Normal to feel so exhausted at 37/38 weeks?

[User41]

Hi All

I wondered is it normal to feel completely exhausted at 37/38 weeks?

Up until now I was obviously feeling tired and my partner was helping by taking on more of the load in terms of looking after our toddler and housework. But these last few days I haven’t got the energy to do anything really but lie down and maybe some v small tasks. Like today apart from lie down all I’ve done is made lunch, load dishwasher, packed my hospital bag and gone to a midwife appointment. And I’m exhausted and feel physically achey as if I’ve worked out! I feel quite guilty my partner is having to do all the childcare and housework…

I cant remember if I felt like this with my 1st born! Wondering if others are the same

x x

I think that sounds like a reasonable amount to get done in a day at this stage in pregnancy OP!

Please don't feel guilty for the effort your partner is having to make, your body is growing a whole human and it will take several months even after your delivery to recover, you're doing your bit!

You could have become anaemic, makes you feel dreadful!

Yep, sounds spot on! My second baby is 2.5 weeks old and I was utterly utterly wiped out by 38w. I sat and cuddled my toddler a lot in front of the TV for the last 2-3weeks of pregnancy, watched far too much TV but I was just too exhausted to do anything. Good luck for your upcoming new arrival!

I'm sure I felt like this earlier than 37 weeks during my second pregnancy! I was unable to even stay awake the whole day and would have to turn the tele on by 3pm and cuddle up with my 3 year old. I'd try not to sleep but then realise I'd drooled on him. He was gutted after the birth when his daily tv sessions ended!

Completely normal. Nearly there!!

Thats much more than I have achieved at 38weeks... feeling extremely exhausted. Had an additional nap midday aswell and makes no difference. My Hb has been normal previously so have no idea whats bringing so this amount of exhaustion