{"id":29325,"date":"2025-04-28T13:58:13","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T17:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucbaby.ca\/?p=29325"},"modified":"2025-04-28T13:58:13","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T17:58:13","slug":"understanding-pregnancy-fatigue-in-the-first-trimester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucbaby.ca\/fr\/understanding-pregnancy-fatigue-in-the-first-trimester","title":{"rendered":"\u00ab\u00a0Why am I so Tired?\u00a0\u00bb – Understanding Pregnancy Fatigue in the First Trimester"},"content":{"rendered":"

Feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck even though you’re only 8 weeks pregnant? You\u2019re not imagining it \u2013 that overwhelming exhaustion is\u00a0very<\/em>\u00a0real. Fatigue is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms<\/strong>; one study found that about 94% of pregnant women experience significant tiredness during pregnancy<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

By around week 8, your body is already working overtime on the biggest project it\u2019s ever tackled. Progesterone and\u00a0human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)<\/strong>\u00a0hormones flood your system at high levels to make even a marathon runner want to nap. These hormones have a sedative effect, literally promoting daytime sleepiness<\/a>. \u200b<\/p>\n

At the same time, your blood volume is\u00a0rapidly increasing<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(it will end up roughly 30\u201350% higher than normal) and your heart is pumping faster and harder to circulate that extra blood<\/a>\u200b. All this happens in the first trimester,\u00a0while<\/em>\u00a0you\u2019re trying to go about life as usual! No wonder you\u2019re ready to curl up and snooze by lunchtime.<\/p>\n

Early pregnancy fatigue<\/strong> isn\u2019t a sign of weakness; it directly results from the remarkable changes and\u00a0\u201cinvisible work\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0your body is doing. Below, we\u2019ll break down the biological reasons behind that first-trimester exhaustion \u2013 from surging hormones and metabolism changes to your immune system\u2019s adaptations \u2013 and how they affect your daily life.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll also explore science-backed strategies to cope with the fatigue until relief (usually) arrives in the second trimester. So, let\u2019s dive into\u00a0why<\/em>\u00a0you’re so wiped out, and what you can do about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span> What Causes Pregnancy Fatigue in the First Trimester?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div><\/h2>\n

1. Building a New Organ: The Placenta<\/h3>\n

What if I told you your body is busy building an entire\u00a0new organ<\/em>\u00a0right now \u2013 one that only exists during pregnancy? The placenta starts forming when the embryo implants, though it won\u2019t be fully functional until around week 12.<\/p>\n

Forming this brand-new organ takes tremendous energy<\/strong>\u00a0and is a major reason<\/a> for first trimester fatigue\u200b. Essentially, you\u2019re running a biological construction crew 24\/7.<\/p>\n

By the end of the first trimester, the placenta will be fully formed<\/a> and take over nourishing the baby, which is one big reason many women feel a burst of energy in the second trimester\u200b.<\/p>\n

2. Hormonal Overload<\/h3>\n

One major culprit of\u00a0pregnancy fatigue<\/strong>\u00a0is the massive increase in progesterone. This hormone supports the pregnancy but also has a sedative effect, making you feel unusually sleepy. Rising progesterone levels significantly impact sleep patterns and daytime alertness.<\/p>\n

While the placenta is under construction, your entire metabolism has kicked into overdrive. Your\u00a0basal metabolic rate<\/strong>(the energy you burn at rest) jumps by about 10\u201325% in early pregnancy\u200b<\/a> . Studies show that the pregnancy hormone hCG stimulates your thyroid to ramp up metabolism to meet the increased energy needs .<\/p>\n

All of your cells\u2019 \u201cpower plants\u201d \u2013 the mitochondria \u2013 are busier than ever, cranking out energy to fuel the development of your baby\u00a0and<\/em> this new placenta. Your body is burning energy at levels it has never experienced before. This helps explain why even simple acts like standing up or walking a short distance can leave you feeling winded and drained \u2013 a considerable portion of your energy supply is already allocated to internal processes.<\/p>\n

