Fatigue is one of the earliest and most common symptoms of pregnancy. It’s typically caused by hormonal changes and an increase in progesterone. Many women feel exhausted in early pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Here’s a look at how long pregnancy fatigue typically lasts.
When does pregnancy fatigue start?
Fatigue often starts as early as the first week after conception, when progesterone levels begin to rise rapidly. Progesterone is a hormone that helps relax smooth muscle tissue throughout the body and also has a sedating effect. The sudden surge in progesterone causes feelings of tiredness and sleepiness for many women.
Some research shows that 90% of women report feeling more fatigued in early pregnancy. The fatigue is most pronounced during the first trimester but tends to improve during the second trimester as the body adjusts to hormonal changes.
Why am I so tired in early pregnancy?
There are several reasons why fatigue is common in the first trimester:
- Rising progesterone levels – Progesterone has a sedative effect on the body that can make you feel sleepy.
- Lower blood pressure – Blood pressure drops in early pregnancy, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to tissues.
- Lower blood sugar – Blood sugar levels may drop due to hormonal changes, leading to fatigue.
- Increased blood production – More blood needs to be produced to supply oxygen to the developing baby, which demands extra energy.
- Poor sleep quality – Many women have trouble sleeping soundly in early pregnancy due to nausea, frequent urination, and worrying.
All of these changes place higher demands on the body, meaning more rest and sleep are needed. It’s the body’s way of telling you to take it easy during this critical developmental period.
When does the fatigue peak?
Most women find that exhaustion peaks around weeks 8-12 of pregnancy. The first trimester is when the most significant hormonal changes are happening and the body is working hard to support the developing fetus. The placenta isn’t fully functional yet, so the baby is relying on the mother for nourishment.
During this time, fatigue can be overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to feel the need to take naps or go to bed much earlier than normal. The fatigue may be amplified by other common first-trimester symptoms like nausea, breast soreness, frequent urination, and mood swings.
How long does first trimester fatigue last?
For most women, significant fatigue lasts through the end of the first trimester, around week 13. Some women may continue to feel tired into the early parts of the second trimester, but the fatigue usually starts to wane around weeks 14-16.
The second trimester is often considered the “honeymoon” phase of pregnancy when energy levels start to return to normal. Nausea subsides, sleep quality improves, and the body has adjusted to the hormonal changes. While fatigue can still come and go, most women start to feel much more like themselves again by weeks 16-20.
Tips for coping with first trimester fatigue
Here are some tips for dealing with exhaustion in early pregnancy:
- Take naps and rest when needed.
- Go to bed earlier.
- Ask for help with household chores.
- Reduce stress and avoid overscheduling.
- Eat small, frequent meals for steady energy.
- Include protein with every meal and snack.
- Exercise moderately – walking helps boost energy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Take vitamin B12, iron, or prenatal vitamins if approved by your doctor.
- Avoid large amounts of caffeine.
Keep in mind that growing a baby is hard work! Resting and taking it easy are important, especially in early pregnancy. While frustrating, fatigue is a normal part of the first trimester. Staying patient and listening to your body’s needs for extra sleep can help you cope.
When to see a doctor
Fatigue that does not get better with extra rest may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as:
- Anemia – Low iron can cause exhaustion.
- Hypothyroidism – An underactive thyroid slows metabolism.
- Gestational diabetes – Causes unstable blood sugar.
- Depression or anxiety.
- Chronic health conditions.
Talk to your doctor if:
- Fatigue is severe and makes it hard to do daily tasks
- Fatigue doesn’t start to improve by the second trimester
- You have other symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath
Diagnosing and properly managing any underlying medical issue can help minimize exhaustion during pregnancy.
When does the energy return?
Most women start feeling their energy return by weeks 14-16 of pregnancy. The second trimester brings relief from first trimester symptoms like nausea and frequent urination that can disrupt sleep. As the placenta takes over more hormone and nutrient production for the baby, the mother’s body regains strength and stamina.
Some women feel almost back to their usual selves in the second trimester with an energy boost. For others, fatigue comes and goes but is less constant and overwhelming. Staying active with light exercise, eating nutritious foods, and getting adequate rest helps maintain energy levels.
That said, tiring more easily can happen again in late pregnancy as the baby grows larger and puts more demands on the mother’s body. But the profound exhaustion of the first trimester usually subsides.
Managing fatigue in the second & third trimesters
Here are some tips for combating fatigue if it occurs later in pregnancy:
- Continue taking naps and rests as needed.
- Go to bed earlier or sleep in when possible.
- Sit down to do tasks like cooking, folding laundry.
- Do grocery shopping online for delivery.
- Ask family and friends for help around the house.
- Plan outings and tasks for times when energy is highest.
- Reduce standing time by working at a desk or table.
- Wear compression socks to improve circulation.
- Increase protein intake to 70-100g per day.
- Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.
Balancing periods of activity and rest can help prevent fatigue from becoming overwhelming. Be sure to listen to your body’s needs for extra rest as your due date approaches.
Conclusion
Fatigue in early pregnancy is very common due to rising progesterone levels, blood volume changes, poor sleep and other factors. Most women find it peaks from week 8-12 but starts to improve by the second trimester. While frustrating, exhaustion is usually not a cause for concern and resolves by weeks 14-16 as the mother’s body adjusts to the demands of pregnancy. Getting extra rest, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising moderately can help manage fatigue. But be sure to consult a doctor if exhaustion is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms. With time and patience, an expectant mother’s energy levels will return to normal.