- If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, tell your doctor
- Depression during pregnancy can affect both the mother and her unborn baby
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Rarely, extreme fatigue during pregnancy can be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome
- This may be linked to a serious form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum
All of these causes of fatigue during pregnancy can be managed and treated, so talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms that concern you.
What Is the Treatment for Fatigue in During Pregnancy?
There are several home remedies to help relieve fatigue during pregnancy. However, a pregnant woman’s body is busy growing another human being, so it may not be possible to eliminate fatigue.
- Get adequate rest
- Go to sleep earlier
- Take naps when possible
- Drink less in the evening to reduce waking to urinate during the night
- Stay hydrated (just don’t drink too much too close to bedtime)
- Get proper nutrition
- Make sure you consume enough calories, protein, and iron during pregnancy
- Change your schedule
- Whenever possible, cut back on responsibilities
- Ask family and friends for help with errands or housework
- Exercise regularly
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Deep breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Guided imagery
- Get a massage
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https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-third-trimester
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/fatigue-during-pregnancy-5575/
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/the-basics-of-good-sleep-during-pregnancy_7820
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/pregnancy-fatigue.aspx
https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/depression-during-pregnancy.aspx