everyone told me just wait until the end of your first/beginning of your second trimester and you’ll finally start to feel better. 14 weeks today and this is the worst my nausea, vomiting and fatigue have gotten in a longgg time. was so hopeful i’d start feeling better soon but all of my symptoms are worse 😩
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Fatigue in the First Trimester
Fatigue in the First Trimester
Fatigue during the first trimester is an overwhelming sense of tiredness and a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women.
This type of exhaustion is more than just feeling sleepy; it's a deep, physical sensation of needing rest.
It's primarily caused by hormonal changes, especially the increase in progesterone, and the body's extra effort to support the developing fetus.
Is It Normal?
Feeling fatigued in the first trimester is completely normal and very common. It's one of the body's natural responses to the changes and demands of early pregnancy. Most women find that this fatigue eases as they move into the second trimester.
Percentage of Women Affected
A significant majority of pregnant women experience fatigue:
- First Month: About 60-70% of women report feeling more tired than usual.
- Second Month: The prevalence may increase, with up to 80% experiencing fatigue.
- Third Month: While some women start to regain their energy, many still report feeling fatigued.
Tips to Prevent and Care for Fatigue
- Prioritize Rest: Listen to your body and rest when you feel tired. Napping and going to bed early can be helpful.
- Balanced Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet and small, frequent meals can maintain energy levels.
- Gentle Exercise: Engaging in light exercise like walking or prenatal yoga can boost energy and improve sleep.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
"First trimester fatigue is a sign that your body is working hard to nurture your growing baby. It's important to honor your body's need for rest during this time. Prioritize sleep, eat nutritious foods, and stay hydrated. While it's essential to rest, incorporating mild exercise can also improve energy levels. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. If fatigue is accompanied by other symptoms like severe nausea or dizziness, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider."
When Should I Consult?
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- Fatigue is severe and persistent, affecting your daily activities.
- You experience additional symptoms like severe dizziness, breathlessness, or heart palpitations.
- You're unable to maintain a balanced diet due to nausea or other issues.
- There's a sudden change in your energy levels.
Top Asked Questions
- Is extreme fatigue a normal part of early pregnancy? While fatigue is normal, extreme tiredness should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
- Can taking prenatal vitamins help reduce fatigue? Prenatal vitamins can help address nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to fatigue.
- How long does first trimester fatigue usually last? For most women, fatigue improves as they enter the second trimester.
- Are there any specific foods that can help combat fatigue? Foods rich in iron, protein, and complex carbohydrates can help maintain energy levels.
Sources
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Guidelines on pregnancy-related fatigue.
- National Health Service (NHS) UK: Advice on managing fatigue during pregnancy.
- Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Research studies focusing on pregnancy-related hormonal changes and their impact on energy levels.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): General recommendations for health and nutrition during pregnancy.
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Daisy
11 Aug 2023
Third trimester is starting to feel like my first. My appetite is low, my fatigue is up and I feel like I’m not eating enough. Almost 29 weeks and my weight hasn’t changed in like 2 mos I actually lost a pound. Anybody else? The heartburn is so bad like I literally can’t eat much ☹️ #28weeks #thirdtrimester #lossofappetite
Samantha
All of this!! Word for word me and I’m 29&5
27 Mar 2024
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LeNayah
13 Jun 2023
i know this is crazy but im actually enjoying every moment of this first trimester ! The fatigue, The mild cramps and the cravings. I just feel like i waited my whole life to be pregnant I wanted to experience the good the bad and the ugly - slowly waiting for the morning sickness 🥴😂
Xena
I felt that way with my first too. He didn't give me no trouble. My second however was like "let's ride" so many issues with her. But she's out and almost 2 months old well worth it for sure.
27 Mar 2024
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Addison
I’m enjoying it as well! I look at all the symptoms as signs that my baby is healthy and that’s worth it to me!
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Adriana
13 Jun 2023
Anybody else still have fatigue? Theirs times I don’t want to do anything but lay in bed. All my blood work looks good. I’m 20 weeks but feel like I’m in the first trimester again 😩
Alicia
Girl your creating a whole human! I’m pretty sure you’re going to be tired for a while and as you probably know, get all the sleep you can now cause in 19 weeks that will change lol
27 Mar 2024
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Amari
I been sleep since I got pregnant 😂
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Alondra
29 May 2023
I’m 19 weeks. Can’t wait to find out the gender. Sometime in June. I’m rooting for a baby girl. Did anybody have a lot of fatigue and nausea during first trimester and it was a baby girl ?
Mina
I’m having a girl and I had no nausea but I’m fatigue a little but only weeks 11-13. I just got to 13 weeks today.
27 Mar 2024
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Morgan
18 May 2023
Hi Mamas. Currently 33 weeks and I’m feeling like the first trimester but with the added weight of the pregnancy. Nauseous (have not gotten sick though), food aversions, extreme fatigue, stuffy nose, the works. Also having swelling in ankles but not pre-eclampsia according to my provider. Feeling pretty miserable. Anyone else experiencing this at this stage?
Tisha
Yup! I'm 33 weeks & all of a sudden, my blood pressure wants to keep going up. I'm super tired and barely can stay woke & these feet & ankles are humongous 😂 I'm so over it!!!
27 Mar 2024
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Morgan
Oh no! I’m sorry you’re going through that, but also relieved that I’m not the only one. I haven’t had blood pressure increases or anything, please keep a watchful eye on yourself 🫶🏼
So ready to not be pregnant anymore 😅
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Jamie
21 Jan 2023
Hello mom's to be has everybody been extremely tired throughout their first trimester
Erica
Yess literally be in the bed sleeping all day like wtf
27 Mar 2024
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Samantha
Yes! And nauseous too.
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Kiara
13 Jan 2023
Beginning of third trimester and fatigue and insomnia are kicking my butt all the while being a full time student and having part time job on weekends ugh. Due date March 25th getting more nervous
🌼Daisy🌼
I’m also in the beginning of my third trimester and here come the insomnia again…the first trimester I had it second I didn’t and now I have it again my third 🥴
27 Mar 2024
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Slim
Same I’m in the beginning of my third and Im starting back school this coming up Tuesday! I’ve already been sleeping allll day and just up at night around 7till 5-6am it’s killing me
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Linda Shay
28 Nov 2022
Anyone else pregnant with twins or was feel constant fatigue even in the 2nd trimester. I’m always tired and I’m 15 weeks now. 😭
Tiffany
I’m pregnant with twins but I’m 8 weeks. I can’t sleep at night and I’m always nauseous. I’m tired because I can’t sleep. 😞We’re you like this at 8 weeks.
27 Mar 2024
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Linda Shay
Yes girl. It was awful!! ☹️ I was nauseous every day all day and could barely sleep… Thankfully that’s all over with… I’m just still tired a lot.. 😌
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Chantalle
10 Aug 2022
Fatigue is real in the 3rd trimester 😮💨 I'm getting sleepy during the day and slowly starting to feel every ounce of pressure
Kim
I feel like when he moves my bladder area feels funny now! Lol.
27 Mar 2024
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Chantalle
girl same! I feel like he is gonna pop his head out
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