At What Stage in Pregnancy Do You Stop Feeling Sleepy?

Most women report feeling sleepy at some point during their pregnancy. Although each individual is different, it is more common to be fatigued during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. You probably can't completely avoid this sleepiness, but you can take some simple steps to help lessen your fatigue.

First Trimester

A great deal of activity is going on inside your body during the first trimester. During the first three months, the embryo grows from a microscopic mass of cells into a tiny fetus with all his or her internal organs present. Bones, muscles,and connective tissues are forming rapidly as well. Considering the fact that your body is supporting this growth, it's no wonder that one of the first symptoms many women notice during pregnancy is sleepiness. The increase in the hormone progesterone during the first weeks and months of pregnancy, along with possible dropping blood sugar, can increase fatigue as well. Queasiness, vomiting and mood swings are among other common tiring symptoms experienced by women during this phase of pregnancy.

Second Trimester

Sleepiness tends to decrease during the second trimester of pregnancy. Women who are between their fourth and sixth months of pregnancy often report much less sleepiness and much more energy. Some women even have more energy than normal during this time. Queasiness, vomiting, and moodiness are more likely to wane or possibly even subside during these months as well. This may be due to the fact that hormone levels aren't surging as dramatically as they were during the first trimester. The fetus continues to grow rapidly during this time and will probably be around 10 inches long and weigh approximately 1 1/2 pounds.

Third Trimester

Fatigue is on the rise again for most pregnant women during the third trimester. In this last phase of pregnancy, most babies will quadruple their weight. Weight gain for the mother and the fetus adds a physical stress on the body. The growing size of a mother's belly often makes sleep difficult. Pressure on the bladder may make multiple nighttime trips to the bathroom a necessity.

Battling Sleepiness

If you are experiencing an increase in sleepiness while you are pregnant, you can combat your fatigue in a number of ways. Allow yourself to get enough sleep. If possible, go to bed earlier, and make time for a nap during the day. Cut back on caffeine, which may interfere with sleep patterns. Eat a healthy diet. Consuming small but frequent meals during the day will assist in keeping your blood sugar stabilized. Also, avoid an excess of junk food, as sweets may lead to a temporary energy boost and then a crash. Limit stress by taking time to relax and participating in activities you enjoy.

Conclusion

If you are like the majority of pregnant women, your increased sleepiness will probably be very noticeable during in the first trimester, get better during the second trimester, and then return during the last trimester. However, each person is different, so don't worry if your experience does not fit the mold. Take care of yourself, talk to your doctor if necessary, and remember that this sleepy period in your life is only temporary.