Does Second Trimester Fatigue Get You Down? Here’s Help!
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It’s frustrating. Sometimes even discouraging. While you’re still reeling from second trimester fatigue, many of your friends discuss how they had a burst of energy during their second trimester —maybe even going as far as calling it the “honeymoon phase.”
But you’ve yet to experience this energy, and you remain exhausted and overwhelmed. You need relief, and we’re here to help.
Yes, many women do get an energetic lift during the second trimester, but every pregnancy is different—and you should go to an OBGYN who understands that. This is why we always take time to get to know you, your medical history and your unique situation.
If second-trimester fatigue is taking a toll, we’ve got practical solutions to help you feel more energized. Plus, we’ll address some of the most common questions from our other moms-to-be who are experiencing the same exhaustion.
5 Effective Solutions for Second Trimester Fatigue
Fatigue has a physical, emotional and mental impact on your life. It makes it difficult for you to concentrate and causes daily activities to be almost overwhelming. We believe taking care of yourself is a priority, so we’ve outlined five of our recommended solutions for second trimester fatigue.
1. Make Sleep a Priority
We know: How can you sleep when there is so much to do? Too often, it seems like there’s no time for rest, especially with all the preparations for a new baby. However, a good night’s sleep is vital for your body to recharge. We encourage you to practice good sleep hygiene to promote refreshing rest.
2. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
A good diet is what your body craves during the second trimester. We also encourage foods rich in iron to help combat any pregnancy-related anemia. We also recommend eating smaller, more frequent meals and staying hydrated.
3. Participate in Pregnancy-Safe Exercises
Moderate exercise can boost your energy levels and improve your sleep quality. Unsure which exercises are safe during pregnancy? We’re here to help! Reach out to us for tailored recommendations on the best exercises for each trimester.
4. Manage Stress
We care about much more than your obstetric health; we care about your overall health, and that includes your emotional well-being. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your mood, and the stress of having a new baby only compounds the situation.
We encourage you to implement relaxation techniques like meditation and prenatal yoga. If stress is making it difficult for you to function in everyday life, we recommend speaking with someone whether that’s a trusted friend or professional counselor.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
We see it all too often. So many of our patients think they have to be “supermom” and do it all. Remember that this is a time to take care of you—and a big part of that is delegating tasks. You are not in this alone. In fact, you may be surprised by how many are willing to pitch in and assist you.
Why Am I So Tired in My Second Trimester?
As we mentioned earlier, most women generally have more energy in the second trimester, but it’s not unusual for fatigue to continue. After all, your body is busy nourishing a new human being!
There are a lot of reasons why you may feel exhausted at this stage, and they include:
- Hormonal changes: Progesterone, a hormone that prepares your uterine lining for pregnancy, can cause fatigue. Remember that hormonal changes can also disrupt sleep patterns.
- Physical demands: Your body is not only working to support you, but it’s also supporting your developing baby! These increased physical and metabolic demands can drain your energy.
- Sleep problems: We’ve already mentioned how hormones can interfere with sleep, but back aches and frequent urination can also interfere with uninterrupted rest.
- Emotional issues: It’s natural to be a bit anxious about pregnancy–especially if this is your first child. As a result, this nervousness may cause fatigue. But we don’t want you to worry—please tell us all your concerns so we can put your mind at ease. Remember: You’re not alone!
Is It Normal To Be Exhausted During the Second Trimester?
We recognize that every pregnancy is different, and that’s why we care for you as an individual. Don’t compare yourself to other pregnancies or what your friends and family may have experienced. Recognize that you are a unique woman with specific needs for your trimester.
You may have heard of the second trimester referred to as the “honeymoon trimester” or the “happy trimester.” This is because most women have a burst of energy during this time, and they dedicate it to getting things ready for the arrival of their baby.
But what if you’re not “most women?”
That’s okay. As we mentioned earlier, every pregnancy is different, and if your energy level is still low during the second trimester, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. We’ll work with you to be sure you’re getting the nutrients you need, including iron, to help make this trimester easier for you.
That being said, there are some warning signs that indicate you need to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Contact us for an appointment if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting. Fatigue can also be caused by gestational diabetes, an iron deficiency or issues with your thyroid gland.
How Much Sleep Do I Need in the Second Trimester?
So many of our patients tell us that sleep is a challenge during pregnancy. We generally recommend getting seven and a half hours of sleep a night to help support your body’s role in nourishing your baby.
But we also realize that’s easier said than done.
If sleepless nights are causing extreme fatigue, please speak with us. We’ll look at your individual case and come up with some safe and effective solutions together.
Don’t Let Second Semester Fatigue Get You Down! Schedule an Appointment Today
No two pregnancies are alike, and if you’re experiencing second trimester fatigue, we encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can rule out any causes such as gestational diabetes and iron deficiencies.
Remember, we want to be partners in your care throughout your entire life—not just your childbearing years. See why we have consistently been rated the best OBGYN in Orange and Durham counties. Schedule an appointment today.
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American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: “FAQs Having a Baby.“ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/having-a-baby
American Pregnancy Organization: “Fatigue During Pregnancy.” https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-concerns/fatigue-during-pregnancy/
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