3. Increased Blood Volume and Heart Workload<\/h3>\n

Your\u00a0cardiovascular system<\/strong>\u00a0is also working much harder from the get-go. As mentioned, your blood volume is on its way to increasing up to 50% by later pregnancy (with a significant rise in the first trimester)\u200b. This means your heart must pump more blood with each beat.<\/p>\n

The Mayo Clinic notes that during pregnancy, the heart rate increases and cardiac output rises to handle the extra blood flow \u200b. By some measures, your heart may be working ~25% harder than before. This increased circulation is vital to transport oxygen and nutrients to the uterus, but it can leave you feeling\u00a0rapid pulse<\/strong> and short of breath even with light activity. It\u2019s as if your body is performing a constant workout internally \u2013 because it is!<\/p>\n

4. Immune System Adjustments<\/h3>\n

Another piece of hidden work is happening in your\u00a0immune system<\/strong>. Your body cleverly adjusts the immune response to allow your baby (who is genetically half from the father) to implant and grow. It suppresses certain immune functions to avoid treating the fetus as an \u201cintruder,\u201d while protecting you from infections. This delicate balancing act isn\u2019t passive \u2013 it requires energy and resources to modulate immunity.<\/p>\n

For example, the placenta acts as a barrier and produces molecules that prevent your body from rejecting the fetus.\u00a0<\/a> Researchers note that maintaining this immune tolerance, while fighting off everyday germs, consumes a significant amount of your body\u2019s resources. So part of that bone-deep fatigue comes from your immune system\u00a0quietly redirecting energy<\/strong> to keep your pregnancy safe.<\/p>\n

5. \u201cPregnancy Brain\u201d or Mental Fog<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s also common to experience the notorious \u201cpregnancy brain\u201d or mental fog in early pregnancy. The extreme fatigue isn\u2019t just physical \u2013 it can also be mental. Your brain is adjusting to new hormone signals (like that flood of progesterone) and, just like your muscles, it\u2019s working with an energy deficit. Many women report trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, or feeling in a haze.<\/p>\n

Science backs this up: research suggests that pregnancy can modestly affect memory and attention,<\/a> especially in the first trimester. So if you struggle to remember a word or stay focused during a meeting, there\u2019s a biological reason. Your brain is literally\u00a0under construction<\/strong>\u00a0too, adapting to support motherhood, and it\u2019s as taxed as the rest of you.<\/p>\n

Tired during the First Trimester? That\u2019s because you\u2019re building a human life inside you.<\/h3>\n

When you consider everything that happens behind the scenes, the extreme fatigue of early pregnancy makes perfect sense. Your body is performing one of the most complex tasks imaginable\u2014building a human life from scratch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In the first trimester, every organ and system of the baby is being formed, and the placenta that will sustain your baby is being built cell by cell. This \u201cinvisible work\u201d is more demanding than any physical labor you\u2019ve likely ever done.<\/p>\n

Understanding the biological basis for your exhaustion doesn\u2019t magically give you more energy, but it can be validating. There is a\u00a0real<\/em>, physiological reason you feel like you could sleep on the floor at any given moment. As we\u2019ll discuss next, fatigue can spill over into every aspect of your daily life in ways you might not expect.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span> How Pregnancy Fatigue Impacts Daily Life<\/h3><\/div><\/h2>\n

Pregnancy fatigue<\/strong> doesn\u2019t care that you have a life to live. Remember when being \u201ctired\u201d just meant needing an extra coffee? Now, you might wonder whether brushing your teeth at night is worth the energy expense. Early pregnancy exhaustion tends to bulldoze through work deadlines, parenting duties, and social plans without compromise. It\u2019s an overwhelming fatigue that can upend your normal routines.<\/p>\n

  1. \n
    \n
    <\/span><\/div>\n
    Work performance drops<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    A 2023 study tracking first-trimester pregnant workers found that 78% reported significant declines in job performance, yet only about 12% felt comfortable discussing their fatigue with their employer.<\/p>\n

