What Is The Cause Of Extreme Fatigue During Pregnancy?

According to SAEDNEWS, quoting Hamshahri Online, midwife Ghazaleh Gol Dehvar stated regarding fatigue during pregnancy: Severe fatigue in the first trimester is mainly due to a sharp increase in the hormone progesterone. During these months, the body is adapting to new hormonal changes, which leads to feelings of sleepiness and fatigue.

She added for concerned mothers: This condition is usually normal and not a cause for concern. Although it cannot be considered a definitive sign of a healthy pregnancy, it is a common physiological change and is not considered dangerous.

Regarding lifestyle recommendations, she said: The need for daytime sleep should not be ignored, and usually 8 to 10 hours of night sleep is sufficient. However, excessive daytime sleeping is not recommended because it may disrupt the night sleep pattern.

Regarding nutrition, she explained: There is no magical food for relieving hormonal fatigue. Mothers are advised to follow a balanced and diverse diet including fruits and vegetables. Vitamin intake may help improve energy levels and alertness, but it does not replace hormonal changes.

About exercise during pregnancy, she said: Light walking for 10 to 15 minutes daily can help reduce fatigue and improve blood circulation. This is recommended only if the mother has no medical restrictions such as heart problems or high-risk pregnancy conditions.

She added: Drinking enough water helps reduce fatigue. However, excessive intake (more than 10–12 glasses per day) may lead to problems such as frequent urination and nighttime urination, which can disrupt sleep and increase daytime fatigue.

Regarding fatigue patterns during pregnancy, she said: In the first trimester, fatigue is mainly hormonal. In the last trimester, it is mostly physical—due to abdominal heaviness, pressure on the diaphragm (shortness of breath), acid reflux, and frequent urination causing sleep disturbance.

She emphasized individual differences: Every pregnancy is unique. No two pregnancies are exactly the same, even if the baby’s gender is identical. Comparing pregnancies or comparing with others is not appropriate, and fatigue levels can vary widely.

The midwife concluded: If fatigue does not match normal hormonal changes or is excessively severe, medical evaluation is necessary. Conditions such as anemia (iron deficiency), thyroid disorders, heart problems, and other hormonal imbalances can cause extreme fatigue.