Fatigue in pregnancy: third trimester

In the third trimester, carrying a growing baby can make walking, working and changing position more tiring. Back discomfort, reflux, leg cramps, frequent urination and fetal movement can interrupt sleep. Emotional stress and the demands of preparing for birth may also drain energy. Anaemia can present with fatigue, dizziness, paleness, headaches, a racing heartbeat or breathlessness. Fatigue itself does not identify whether anaemia or another condition is present.

A sudden change is more useful to report than a comparison with someone else. Note whether you can manage usual activities, whether rest helps, and whether symptoms such as swelling, headache or visual changes accompany the tiredness.

Plan short rest periods, place frequently used items within easy reach and ask for help with lifting, errands and household work. Use pillows to support comfortable sleep, keep regular meals and fluids, and take gentle activity only as advised by your maternity team. Keep antenatal appointments and discuss blood-test results. If iron deficiency is found, your clinician can explain whether iron therapy is appropriate rather than relying on self-treatment.

Call your maternity team for fatigue that is rapidly worsening, unusually intense or paired with breathlessness, fainting, palpitations, fever, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, visual changes or sudden swelling. Contact maternity services urgently if your baby’s movements are reduced or changed from the pattern you have been told to expect. Severe breathing difficulty or collapse requires emergency help.

Could my fatigue be related to anaemia or another pregnancy complication? Do I need repeat blood tests? How can I adapt rest, activity and nutrition for the weeks ahead?