Is Constant Tiredness Normal? Rest and Recovery in Early Pregnancy

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If you're 6 to 10 weeks pregnant and all you can think about is napping, don't worry. In fact, that deep-down fatigue you're experiencing is perfectly normal. In early pregnancy, most moms-to-be feel more fatigued than they ever have before—and it can strike even before the baby bump appears.

Let's discuss why this occurs, what is happening in your body, and how you can provide yourself with the rest and recovery that you really need at this moment.

Why Am I So Tired All the Time?

During early pregnancy, your body is experiencing tremendous changes, although it might not be noticeable from the outside just yet.

Here's what is happening:

• Hormonal changes – Your progesterone levels are rising rapidly. This hormone is essential for maintaining your pregnancy, but it also has a natural sedative effect. More progesterone = more sleepiness.
• Growing the placenta – Your body is working hard to build the placenta, the organ that will nourish your baby throughout pregnancy. It takes a ton of energy to create.
• Increased blood production – Your heart is pumping more blood to support your baby, and that can make you tired.
• Emotional changes – It's natural to experience a mix of excitement, nervousness, and overwhelm during these first weeks. Emotional stress contributes to fatigue, even when you're not active much.

How Much Rest Do I Really Need?

The answer? As much as your body is craving. Tiredness during early pregnancy is your body telling you to slow down. You're not lazy, you're just busy growing a human, and that's a job in itself.

Try to:

• Get 7–9 hours at night
• Nap when you need to (even brief power naps work)
• Scale back on non-essential activities where you can

If you don't have time to take long naps, just sitting with your feet up for 10–15 minutes is enough to charge you.

Refuel Your Energy

Eating well goes hand-in-hand with resting so that you don't become severely depleted of your energy.

Paying attention to:

• Iron supplements (such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, and lean flesh) – Even minimal iron can leave you more lethargic.
• Whole grain food – This generates sustained energy with no shock waves.
• Enough liquids – Dehydration can catch you off guard and make fatigue even worse.

And don't skip taking your prenatal vitamins, too, which work to nourish both your body and your unborn baby.

Gentle Movement Is Good Too

Gentle movement may sound out of place here, but surprisingly, it will actually give your energy a kick. A walk around the block, some mild stretching, or prenatal yoga improves circulation and takes care of mood and fatigue.

But always listen to your body—if you're too tired, it's okay to rest instead.

What If I'm More Than Just Tired?

Fatigue is totally normal, but overexhaustion can sometimes be a sign of something more, such as:

• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Thyroid problems
• Low blood sugar
• Depression

If your exhaustion is overwhelming or not improving with rest, it's worth mentioning to your healthcare provider.

Be Kind to Yourself

Pregnancy is not a period of time to "push through" exhaustion like you may have prior to this. Currently, your body is accomplishing something incredible—and it requires your care to do so effectively.

Therefore, if the only thing you feel like doing is sleeping, do it. Nap, move slowly, and decline items that are not vital. You can safeguard your energy. You are creating life, and that is sufficient.

Final Thought

Yes, constant tiredness in early pregnancy is normal. It’s your body’s signal that big changes are happening behind the scenes. So rest, recover, and don’t feel guilty about needing more sleep. You’re doing one of the most incredible jobs in the world—growing a tiny human!

References:

1. Mayo Clinic – "1st Trimester Pregnancy: What to Expect" https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208#:~:text=Soon%20after%20you%20become%20pregnant,is%20known%20as%20morning%20sickness.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – "Signs and Symptoms of Urgent Maternal Warning Signs" https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/news-media/article-urgent-warning-signs.html
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – "Having a Baby" https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-statement/articles/2025/01/preparing-for-disasters-addressing-critical-obstetric-and-gynecologic-needs-of-patients