H.S. asks from Johnson City, TN on April 19, 2011
30 Weeks Pregnant, and Tired ALL the Time
I am 30 weeks pregnant with my second child. My first born is 25 months old. I am very fortunate to be a SAHM. For the past few weeks, I have felt absolutely exhausted throughout the day simply taking care of my son and doing light chores. I feel so tired that all I want to do is sit or lay down. Even going to the supermarket to buy groceries zaps all my energy. I am not overweight, my blood pressure is perfect, and I don't have any iron deficiencies. Other than hyperemesis (until 20 weeks) I have had no known pregnancy related complications. I stay hydrated and eat a well-balanced diet. I feel horrible, because by the time my husband comes home from work each day, I feel like all I've accomplished is a few loads of laundry and cleaning the kitchen. I'm typically a very productive person, and I lately I feel so lazy. Is this normal?
So What Happened?™
P.S. I have had my glucose test - results came back perfect. I also have no problems with my thyroid. I have no complications other than your average pregnancy symptoms.
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M.H. answers from Atlanta on April 19, 2011
K.P. answers from Memphis on April 20, 2011
Yes, it's commonly noted that pregnant women feel zapped during their first and third trimesters, but usually feel great (or at least more energetic) during the middle trimester. I'd get your iron checked again, because even if you had adequate levels at the beginning of your pregnancy, your blood volume increases during pregnancy (a big increase in blood volume usually happens around 26-28 weeks), and you're likely to actually be low on hemoglobin. If you had your iron checked within the last few weeks, then that may not be a factor.
N.G. answers from Dallas on April 19, 2011
Yeah I remember having this problem when I was pregnant too. It was beyond tired, like the most overwhelming exhaustion that I can ever remember experiencing.
Get as much rest as you can! Good luck with your baby!
L.P. answers from Pittsfield on April 19, 2011
I think you should talk to your doctor. Have you been checked for an underactive thyroid? If not, it might be a good idea to rule that out.
S.J. answers from St. Louis on April 19, 2011
H. - this is "normal" in the sense that your body is trying to tell you something. Slow down, and rest. Please listen to it. There is nothing better you can do for you and your baby. I ignored my body's signals and ended up on bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. REST! Your main job is to make a life right now!
Eat healthy, drink lots of water, and rest. Ask others for help for things you normally do. This won't last forever.
Best wishes.
M.G. answers from Chicago on April 19, 2011
Completely normal! I'm 29 weeks with baby #3 and have 2.5 year old twins at home. I have been exhausted every day since about 22 weeks on.
W.C. answers from Lexington on April 19, 2011
TOTALLY NORMAL for any pregnancy, first or fifth. They tend to get harder with each child as you have more children to care for (especially active toddlers). But, each pregnancy is different, even for the same woman so another might not be quite as hard. My second was SO much worse than my first or third, especially in terms of exhaustion. I literally fell and slept wherever I happened to be from 2-4 daily from ~20 wks in the second pregnancy. Do your best to accept it for what it is, accommodate accordingly as possible, and encourage your husband to be understanding and do more than he normally does until you're back to 100% (if possible)! Good luck and congratulations!
C.N. answers from Louisville on April 20, 2011
Have you had your glucose test yet? Fatigue and exhaustion are common symptoms of gestational diabetes. I know the glucose testing is usally 28 weeks but sometimes physicians will wait until 30 weeks to administer.
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