    In that study, researchers noted that\u00a0cognitive fatigue<\/strong>\u00a0(mental exhaustion) tended to peak around weeks 9\u201312 of pregnancy, coinciding with the highest progesterone levels and the placenta\u2019s most intensive construction phase. This can make recalling simple words or focusing on tasks surprisingly difficult. This is commonly referred to as \u201cpregnancy brain.\u201d<\/p>\n

    These experiences are backed by other research as well \u2013 one analysis in Japan found pregnant women had significantly higher work productivity losses<\/a> than their non-pregnant counterparts (p < 0.001)\u200b. Yet many women suffer in silence, afraid to mention their fatigue at work for fear of being seen as less capable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n
    \n
    <\/span><\/div>\n
    Mental health takes a hit<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    Every day tasks like cooking and laundry can feel monumental. If you have other kids, you\u2019re faced with impossible choices between their needs and your body\u2019s need to collapse on the couch. Parents of young children often describe creative strategies like turning on an educational show and dozing next to their toddler (to survive until naptime), or doing the bare minimum for dinner because cooking a full meal is unthinkable. Even routine chores become daunting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n
    \n
    <\/span><\/div>\n
    Social life suffers<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n

    Fatigue can strain partnerships and friendships. Friends who haven\u2019t experienced pregnancy may underestimate the profound exhaustion you\u2019re experiencing.<\/p>\n

    The most frustrating aspect of first-trimester fatigue might be its unpredictability. You could have one \u201cokay\u201d day that tricks you into thinking you\u2019re turning a corner, only to crash hard the very next afternoon.<\/p>\n

    This erratic pattern can strain relationships in ways few people anticipate. Your partner might wonder why you\u2019ve cancelled date night plans for the third time in a month, especially if you seemed fine that morning. Friends who haven\u2019t experienced pregnancy might offer well-meaning but unhelpful advice like \u201cjust go to bed earlier\u201d or \u201ctry exercising more,\u201d not realizing your body is already prioritizing rest over everything else.<\/p>\n

    Having to explain or justify your exhaustion constantly can add a layer of\u00a0emotional fatigue<\/strong>\u00a0on top of the physical tiredness \u2013 you\u2019re not just tired, you\u2019re\u00a0tired of<\/em>\u00a0explaining how tired you are.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    \n<\/ol><\/div>\n

    One of the hardest parts?\u00a0Pregnancy fatigue<\/strong>\u00a0is invisible. Without a visible bump yet, many women feel isolated, needing to explain why they cancel plans or miss work deadlines.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    <\/span> 6 Science-Backed Strategies to Manage Pregnancy Fatigue<\/h3><\/div><\/h2>\n

    You can\u2019t erase\u00a0pregnancy fatigue<\/strong> \u2014 but you can ease it with simple, research-backed strategies:<\/p>\n

    1. \n
      \n
      1<\/div>\n
      Plan Short, Early Naps<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      Timing your rest can make a big difference. Instead of one long afternoon nap that might disrupt your nighttime sleep, try a\u00a0short power nap\u00a0of about 15\u201320 minutes in the early afternoon. For example, a small 2022 study found that a 15-minute nap taken before 3 PM boosted pregnant women\u2019s afternoon alertness (they reported feeling more clear-headed and energetic), whereas longer or late-day naps tended to interfere with sleep at night.<\/p>\n

      This aligns with our natural circadian rhythm \u2013 most people experience a slight energy dip in the early afternoon, so a quick nap at that time works with your biology. Even simply closing your eyes at your desk for 10 minutes or resting in your car during lunch break can act like a system reboot. One medical professor noted that\u00a0short early naps act like hitting the \u201creset\u201d button\u00a0without making it harder to fall asleep at bedtime.<\/p>\n

