Feeling fatigue in pregnancy

Hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, nausea, emotional strain, and the effort of supporting a growing pregnancy can all reduce energy. Fatigue may change as pregnancy progresses. Marked tiredness can also occur with anaemia, thyroid problems, infection, low mood, or difficulty sleeping, so the symptom should be considered alongside breathlessness, paleness, dizziness, palpitations, fever, or persistent sadness. Fatigue alone does not identify a specific cause.

Rest when possible, keep a regular sleep routine, eat balanced meals and snacks, drink enough fluid, and use gentle activity if your maternity team has said it is suitable. Accept practical help and plan demanding tasks for the time of day when you feel strongest. Mention ongoing fatigue at an antenatal appointment; your clinician may review your diet, sleep, medicines, mood, and blood tests, and may discuss iron therapy if iron deficiency is found.

Contact your maternity team promptly for fatigue that is sudden, worsening, or stopping you from managing usual activities, particularly with dizziness, fainting, breathlessness at rest, racing heartbeat, fever, bleeding, severe headache, or reduced baby movements. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, or collapse.

Could anaemia, thyroid disease, infection, sleep problems, or low mood be contributing? Do I need blood tests? Is my current supplement suitable? What activity and rest pattern should I aim for?