Scheduling (828) 345-0800
Request an Appointment
PATIENT PORTAL
  • 0Shopping Cart
A Woman's View | Healthcare for Women | Hickory, NC
  • Home
  • Services
    • Gynecology
      • Abnormal Pap Smear
      • Annual Exams
      • Birth Control
      • Bladder Health
      • Bone Density Screening
      • Cervical Cancer Screening
      • Endometrial Biopsy
      • Gynecologic Surgery
      • Hormone Replacement Therapy
      • Infertility
      • Menopause Management
      • Osteoporosis
      • Pelvic Organ Prolapse
      • PMS Relief
      • STD Screening & Treatment
      • Teen & Adolescent Gynecology
      • Urinary Incontinence
      • Uterine Fibroids
    • Mammography
    • Ultrasound
      • Prenatal Ultrasounds
      • Instructions for Pregnant Patients
      • Other Types of Ultrasounds
      • Instructions for Other Ultrasounds
    • Obstetrics
      • Genetic Testing
      • Instructions for Delivery
      • Postpartum Care
      • Preconception
      • Routine Prenatal Care
      • Safe Medications During Pregnancy
    • Primary Care
    • Lab Services
    • Weight Management
    • Counseling Services
  • Resources
    • Young & On Your Way
    • Oh, Baby!
    • In Full Stride
    • Aging Gracefully
    • Community Resources
    • Girl Talk Educational Sessions
    • Just Between Us Newsletter
  • Meet Us
  • Visit
    • Electronic Check-in System
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Rights & Responsibilities
    • Patient Financial Responsibility Policy
    • Privacy
    • Insurance & Billing
    • Collections Protocol
    • Card on File
    • Online Bill Pay
    • Prescription Refills
  • Location
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

First Trimester Fatigue

January 10, 2017/in Aging Gracefully, Health Library, Health Library, Health Library, In Full Stride, Resources, Young & On Your Way /by

First Trimester Fatigue

Is it common to be so tired in the first
trimester of pregnancy?

Feeling dog tired, can’t summon the
energy to do much of anything, and craving your bed? For many women, the extreme
tiredness (fatigue) of the first trimester is quite a surprise. And it’s an especially
hard transition for those who are normally go-getters with lots of energy. Women who
usually need only 6 hours of sleep at night often find they need nearly double that
during these first weeks of pregnancy. And for others, daytime tiredness is paired
with
trouble sleeping deeply or for more than a few hours at night. Nausea and vomiting
can
also be a big drain on your energy.

What causes the fatigue?

Fortunately, this is normal. It’s a
signal from your body to slow down and give it time to adjust to the incredible changes
happening inside. Hormone changes play a big role in making you feel tired, especially
the hormone progesterone. This hormone rises sharply in the first trimester. In
addition, as blood volume increases to supply the developing placenta and fetal
circulation, your heart pumps faster and stronger. This results in faster pulse and
breathing rates. Low iron levels can sometimes make you tired, as well, although this
is
more common in later pregnancy.

How long will the fatigue last?

For most women, the extreme fatigue
of the first trimester is soon forgotten with the glow and boost in energy that comes
with the second trimester. So, if it seems like all you’re doing these first few weeks
is lying around, dozing, or napping, don’t worry. It’s normal. Although fatigue often
returns in the third trimester because of disrupted sleep and increasing discomforts,
this too will pass in time.

What can you do to feel better?

  • Good nutrition and eating
    small, frequent, healthy meals can keep you going and can also help with
    nausea.

  • If you’re at work and
    fighting back drooping eyelids, try some stretches or deep breathing exercises. Or
    get up and walk around the office or take a break outside. 

  • When you can, go for a brisk
    walk around the block. A little exercise can energize you and may help you rest
    better when you do get to sleep.

  • Adapt your sleep habits. Take
    naps, if possible, during the day. You may also want to try going to bed
    earlier.

  • Drink enough fluids during
    the day and little several hours before bedtime. This may help you avoid having to
    get up to urinate during the night.

What should you avoid?

Squelch the urge to drink coffee or
other caffeinated drinks to stay alert, as the caffeine really isn’t good for your
developing baby. Instead, drink plenty of water.

It’s easy to feel guilty about not
being able to do everything like you’re used to. It’s OK to pamper yourself.  By
reducing any extra job or social commitments during these first few weeks, you can
be as
productive as possible in your regular responsibilities.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
  • English Resources
  • Recursos españoles
  • Privacy
  • Careers
  • Patient Portal
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • Employee Store Login
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
First Trimester Screening Second Trimester
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Scroll to top