When I was six months along with my youngest, staying awake past 7:30 PM felt impossible. After tucking in my other two children, I would slip into my cozy robe, wrap myself up, and apply a nasal strip (thank you, pregnancy rhinitis) before succumbing to sleep. No amount of enthusiasm for a show or a romantic dinner with my partner could keep me from drifting off. My husband would often glance at me from across the room, pleading for me to stay awake. I could sense his loneliness, but the pull of sleep was far stronger. Guilt washed over me like syrup on pancakes, but it wasn’t enough to keep my eyes open.
As the weeks passed, my weight increased, and my body ached for rest. I often felt like I had taken a few sedatives mixed with a fruity drink. Discussing my exhaustion with my midwife brought some relief; she told me, “He’ll just have to deal with it. You’re growing a heart and lungs. You are creating a human.” Her words validated the challenge I faced.
The reality is, pregnancy is undeniably draining—no exceptions. Some women feel fatigued during the first trimester, while others experience the struggle towards the end. Many of us feel tired for the entire duration. Even if you’re solely focused on growing that little one, the process itself is exhausting enough to warrant endless naps and dreams of 12-hour slumbers, interrupted only by cravings.
For most expectant mothers, however, pregnancy is just one aspect of life. Many juggle other children, work commitments, or even both. Add daily responsibilities like laundry, dishes, and grocery shopping into the mix, and it becomes nearly impossible to navigate the day without looking like a zombie.
It’s common to feel as if normalcy may never return; I often questioned my vitality and whether I’d regain my energy. But I always recalled my midwife’s reassuring words. When you truly consider the marvel of our bodies—how they can produce skin, hair, and even eyeballs—it becomes easier to embrace the exhaustion. So, give yourself permission to rest as much as needed.
Your energy will resurface when it’s ready, whether your child is eight months or eighteen years old. Prioritize self-care and do what it takes to manage your pregnancy and those early months. Don’t hesitate to establish boundaries or take a break, even if it means taking a hiatus from household chores. You have far more pressing matters to attend to.
This exhaustion is completely normal, and remember, it’s okay to put the chores on the back burner every now and then. Focus on what truly matters.
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Summary
Pregnancy is an exhausting journey that can leave expectant mothers feeling drained, whether due to the physical demands of growing a baby or the juggling of various life responsibilities. It’s important to acknowledge this fatigue as a normal part of the process, prioritize self-care, and lean into the need for rest during this transformative time.