Since you’ve become pregnant, you’ve probably noticed how much more tired you’ve become. Maybe you’re absolutely fine one minute and the next you’re overcome with exhaustion.

It is extremely common to feel bouts of exhaustion when you’re pregnant, especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy as your hormones start to shift pretty drastically.

But you may also find yourself battling with tiredness in the later months too.

Before we go into some sleep solutions for you, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you might be feeling more tired than usual.

Why am I feeling so tired?

During the first 12 weeks, hormonal changes not only make you feel more tired and emotional than usual but also bring on the uncomfortable sensation of nausea.
As your baby grows, it’s likely that you’ll feel tired from carrying the extra weight. And not only that, but it gets harder to find a comfortable position to sleep.
During the night as your baby presses against your bladder, you may find yourself needing the toilet a lot more than usual, and because you may struggle to empty your bladder completely, you will likely have the constant feeling of needing the toilet even when you’ve just been. This can keep you from getting the much needed rest you desire.
Many women report having strange or even disturbing dreams about labour and the birth, which can leave you feeling under-rested and anxious the next day. If you’re feeling concerned by these strange dreams, just know that this is completely normal and most women go through this.

Now let’s take a look at some ways that you can manage your tiredness and sleep problems.

How can I manage my tiredness during pregnancy?

Eat healthily including plenty of fruit and veg, healthy carbs, dairy and a good amount of protein.
Make time to sit with your feet up and see if your partner can give you a foot rub.
Ask friends or family for support with your daily errands, housework and food shopping.
If you’re having strange dreams about a disturbing birth or anything else that causes you anxiety, remember that just because you had a dream about something, it doesn't mean it’s going to come true. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can help to relieve the anxiety you may be feeling. You can ask your midwife for advice on this.
Avoid drinking caffeine and consuming sugary foods and drinks, or at least cut down considerably. If you can’t function without your daily cup of coffee then try not to have it later than mid-afternoon so it doesn’t keep you awake at night. The same goes for sugary foods and drinks. Try to keep your sugar fixes for the mornings!
Consider trying out an antenatal yoga or pilates class. Just make sure you tell the instructor that you’re pregnant. Exercise energises you so try to do some physical activity, even if you don’t feel like it.

It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance throughout your pregnancy journey.

How do I manage my tiredness and sleep problems during pregnancy?