It's common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially in the first 12 weeks.
Hormonal changes at this time can make you feel tired, nauseous and emotional. The only answer is to rest as much as possible.
Make time to sit with your feet up during the day, and accept any offers of help from colleagues and family.
Being tired and run-down can make you feel low. Try to look after your physical health – make sure you eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of rest and sleep.
Later in pregnancy, you may feel tired because of the extra weight you're carrying. Make sure you get plenty of rest.
As your bump gets bigger, it can be difficult to get a good night's sleep. You might find that lying down is uncomfortable or that you need to use the loo a lot.
Feeling tired will not harm you or your baby, but it can make life feel more difficult, especially in the early days before you've told people about your pregnancy.
You may have strange dreams or nightmares about the baby, and about labour and birth. This is normal.
Talking about them with your partner or midwife can help. Remember, just because you dream something, it does not mean it's going to happen. Relaxation and breathing techniques may be helpful in reducing any anxiety you might be feeling.
The safest position to go to sleep is on your side, either left or right. Research suggests that, after 28 weeks, falling asleep on your back can double the risk of stillbirth. This may be to do with the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.
Do not worry if you wake up on your back – the research looked at the position pregnant people fell asleep in, as this is the position we keep for longest. If you wake up on your back, you can just turn over and go to sleep again on your side.
You can try supporting your bump with pillows and putting a pillow between your knees.
The baby charity Tommy's has a video about safer sleeping in pregnancy.
Try not to let it bother you if you cannot sleep, and do not worry that it will harm your baby – it will not. If you can, nap during the day and get some early nights during the week.
Avoid tea, coffee or cola drinks in the evening, as the caffeine can make it harder to go to sleep.
Try to relax before bedtime so you're not wide awake. Relaxation techniques may also help, ask your midwife for advice. Your antenatal classes may teach you some techniques, or you could use a pregnancy relaxion CD or DVD.
You could join an antenatal yoga or pilates class. Make sure the instructor knows you're pregnant. Exercise can help you feel less tired, so try to do some activity, such as a walk at lunchtime or going swimming, even if you feel tired during the day.
If lack of sleep is bothering you, talk to your partner, a friend, doctor or midwife.
Read about preventing insomnia, including daytime habits, such as exercising, and bedtime habits, such as avoiding caffeine.
Occasionally, sleeplessness – when accompanied by other symptoms – can be a sign of depression. If you have any of the other symptoms of depression, such as feeling hopeless and losing interest in the things you used to enjoy, speak to your doctor or midwife. There is treatment that can help.
Read about mental health in pregnancy.
Healthtalk.org has videos and written articles of people talking about their symptoms and feelings in the early weeks of pregnancy, including tiredness.
In this video, a midwife explains the various ways pregnant mothers can get more comfortable at night.
Media last reviewed: 25 January 2020
Media review due: 25 January 2023
Pregnancy is all about changes, and some are more dramatic than others.
Along with all the physical changes happening to your body, you may also be experiencing symptoms like mood swings, swelling, nausea or morning sickness, to name a few. So, it can be easy to overlook something as straightforward as fatigue.
But as you may be finding out, fatigue can be quite a challenge, too. Below, we cover everything you can expect from this common pregnancy symptom, its causes, and what you can do to manage it.
Fatigue is totally normal during pregnancy, but people’s experiences with it can vary widely. It may be that you don’t experience much fatigue at all, or it may be that you feel extreme tiredness in early pregnancy that drops off later on. No matter how it affects you, fatigue can generally be characterized by:
Pregnancy fatigue can start as soon as one week after conception, which means it may be an early sign of pregnancy before a test can tell you for sure.
It’s also common to start feeling tired any time during the first 12 weeks.
There are various factors that can cause fatigue, but they differ from trimester to trimester.
The overall cause of fatigue in early pregnancy is simple – your body is preparing for the months ahead. But there are a couple parts of this preparation that can really contribute to feelings of fatigue:
In the second trimester, people typically find that they have more energy – you may be used to the new hormone levels in your body, and your baby isn’t very big yet.
But it’s still possible to feel fatigued in the second trimester, especially if your sleep gets interrupted by pregnancy symptoms like frequent urination and leg cramps.
When fatigue happens in the third trimester, it’s generally because the baby’s gotten bigger. Carrying around that extra weight can be tiring on its own, but it also makes other things harder, including sleeping comfortably. Plus, as the baby settles into the pelvis, it puts more pressure on the bladder, so nighttime trips to the bathroom may become even more common. And all of that is in addition to any other pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing.
When it comes to managing fatigue, the best thing you can do is take steps to increase your energy levels. This means:
A solid pregnancy diet can be a great way to keep your energy up. In particular, focus on getting enough iron, which supports red blood cell production and prevents any additional tiredness from anemia (a condition which results from not having enough red blood cells to carry the amount of oxygen your body needs).
Foods that are high in protein are also good choices, as protein is a longer-lasting source of energy compared to carbohydrates.
