When Is It Normal To Be Exhausted & Pregnant?

It *is* normal to be tired when pregnant.

You're using energy to grow a baby.

Your sleep is disrupted by bad dreams and back pain.

Your body does need extra rest.

But maybe your exhaustion is more than just pregnancy.  Do you nap without ever waking refreshed?  Are you taking it easy, but still feel worn out?

Me, too.

I've been asking my friends what they would do in this situation, and here are some of the problems they've experienced that contributed to pregnancy exhaustion:

Iron Deficiency or Pregnancy Anemia:

• WebMD says that women lose an average of 500 g iron with each pregnancy.  Prenatal vitamins may not be enough to make up the difference. 
• Common symptoms: pale skin, fatigue, dizziness, labored breathing.
• How to check:  easy blood test.

Gestational Diabetes:

• This is temporary form of blood-sugar imbalance.
• Common symptoms:  Mayo Clinic says none, but high blood sugar levels may cause fatigue, irritability and/or thirst.
• How to check:  screening is a normal part of prenatal care for every pregnant woman.

Thyroid Imbalance or Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy:

• Low levels of thyroid hormone can lower your baby's IQ.
• Common symptoms:  fatigue, weight gain, lethargy, constipation
• How to check:  blood test that measures antibody level.

 Prenatal Depression:

• Experts suggest it may be as or more common than postpartum depression.
• Common symptoms:  mood swings, sleeplessness, sadness, anxiety persisting for more than 2 weeks.
• How to check:  tell your doctor.  Even if you don't seek treatment while pregnant, you'll need to watch more carefully for postpartum depression.

--->But how do you know if your exhaustion is normal, or a sign of something out-of-balance? 

Tell your doctor, and don't be shy about speaking up for yourself.  At least 3 of these possibilities are easily tested in the office. 

That's just what I plan to do!