Exhaustion at 37 weeks pregnant

A growing baby, extra body weight, disrupted sleep, pelvic discomfort and frequent trips to the bathroom can leave you drained. Anaemia may also cause marked tiredness, breathlessness or a racing heartbeat and can be checked with a blood test. Dehydration, infection, poor sleep or low mood can add to fatigue. Tiredness alone does not show which cause is present.

Rest when you can and accept practical help. Eat regular meals with protein and iron-containing foods, drink fluids regularly, and use pillows to support your bump while resting on your side. Gentle movement may help stiffness, but stop if you feel dizzy, breathless or unwell. Keep taking prescribed pregnancy supplements and do not start iron or other medicines without advice.

Contact your maternity unit promptly for severe or rapidly worsening exhaustion, fainting, chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, fever, bleeding, leaking fluid, regular painful contractions, or reduced baby movements. Seek emergency help for collapse, severe breathing difficulty or chest pain. If fatigue persists or prevents normal activities, arrange a review.

Ask whether your blood count needs checking, whether your symptoms suggest dehydration or infection, and which pain or sleep measures are suitable at this stage. Tell them when the exhaustion began, how it affects walking and daily tasks, and whether movements, appetite or sleep have changed.