Fatigue in the eighth month of pregnancy

A growing baby and uterus can make movement and sleep less comfortable. Backache, reflux, leg cramps, frequent urination and anxiety about birth may interrupt rest. Anaemia is another possible cause of tiredness and may also bring dizziness, breathlessness or a pounding heartbeat. Dehydration, infection, low food intake and emotional strain can add to low energy.

Fatigue does not diagnose any one condition. If you also have severe headache, visual changes, swelling that appears suddenly, upper abdominal pain, fever, painful urination or reduced fetal movement, contact your maternity service promptly rather than waiting for a routine visit.

Rest when your body signals a need, use pillows to support a comfortable side-lying position, and keep regular meals and fluids. Gentle activity can help some people, but stop if it causes pain, dizziness, contractions or breathlessness. Ask before starting iron or other supplements, and keep antenatal appointments so blood tests and blood pressure checks are not missed. Share sleep problems and mood changes with your midwife or obstetric clinician.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fluid leaking, regular painful contractions, severe headache with visual changes, or a noticeable reduction in fetal movement. Contact your maternity team for sudden exhaustion with fever, persistent vomiting, dizziness or symptoms that feel significantly different from your usual pregnancy tiredness.

Ask whether your recent blood count suggests anaemia and whether your blood pressure, urine and symptoms need review. Discuss sleep position, hydration, safe activity, supplements, fetal movement and any new medicines.