In the final months of pregnancy, many women face a profound sense of fatigue, so deep it feels like it has taken root in every cell of their body. This state is often misunderstood by friends, family, and sometimes even the woman herself, labeled as a lack of willpower, laziness, or “being dramatic.” But the truth is far more complex and profound: this exhaustion is neither laziness nor drama. It is a natural reaction, a powerful signal from a body working tirelessly to accomplish one of its most incredible tasks: preparing for birth and supporting a new life. This isn’t just an opinion; it’s a reality based on an extraordinary biological process.
Why Does This Deep Fatigue Occur? A Closer Look
During the third trimester, your body transforms into a powerhouse operating 24/7. To understand why you feel this way, let’s take a more detailed look at this transformation:
- Relentless Hormonal and Physical Work: Your body is supporting the baby’s exponential growth, a job that requires massive amounts of energy. Additionally, high levels of progesterone, a key pregnancy hormone, act as a natural sedative, causing sleepiness. Building and maintaining the placenta is like growing a new organ from scratch—a process that consumes a significant number of calories and energy.
- Weight Gain and Mechanical Stress: The extra weight isn’t just a number on the scale; it’s a real load your body carries every second. The weight of the baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, and increased blood volume puts constant pressure on your back, pelvis, and legs. This makes every movement, from climbing stairs to simply getting up from a chair, an act that requires more effort and energy than before.
- Interrupted and Poor-Quality Sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep in the third trimester often feels like an unattainable luxury. Finding a comfortable position becomes a real challenge. The expanding uterus presses on the bladder, causing frequent awakenings during the night. It also pushes up against the diaphragm, making breathing shallower and more difficult. Added to this are heartburn, leg cramps, and the baby’s energetic movements precisely when you’re trying to rest. The lack of deep, restorative sleep accumulates fatigue day after day.
- Decreased Iron Levels (Anemia): During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases by nearly 50% to supply oxygen and nutrients to the baby. To produce this amount of blood, the body needs more iron. If reserves are insufficient, many women develop anemia, a condition that reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. The result? A constant feeling of sluggishness and a lack of energy.
The Power of Words: What Not to Say and What Truly Helps
Despite this undeniable physical reality, many women still hear phrases like, “You’re overreacting,” “Pregnancy isn’t an illness,” or “I was pregnant too, and I never rested a single day.” These comments, however well-intentioned, are deeply unhelpful. They add a heavy burden of psychological pressure, making an expecting mother feel guilty and ashamed for something that is completely out of her control. Every body and every pregnancy is unique. Comparing experiences is not only unnecessary but also dismisses the woman’s individual reality.
Instead, let’s strive to be a source of support and understanding.
A simple “How are you feeling today?”, a validating “You have every right to rest,” or a powerful “You’re doing an amazing job growing a human” has so much more value. Helping a pregnant woman feel seen, heard, and appreciated for her efforts is a powerful and essential form of care.
Our Care at Gliozheni Clinic
At Gliozheni Clinic, we deeply understand that pregnancy is not just a biological process but also an intense emotional and social journey. We know your fatigue is real. Therefore, our care extends beyond tests and ultrasounds. It includes active listening, creating a safe space where you can express any concern without fear of judgment, and providing unwavering support for the mother at every step of the way.
You are not alone on this journey. We are here to accompany you with professionalism and empathy, caring for both you and your baby.
To book an appointment with our doctors and receive the support you deserve, please contact us:
- Tel: +355 4 222 36 32
- Cel: +355 67 27 33 333