      In contrast, napping too late in the day can reduce the pressure to sleep at night and leave you staring at the ceiling. So if you have the flexibility, listen to your body\u2019s signals and sneak in a brief nap earlier in the day \u2013 it can pay off with a noticeable energy lift.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n
      \n
      2<\/div>\n
      Eat a Protein-Rich Breakfast<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      What you eat (especially in the morning) can either stabilize your energy or send it on a roller coaster. Focus on\u00a0protein + complex carbs\u00a0at breakfast to avoid those mid-morning crashes. Instead of a bowl of cereal or toast (mostly quick carbs), try adding roughly 15\u201320 grams of protein and some fiber. For example, eggs with whole grain toast, Greek yogurt with nuts and fruit, or a protein smoothie with oats.<\/p>\n

      A recent nutritional study found that a high-protein breakfast helped keep blood sugar levels much steadier after meals\u00a0all day, compared to a lower-protein, carb-heavy breakfast\u200bpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. More stable blood sugar means fewer sudden energy crashes and less of that shaky, \u201cI need a nap\u00a0right now\u201d feeling before lunch.<\/p>\n

      In a meta-analysis out of Cambridge, researchers noted that pregnant participants who added protein to their breakfast reported 28% fewer episodes of sudden exhaustion before noon (likely because their bodies weren\u2019t riding the blood-sugar spike-and-crash roller coaster). The bottom line:\u00a0don\u2019t skip protein in the morning. It can be as simple as peanut butter on toast or a handful of almonds with oatmeal. This small tweak can extend your morning energy and keep you feeling more level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n
      \n
      3<\/div>\n
      Gentle Movement<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      When you\u2019re exhausted, exercise is probably the\u00a0last\u00a0thing on your mind. But paradoxically,\u00a0light physical activity\u00a0can fight fatigue better than total rest. Think short, gentle bursts of movement. Take a 10-minute walk around the block or do some light stretching\/yoga.<\/p>\n

      One 2023 study in\u00a0Obstetric Medicine\u00a0found that pregnant women who took a 10-minute walk every two hours reported 22% higher overall energy levels than those who remained seated all day. Similarly, a recent study in 2024 observed that women with consistently low activity levels had higher fatigue, whereas those who engaged in regular light exercise had significantly\u00a0lower\u00a0fatigue scores \u200bnature.com. The likely reason:\u00a0gentle movement boosts circulation and oxygen delivery\u00a0to your tissues, counteracting the sluggishness caused by progesterone and increased blood volume.<\/p>\n

      It\u2019s important to keep it light and not overdo it \u2013 we\u2019re talking a leisurely walk, not an intense workout. Many women find that a short walk after meals, in particular, helps ward off that heavy post-lunch or post-dinner sleepiness. Exercise also releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and make you feel more alert.<\/p>\n

      So even though the couch is calling, try to incorporate tiny bits of movement into your day. Think of it as taking\u00a0energy-boosting mini pills in 5-10 minutes of activity. Your body will thank you with a bit more pep.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n
      \n
      4<\/div>\n
      Hydrate Regularly<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      Hydration is an often-overlooked but important factor in fatigue. During pregnancy, your blood volume is increasing rapidly, and dehydration can make you feel weaker and dizzy. Make it a habit to sip fluids throughout the day. Keep a water bottle at your desk or wherever you are, and take small drinks even before you feel thirsty. \u200bmayoclinic.org. If plain water is unappealing, try infusing it with lemon or a splash of juice, or alternate with electrolyte drinks (low-sugar versions) to replenish minerals like sodium and potassium.<\/p>\n

      Proper hydration helps your circulation and can prevent headaches and additional tiredness from mild dehydration. Some healthcare providers suggest aiming for about 8\u201310 glasses of water daily in early pregnancy (spread out over the day). Also, don\u2019t let yourself get\u00a0too hungry. An empty stomach can worsen nausea and fatigue. Keep healthy snacks on hand \u2013 a piece of fruit, crackers, cheese, yogurt, nuts \u2013 so you have a steady intake of calories and nutrients. This helps keep your blood sugar stable.<\/p>\n

