So, so tired at 20 weeks. Should I worry?

[FredFlintstonesSister]

I am 20 weeks on Saturday and feeling unbelievably exhausted. I can barely hold my head up, never mind get out of bed. I've had to take the day off work today so am now feeling incredibly guilty. I'm not sleeping terribly well due to shoulder pain, frequent peeing and stuffy nose but this level of tiredness seems excessive even for that. Should I go to the doctor? I'm also a bit concerned that I'm not gaining enough weight. I've put on 5lbs but not sure if that's enough or not. I haven't felt my baby kick yet and I'm worried that all these things together means something's wrong!

It could be low iron levels making you feel exhausted so i'd suggest you contact your gp or midwife to ask for these to be checked - might be quicker to go to your midwife.

Rest whenever you get a chance, it is normal not to have felt movements yet in your first pregnancy as they are very small still and its such a strange feeling. Have you had your 20 week scan yet?

Dont worry about your lack of weight gain, everyone is different, some people pile on weight to begin with, others dont put much on until the 2nd or 3rd trimester.

I wondered about iron levels. I had blood tests at 12 weeks which were normal but things could have changed. My scan isn't for another 2 weeks. I'll actually be 21+4.

I am with you. I am 20 weeks tomorrow and soooo exhausted. Was never this tired in previous pregnancies, even when expecting DS2 and running round after a toddler. I look like I've put on loads but my weight hasn't increased that much. Perfectly ok. It's also normal not to have felt movement yet. This is my 6th pregnancy (though only 3rd to have come this far) and I have only felt some small bubbly movements, no big kicks or anything. In your first pregnancy it is normal to feel movement later.

Please just rest and take it easy. I have had to cancel several commitments (eg volunteering at school) because this pregnancy is taking its toll on me in a way my previous ones didn't. Everyone is different, and every pregnancy is too. Some are easy (I was full of energy right to the end when expecting DS1) some aren't. I think some of my tiredness is down to low blood pressure as my iron levels are apparently fine. If you aren't seeing your midwife for a while, ring the community midwives line and someone there will be able to help you or reassure you. Good luck with your scan! :-)

Thanks. I've been told my blood pressure is on the low side of normal and I'm definitely light headed and dizzy so that's probably contributing. I'm tempted to get signed off work for a few days but then I worry I'll feel worse later in the pregnancy and need time off then!

Dont worry about work, you need to be well in yourself to function properly. This baby growing business is hard work itself. If it will help you now see your gp and get signed off for a few days and rest guilt free. A few days rest now will help you feel better.

I have a 23 month old toddler to run around after and i have to call in the grandparents to look after him some days as i'm just too knackered.

Thanks, cravingcake, I'll see how I feel in the morning and decide about work then. It has occurred to me that I might feel a whole lot more tired once this baby arrives!