shaky and weak (17 weeks)

[AntiHop]

Over the last few weeks, I've had a few episodes when I've felt shaky and weak. Quite unpleasant and felt really ill. Eating helped. But I'm worried about overeating as I'm already overweight.

I mentioned it to my midwife at my 16 week appointment, and she was very unconcerned (but generally unhelpful anyway). I had my blood and urine checked for gestational diabetes about a month ago, which came back normal.

Anyone else experienced this? Should I call my gp?

I'd call gp, just for my own piece of mind that I'd done what I could.

I should take my own advice as I've been a bit breathless, weak, lightheaded with some heart palpitations and haven't rung them since they did bloods 10 weeks ago!!

Do you know what your iron/haemoglobin levels are?

I believe it is classed as ‘low’ with a level lower than 115. But having been anaemic a lot throughout my life, I start to feel crap when mine dips below 118.

I’ve been taking iron through this pregnancy and managed to get it up to 121, and I feel great! The consultant was also v pleased.

So ask the midwife for your Iron number so you can understand it better - if you don’t have an appointment soon you can call and ask

Most pregnancy vitamins have iron in which will really help, but like me you might need a bit of extra supplementation on top

ALSO drink more water. Like seriously tons. It’s hard to keep up with the amount your body needs at this stage x

What about blood pressure?

I felt this way when Iv had low blood pressure ?

Low iron and blood pressure springs to mind - I'd check with the midwife x

I had this when I was pregnant, I think it was low blood sugar. Midwife advised me to eat little and often (I am also overweight) and that seemed to help. I also found eating carbs helped when it happened

I felt the same in my first pregnancy, and I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes.

Ask if its possible to get tested? They usually only test people who are most likely to have it ( high bmi, famiky history, ethnicit etc) but it can happen to anyone.

Hope you get answers soon.

Gosh sorry I read it half asleep, I see you have been tested already.

Ignore my previous post.

Hi @AntiHop I've felt like this most of the way through my pregnancy too (I'm 37 weeks now)
It's horrible isn't it, I usually start off OK first thing then start feeling light headed/nauseated/breathless. I find nibbling or snacking on yoghurt/fruit helps a bit & then have an early light lunch. Most days I start feeling better after lunch so I guess it must be low blood sugar? I can never face a big breakfast but last month for our wedding anniversary my husband treated me to an overnight stay in a nice hotel. Breakfast was included so I forced down a full English. Apart from feeling stuffed afterwards that was the only day I actually didn't feel light headed or rubbish & had some energy. I can't face cooking bacon & sausage in a morning though 🤢

If it's concerning you definitely speak to your GP. They may check your iron levels. I've just been put on iron tablets but they haven't made me feel any better. I also had extra appointments last week because my BP was slightly raised. Had midwives constantly asking how I felt, when I replied rubbish I had to follow up with that's normal for me 😂 They weren't concerned. Take it easy, get plenty of rest & stay well hydrated