Feeling tired in the third trimester

Tiredness can build as daily movement takes more effort, sleep is interrupted and the body prepares for birth. Stress, low mood, too little food or fluid and an infection can add to it. Anaemia is another possible contributor and may occur with dizziness, paleness, a pounding heart or breathlessness. The duration and effect on your routine matter more than a single tired day. Tiredness itself cannot tell you which condition, if any, is involved.

Choose the tasks that matter most, break them into smaller periods and rest before you are completely worn out. Gentle walking or stretching may support comfort if your maternity team has not restricted activity. Eat regularly, include varied nutritious foods and keep water nearby. Improve sleep by limiting stimulating screens before bed, using pillows for support and keeping the room comfortable. Tell someone you trust if exhaustion is affecting mood, concentration or safe movement, and review any medicines with a clinician.

Arrange a maternity review if tiredness is worsening, lasts despite reasonable rest or makes eating, washing, working or moving around difficult. Seek prompt advice for breathlessness, fainting, chest pain, fever, severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling or reduced baby movements. Emergency help is appropriate for collapse, severe breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding. A clinician can check blood pressure, hydration, blood count and other symptoms rather than assuming the tiredness is simply pregnancy.

What symptoms would make my tiredness more concerning? Should I have a blood count or other checks? Is my sleep position and activity level suitable? Could my mood, diet, hydration or medicines be contributing? What is the best way to monitor baby movements?