You may benefit from eating smaller meals throughout the day. This can help keep your blood sugar and energy levels consistent. It’s also important to drink plenty of water, as water helps your body function properly.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week while you’re pregnant. That may sound like a lot, but if you break it down into 30 minutes of pregnancy-safe exercises per day, it adds up quickly.
Exercise improves blood circulation, which helps bring oxygen to every part of your body. This can give a boost to overall energy levels. Plus, exercise helps manage other pregnancy symptoms like back pain and constipation.
Even if you’re doing everything you can to boost your energy levels, you still have to listen to your body.
And when your body is fatigued, rest is the answer. Take breaks throughout the day, nap when you need to and sleep as much as possible. It may help to go to bed earlier, and avoiding fluids for a few hours before going to bed can help cut down on bathroom visits at night.
Fatigue is very common and normal during pregnancy. Still, don’t hesitate to talk to your care provider at any point along your prenatal appointment timeline if you have questions or concerns about your level of tiredness.
But keep in mind, there are times when fatigue may be a symptom of a pregnancy complication like anemia, depression or gestational diabetes. Call your care provider if you experience sudden fatigue, fatigue that completely stops you from doing your daily tasks or if you have fatigue with any of the following:
Whether your pregnancy is making you tired, nauseous or anything else, a prenatal appointment can help.
In addition to making sure you and your little one are safe and healthy, your care provider can give you tips and recommendations for every part of your pregnancy.
Is it possible to get pregnant during lactation? There is an opinion that this is impossible. However, in practice, such cases are not uncommon. How to recognize the first signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding and what are the risks? More on this later in the article.
Sunday, March 17th, 2019
Immediately after the birth of a child, the amount of a special hormone, oxytocin, increases in a woman's body. It causes the uterus to contract after childbirth and is also responsible for the production of breast milk. The more often you breastfeed your baby, the higher the concentration of oxytocin in the blood.
Interestingly, the same hormone is a provocateur of lactational amenorrhea. In other words, it is he who is to blame for the absence of menstruation.
It is generally accepted that as long as you are breastfeeding your baby and there are no periods, it is impossible to get pregnant. After all, there is no menstruation, no ovulation. No ovulation - no egg ready for fertilization. Everything is logical. In some women, amenorrhea can last a year or two, and in some - a month. And to understand when it ended is extremely difficult. The main sign of the restoration of fertility (ability to reproduce) is menstruation. But menstruation begins two weeks after ovulation. Therefore, a sexually active breastfeeding mother can become pregnant again at any time without even knowing it.
See also : Ovulation Calendar
In addition to oxytocin, the amount of prolactin in the body of a nursing woman also increases. It blocks the growth of follicles and ovulation, but there is no guarantee that the follicle will not start growing.
Therefore, it is also impossible to exclude the possibility of fertilization during this period.
Unplanned fertilization during lactation can occur, doctors say. The fact is that during breastfeeding, fertility decreases, but does not freeze completely. And if a woman is breastfeeding her baby on schedule rather than on demand, or if she alternates between breastfeeding and formula, the chances of getting pregnant again are quite high.
Increasing the intervals between feedings or complete weaning of the baby from the breast reduces the level of oxytocin and prolactin in the blood. This, in turn, starts the process of follicle growth and ovulation, the resumption of the menstrual cycle. If you are not planning a second child in the first year after the birth of the first, consider contraception.
How can you tell if you are pregnant while breastfeeding? Not easy enough.
Breastfeeding mothers often simply do not notice the classic signs of the birth of a new life in the womb, attributing them to the natural postpartum state of the body. Indeed, insomnia, anxiety, excessive fatigue, nausea and back pain are quite typical phenomena for a woman who has recently given birth. And the most obvious symptom of pregnancy - the absence of menstruation - is completely written off, since they are not there anyway. How do you know if you are pregnant or not?
See also: The second child in the family
The first signs of pregnancy during breastfeeding may be:
This symptom can be attributed to sleep deprivation at night and baby care, which takes all your strength. However, if you notice that you are getting tired more than usual and in the morning you feel completely overwhelmed, even if the baby did not wake up at night, buy a pregnancy test.
This may be due to cystitis or kidney disease, or it may be one of the symptoms of a new pregnancy. Our body is designed in this way: as soon as a new life is born in the womb, the body increases blood flow to provide the unborn baby with all the necessary substances. This in turn causes the kidneys to produce more urine. Do you often go to the toilet? Make an appointment with a gynecologist and buy a pregnancy test.
This may be due not only to stagnation of milk, but also to a new pregnancy. Changes in the amount of estrogen and progesterone cause those very painful sensations in the mammary glands. Are you seeing this symptom in yourself? Buy a test.
Anything can make you feel sick, including an increase in the concentration of hCG in the blood. This hormone increases during pregnancy. Take blood tests and take a pregnancy test.
It will respond to changes in the composition of urine, even during lactation.
