18.5 Weeks & Fatigue is Back?!?!

[Cassaba]

Hi Mamas, I will be 19 weeks this Friday. During my first trimester, I had overwhelming afternoon fatigue. By about week 13, it cleared up and I've been feeling great. I have heard that it will return in the 3rd tri, but beginning yesterday, I started experiencing it again. Please tell me it's not back already! Has anyone else experienced 2nd tri fatigue??

[HeatherB]

Yes! I'm 19.5 weeks and the last week or two have been awful for fatigue. I'm really wondering if I might be anemic. Just exhausted! Granted, we've had a fair bit of stress and some short nights and long days, but I've been to bed early and trying to make up for it. I'm just zonked. And all emotional because of it.

[momasana]

I seem to have little pits of fatigue every few weeks, I figure it is just a growth spurt and my body needs to recharge. It is always followed by a few days of intense appetite.

How are your iron levels? If the fatigue is intense and doesn't let up after a few days/weeks you might have low iron.

[dejagerw]

I read somewhere that fatigue could mean you're not getting enough calories. Maybe try eating a bit more, (or snacking more often) and see if that helps.

[HeatherB]

Originally Posted by dejagerw

I read somewhere that fatigue could mean you're not getting enough calories. Maybe try eating a bit more, (or snacking more often) and see if that helps.

I am finding that to be true for me. If I don't get food quickly enough, my energy tanks to the point where even getting anything to eat feels like a huge ordeal. When I do eat, I quickly begin to feel better. Though, I don't get fully better; I'm still battling major fatigue even when eating plenty of calories regularly.

[St. Margaret]

I'm 19 weeks and very tired, too. I took TWO naps two days ago, both in the afternoon. Now that's with a 3yo talking to me the whole time But still, being able to doze off like that! I'm getting over a cold and not sleeping well at all, so that's not helping.

[MaerynPearl]

Make sure you are eating well and staying hydrated (yes dehydrated can make us fatigued!)

If you are, chalk it up to a baby growth spurt!

[Cassaba]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to have my midwife check my iron levels. I am vegetarian, so perhaps anemia is an issue. I also do think the baby is going through a growth spurt. Well... at least I seem to be going through one, LOL!

[terra-pip]

Originally Posted by Cassaba

Thanks everyone. I'm going to have my midwife check my iron levels. I am vegetarian, so perhaps anemia is an issue. I also do think the baby is going through a growth spurt. Well... at least I seem to be going through one, LOL!

I've been a vegetarian for nearly my whole life and I have never had any iron/anemia problems. If you're eating a lot of greens and legumes you should be fine. If you're vegan mostly or have some other food restrictions.. maybe. I think feeling really exhausted on and off through pregnancy is a given...just eat well, and often, and stay hydrated and get some exercise and fresh air daily!!!

[WifeofAnt]

I second the baby growing (or being more active). Sometimes I feel like I've ran a mile and wonder if the baby is burning off all my energy breakdancing or something.

[Anna's Lovey]

floridex really helped me. I'm 37 weeks and feel pretty great--except my feet are swollen so bad that the skin is like crepe paper.