What Causes Extreme Fatigue During Pregnancy?

Posted on Sun, 11 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Jun 2017 Answered on

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am suffering from extreme fatigue during 4th month of pregnancy which doesn't allow me to do anything and I lose my breath very easily. what should I do to feel better and energized

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Some possible causes of pathological fatigue in pregnancy to be ruled out.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

The solution of your problem depends on the cause of the fatigue.
In order to understand that, you will need a good physical exam, history of your health and some labs.

Here are some possible causes and labs to rule out abnormal fatigue in pregnancy:
- Anemia: Consider doing a complete blood count
- Hypothyroidism: Consider doing a TSH to rule that out.
- Check at least monthly your blood pressure and do a urine analyse. These are routinely recommended to be done during pregnancy.
- Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids. Try to double the amount of fluids you generally drink.
- Vitamin deficiency: Take a prenatal vitamin.

Maybe you have done these and all have turned out normal. In that case most probably is just normal fatigue which happens during pregnancy. Follow anyway the last 2 advises I have given above.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D