Is it 'normal' to feel sleepy all the time in pregnancy?

I'm sorry to have to break it to you, but I'm afraid feeling totally wiped out during your pregnancy can be quite a 'normal' side effect.  But why? ... Have you considered what's causing it?

Pregnancy fatigue can actually be attributed to several factors:

**Hormonal Changes**

In early pregnancy, rising levels of progesterone can lead to increased fatigue. This hormone helps support your pregnancy but can also make you feel more tired.

**Physical Demands**

Your body is undergoing significant changes as it supports your growing baby, which, not surprisingly, uses extra energy.

**Emotional Factors**

The emotional rollercoaster that you're riding through your pregnancy can also contribute to fatigue. feelings of anxiety or excitement can disrupt your sleep, which leads us on to...

**Sleep Disruptions**

The physical discomfort, constant need to pee, and hormonal changes can interfere with your sleep quality, leading to feeling a little drained during the day.

**Nutritional Needs**

Increased nutritional demands during pregnancy can lead to fatigue if you're not meeting your body’s needs, especially for iron, folate, and protein.

**Stress**

Managing the changes that come with pregnancy, whether physical or emotional, can be taxing and contribute to feelings of fatigue.

**Dehydration**

Not drinking enough water can also lead to tiredness, as dehydration can impact your energy levels.

Understanding what's causing your tiredness can help you find ways to manage it better. 

There are some things you can do to help improve those energy levels, here's a few suggestions to get you started:

1. Prioritize Rest - Listen to your body and rest when you need to, be kind to yourself. you've also now got the perfect excuse to take naps!!
2. Stay Hydrated - Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue, treat yourself to a new water bottle that you love and take it everywhere with you!
3. Nutrition - Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Small, frequent meals can help maintain your energy levels.
4. Gentle Exercise - Light activities like walking or yoga can boost your energy and improve your mood.
5. Sleep Routine - Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
6. Limit Stress - Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or treat yourself to a massage to help reduce stress.
7. Ask for help! - Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help from family and friends with chores or other responsibilities.  you don't have to be superwoman and do it all yourself.
8. Monitor your Iron Levels - Low iron can contribute to fatigue. Talk to your midwife about your iron levels and whether you need might need to boost your nutritional iron intake or perhaps supplements might help.
9. Consult Your Healthcare Provider - If fatigue is overwhelming or persistent, discuss it with your midwife to rule out any underlying issues.

And finally, remember that we are all different, everyone experiences pregnancy differently, so be patient and kind to yourself and figure out the routine that works best for you!