Pregnancy—Fatigue

Also called: Tiredness, Weariness

Everyone feels tired now and then. Sometimes you may just want to stay in bed. But, after a good night’s sleep, most people feel refreshed and ready to face a new day. If you continue to feel tired for weeks, it’s time to see your doctor. He or she may be able to help you find out what’s causing your fatigue and recommend ways to relieve it.

Fatigue itself is not a disease. Medical problems, treatments, and personal habits can add to fatigue. These include

Taking certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and medicines for nausea and pain
Having medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation
Recovering from major surgery
Anxiety, stress, or depression
Staying up too late
Drinking too much alcohol or too many caffeinated drinks
Pregnancy

One disorder that causes extreme fatigue is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities.

NIH: National Institute on Aging

Coping with cancer — managing fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)
Fatigue (Medical Encyclopedia)

So you’re going to have a baby! Whether you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, you will want to give your baby a healthy start.

You need to have regular visits with your health care provider. These prenatal care visits are very important for your baby and yourself. Some things you might do when you are pregnant could hurt your baby, such as smoking or drinking. Some medicines can also be a problem, even ones that a doctor prescribed. You will need to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet. You may also be tired and need more rest.

Your body will change as your baby grows during the nine months of your pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to call your health care provider if you think you have a problem or something is bothering or worrying you.