Extreme fatigue before labor: how to cope
The third trimester can bring back fatigue and sleep difficulties due to your baby's growth, leading to exhaustion before labor. As a result, you might wonder if you'll have enough energy to deliver your baby.
Feeling extremely fatigued before labor is nothing to worry about but rather something to welcome. It's the perfect time to pay attention to your body and get enough rest whenever possible.
Why Am I So Exhausted?
As your baby grows, your body must work harder to provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen to your little one. The increased workload can lead to feelings of exhaustion, making it difficult to get enough restful sleep.
Additionally, the extra weight and pressure on your body can cause physical discomfort, making it harder to stay active and alert. All of these factors can contribute to fatigue during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Is Extreme Fatigue a Sign of Labor?
Yes. Extreme fatigue is a common sign of labor approaching. Remember, your body is adapting to your baby's growth and development while getting ready for delivery. Therefore, it's an exciting time. However, in these last few weeks of your pregnancy, it's essential to take naps often and relax before your little one arrives and the real work starts.
Will I Have Enough Energy to Deliver My Baby?
Yes! The amazing truth is that the hormones your body produces in labor will take over your fatigue and give you the energy you need.
How It Works
Four main hormones flow through your body throughout labor, birth and postpartum.
Let's review them in more detail.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the love hormone, which is why it’s released during sex, orgasm, birth and breastfeeding (Odent, 1999; Buckley, 2002).
Its main function in labor is to bring on contractions. You’ll get a surge of oxytocin in the final stage, so it will help you along with pushing.
Oxytocin reduces stress, calms you down and helps with pain during labor. Your baby will also produce oxytocin before and during labor. Oxytocin keeps flowing after birth, too, helping you feel more relaxed, well-nourished and bonded with your baby. It also helps with the let-down reflex during breastfeeding and protects you against postpartum hemorrhage.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural sleep-regulating hormone that also plays a part in childbirth. When a person goes into labor, the hormone, oxytocin, stimulates the uterus to contract. Melatonin works in tandem with oxytocin, enhancing and regulating contractions.
Endorphins
Endorphins are naturally occurring opiates, similar to morphine and heroin. Like oxytocin, they mostly appear during sex, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. Beta-endorphins reduce pain.
If you’re stressed during labor, that can make you release excessive beta-endorphins, which may inhibit oxytocin and slow things down. That’s why keeping things as calm as possible is a great thing in labor.
Beta-endorphins also help release prolactin during labor, preparing your breasts for feeding. It helps in the final phase of your baby’s developing lungs too.
Adrenaline/Noradrenaline
You might have heard these hormones referred to as fight-or-flight hormones. They are produced during stresses like fright, anxiety, hunger or cold and also when you’re excited.
You’re likely to get a high level of these hormones if you don’t feel private, calm, safe and undisturbed and they can then inhibit oxytocin. Yet in the late-labor stage if you perceive danger or stress, they may paradoxically stimulate contractions so you give birth more quickly.
Support for You and Your Baby
Some crucial factors aid in the continuous production of hormones in the body. For example, a person must feel safe and unobserved and be provided with gentle and quiet support.
At Twin Cities Birth Center, we provide a serene and calming environment to ensure you feel safe and secure. Our midwives are there to assist you, and our birth suites are always dimly lit with soft-spoken voices used to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
You are free to move any way your body leads you throughout labor. Unlike many hospital settings, you can eat and drink during delivery; we want you to!
Tips on How To Cope with Extreme Fatigue Before Labor
1. Prioritize rest: Make sure you get plenty of rest and sleep whenever possible. Try to take naps during the day if you can.
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration, which can lead to fatigue. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help keep your energy levels up.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Talk to your healthcare provider about what types of exercise are safe for you during pregnancy.
5. Manage your stress levels: Stress can contribute to fatigue, so it's important to find ways to manage stress. Try relaxation techniques like meditation or talk to your doctor about which yoga poses are safe to try during your third trimester.
6. Take breaks: If you're feeling tired, take a break and rest for a few minutes. Don't push yourself too hard.
7. Ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. They can help with chores or other tasks that may be causing you fatigue.
8. Consult your healthcare provider: If you're experiencing extreme fatigue, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend additional strategies to help you cope. It's also important to stay connected to your healthcare team on your progress. Feel inspired to keep track of your symptoms in a journey and document how much sleep you can get in.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about experiencing fatigue before labor or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the Twin Cities Birth Center, please request an appointment.
Our private, one-on-one consultations offer you the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized information about our care.
We look forward to hearing from you!