When a new pregnancy occurs, the hormonal background changes. Because of this, the taste of breast milk changes, its consistency thickens and it becomes smaller. Therefore, your baby may refuse to take the breast, will be naughty and constantly demand to eat.
Another baby in the family is a joy. You should be aware of the possible risks and positive aspects that a new pregnancy promises.
It is much easier to bring up children who are the same age as children with a difference in age of several years. They have a common daily routine, common interests and toys for two. It will be easier for you to adjust.
Possible risks:
Keeping an unplanned pregnancy or not is entirely up to you. If the first pregnancy and first birth went without complications, it is quite possible to bear a healthy child.
Nausea during pregnancy: why you feel sick and what to do about it
Sex during pregnancy
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And if driving is a recreation for you, then why give it up? In addition, if a woman feels confident enough behind the wheel of a car, she can make her life much easier for the next nine months. Of course, during this period, there are quite a few restrictions for the expectant mother. The car is no exception. In order to feel comfortable, you just need to follow a few basic rules.
The traditional posture with a straight back and bent legs can be uncomfortable. Move the driver's seat back so that there is at least 10 centimeters of free space between your stomach and the steering wheel, and tilt the back slightly. But just remember that this should not impair visibility. For back pain, massage capes for seats woven from wooden balls or tarpaulin with an air gap help well, you can also put an ordinary pillow under your back. If desired, you can also install an armrest.
Follow the rules of the road. After all, now you are risking not only your health, but also the life of your unborn child. In icy conditions, there are a few more special rules that will help minimize the risk of accidents.
First, avoid emergency braking. Many women - as soon as the green traffic light starts flashing - brake without looking in the rearview mirror. The yellow light exists in order to complete the movement and not create emergency situations.
If on a dry road you are only scolded for such behavior, then in winter the consequences can be much more sad.
Second, do not drive in neutral. On a slippery road with such behavior, you risk losing control of the car.
And thirdly, be prepared to skid. No one is safe from skidding, even if you always drive much quieter than the speed limit and only in the extreme right lane. It is necessary at least theoretically to learn the rules of behavior during drifts.
And, fourthly, don't forget to change your tires to winter ones!
Sometimes breakdowns occur suddenly and usually at the most inopportune moment. Therefore, it is advisable to always have a mobile phone with you in order to quickly call for help.
Do not do heavy physical work yourself, even if it seems elementary. You can simply overestimate your strength. Do not hesitate to seek help from strangers or traffic police officers. It is unlikely that anyone will refuse a woman, and especially in such a position.
And one more thing. Do not try to dig the car out of the snow yourself. Either leave it in the garage (in the parking lot), or ask someone for help.
Feel free to stop and rest. Get out of the car, walk a little, stretch, in general - do everything to relax and relieve tension. Don't forget the eyes. From a long drive, and especially at night, they quickly get tired. As soon as you feel unwell, do not continue driving. It is better to leave the car and get to the house by public transport or taxi.
Always have juice, mineral water or an apple in the cabin. This will help make long standing in a traffic jam less tedious and relieve tension.
Always carry your passport, medical policy and exchange card with you. Enclose a piece of paper with the coordinates of your loved ones in the documents. Without these papers, you may not be admitted to the nearest maternity ward. And why create unnecessary problems for yourself at such a crucial moment?
Even if the deadline is still very far away, you never know what can happen.
You should always be prepared for the unexpected. Of course, childbirth, and especially the first, are rarely rapid. And, most likely, you will have time to calmly get home, pack up and get to a pre-selected maternity hospital.
Special talk about it. It is with seat belts that most of the questions are connected. Buckle up or not? Is it too much pressure on the stomach?
No matter how hard the seat belt puts pressure on the stomach, it cannot harm the baby. The baby in the uterus is surrounded on all sides by amniotic fluid, which protects him from external influences on the mother's belly.
Many expectant mothers complain that the seat belt only creates additional inconvenience and distraction from the road. But, unfortunately, no matter how carefully you drive, no one is immune from accidents. Probably, you should not rely on chance and it is better to protect yourself and the child as much as possible. Therefore, try not to neglect the seat belt.
Just do your best to create maximum comfort. In the event of sudden braking or a collision, it is the seat belt that will protect you from hitting the steering wheel.
When buckling up, follow these simple rules:
You won't have to freeze for a long time at stops waiting for public transport. And then all the way to the house to be tightly squeezed between someone's backs, inhaling unpleasant odors.
You don't have to be ashamed of those around you if you really want to unbutton your clothes. Winter clothes for pregnant women are usually heavy and bulky. And behind the wheel there is an opportunity even in the cold to “walk” in a comfortable jacket.
You can always stop, rest, relax and even lie down.
You should not drive if:
In this state, it is impossible to concentrate on the road. In general, when deciding whether or not to drive in the next nine months, you must be guided primarily by your desires and realistically evaluate your driving skills.
// Glob Food Sec - 2021 - Vol29 - NNULL - p.; PMID:33884257 
// J Psychoactive Drugs - 2021 - Vol - NNULL - p.1-9; PMID:33781175 
