Tired All the Time? Let’s Talk About Pregnancy Fatigue and How to Feel More Energised
Are you feeling exhausted during pregnancy and wondering if it’s normal to be this tired? You're not alone. Pregnancy fatigue is one of the most common symptoms expecting mums experience – especially in the first and third trimesters.
If you’re struggling to stay awake during the day or feel like you can’t get enough rest, this blog is for you. Let’s explore why tiredness in pregnancy happens, what might be causing it (including low iron levels in pregnancy), and simple things you can do to help restore your energy.
Why Am I So Tired During Pregnancy?
Many women feel extremely tired in early pregnancy, and the fatigue can often return later as your body prepares for birth. Here's why this happens:
Hormonal changes in pregnancy – Increased progesterone acts like a natural sedative.
Increased blood volume and metabolism – Your body is working harder to grow your baby.
Poor sleep during pregnancy – Common due to discomfort, night-time trips to the toilet, or vivid dreams.
Low iron in pregnancy – Iron-deficiency anaemia is a leading cause of fatigue and affects many pregnant women.
Emotional stress – Managing work, family, and physical changes can be draining.
If you're constantly wondering, “Why am I so tired during pregnancy?”—these factors are likely playing a role.
How to Manage Fatigue in Pregnancy
Here are practical and supportive ways to manage pregnancy tiredness and support your energy levels.
1. Eat an Iron-Rich Diet During Pregnancy
Low iron levels are one of the most common causes of pregnancy fatigue. Focus on foods high in iron:
Heme iron (animal-based): red meat, chicken, turkey, liver, eggs.
Non-heme iron (plant-based): lentils, beans, tofu, spinach, pumpkin seeds, iron-fortified cereals.
To increase absorption, pair iron-rich meals with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, kiwifruit, tomatoes or capsicum.
If you’re feeling consistently drained, ask your midwife or GP to check your ferritin and iron levels. Iron supplementation may be needed.
2. Go to Bed Earlier
One of the best things you can do is prioritise sleep during pregnancy.
Create a calming bedtime routine (stretching, warm bath, reading).
Avoid screens for 30–60 minutes before bed.
Listen to your body – if you’re tired at 8pm, get into bed!
Adequate rest is essential for your body to function well during pregnancy and to support your baby’s growth.
3. Build Daily Rest Into Your Routine
You don’t need to be ‘doing’ all the time. Taking short breaks throughout the day helps reduce mental and physical exhaustion in pregnancy.
Nap for 20–30 minutes if you can.
Sit down while cooking or folding laundry.
Ask for help with household tasks or childcare.
4. Don’t Overload Your Schedule
Pregnancy is a time to slow down – not to do more.
Keep your weekly schedule light and manageable.
Leave space between appointments.
Say “no” when your body says you need rest.
This is especially important in the third trimester, when tiredness in late pregnancy becomes more noticeable.
When to Seek Help
While pregnancy tiredness is normal, extreme or persistent fatigue can be a sign of something more—like iron deficiency anaemia, thyroid issues, or even prenatal depression.
Talk to your healthcare provider if:
Your fatigue is severe and unrelenting.
You feel faint, breathless or unusually weak.
You’re having trouble coping day-to-day.
Support Your Body with Pregnancy Osteopathic Treatment
Osteopathic care during pregnancy can help reduce physical tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation—often helping mums-to-be feel more rested and comfortable.
If pregnancy fatigue is accompanied by aches and pains or disrupted sleep, gentle hands-on treatment can support your body’s natural rhythms and reduce strain.
Book an appointment with Sarah today and give your body the support it deserves during this incredible time.