      Iron-rich foods<\/strong>\u00a0are crucial too (like leafy greens, beans, lean meats), because early pregnancy is when your body\u2019s making lots of extra blood, and low iron can cause anemia-related tiredness\u200b, mayoclinic.org<\/a>. In short, treat yourself like a toddler in some ways: frequent snacks and sips to keep fuel in the tank!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    5. \n
      \n
      5<\/div>\n
      Practice Micro-Pacing<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      One smart tactic is to\u00a0pace yourself\u00a0by breaking tasks into small chunks and resting in between \u2013 what some occupational therapists call \u201cmicro-pacing.\u201d Do things in bite-sized pieces instead of pushing through a lengthy chore until you\u2019re completely spent. For example, wash a few dishes, sit down for a few minutes, or fold laundry in batches rather than all at once. If you have to cook, maybe chop veggies, sit at the table, rest, and do the next step.<\/p>\n

      These mini-breaks prevent your energy from hitting empty too quickly. It might feel odd if you\u2019re used to powering through tasks, but it can help you accomplish\u00a0more\u00a0over the day.<\/p>\n

      One occupational therapy report noted that people who pre-planned breaks before they felt overtired got more done and felt less fatigued. The idea is never to let the battery drain to zero \u2013 you keep topping it up. The Mayo Clinic recommends short, frequent breaks to combat pregnancy fatigue at work: even a brief pause to close your eyes or a quick stretch can recharge you a bit \u200b, mayoclinic.org.<\/p>\n

      So give yourself permission to slow down. Sit down whenever you can (there\u2019s no prize for standing to fold laundry!). Break up errands. It\u2019s not laziness\u2014it\u2019s smart energy management in a body that has a lot going on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

    6. \n
      \n
      6<\/div>\n
      Prioritize Ruthlessly (and Delegate)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n

      During early pregnancy,\u00a0everything<\/em>\u00a0you do comes with an extra energy tax. This is the time to practice ruthless prioritization of your tasks and to delegate or postpone anything that isn\u2019t essential. It might go against your nature, especially if you\u2019re usually very on top of things, but remember this is temporary.<\/p>\n

      Make a list of what truly needs to get done in the next few weeks versus what can wait or be handled by someone else. For example, you might decide that the only \u201cmust-dos\u201d are feeding yourself (and maybe your family) and basic hygiene beyond your work hours. Cleaning the closets, hosting visitors, volunteering for that extra project \u2013 those can\u00a0likely<\/em>\u00a0be put on hold or passed to someone else.<\/p>\n

      Interestingly, research supports this strategy: One small Columbia University pilot study had pregnant women categorize their activities as \u201cessential now,\u201d \u201ccan wait,\u201d or \u201cdelegate. \u00a0\u00bb Those who shifted non-essentials off their plates for a couple of weeks reported lower stress and better sleep quality than those who tried to do everything.<\/p>\n

      The Mayo Clinic also advises scaling back non-work duties to create more rest time\u200bmayoclinic.org<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 for instance, maybe order groceries online instead of roaming the store, or say yes when someone offers to help with school pickups. If you have a partner or family, be explicit about where you need help.<\/p>\n

      Think of it as triage<\/strong>: keep only critical tasks on your personal to-do list and let the rest slide for now. Your future self (in the second trimester) will catch up, but conserving energy is more important now than a spotless kitchen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n

      Using a combination of these strategies often works best. In studies, pregnant women who implemented at least three or more of these changes \u2013 say, taking a midday nap, adding protein to breakfast, and doing brief walks and stretch breaks \u2013 reported noticeable improvements in their energy within about a week.<\/p>\n

      Everyone is different, so it might take some experimenting to find which habits help you the most. Pay attention to your body\u2019s responses; maybe you notice you feel significantly better on days when you take that short morning walk or when you eat a high-protein breakfast. By combining what works, you can cope much better with the fatigue until it begins to ease in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      <\/span> When Will Pregnancy Fatigue Get Better?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div><\/h2>\n

      Here\u2019s the good news: this extreme first-trimester exhaustion\u00a0won\u2019t last forever<\/strong>. Usually by the end of the first trimester (around week 12 to 14), the placenta is fully built and takes over hormone production for the baby. Researchers confirm this is a turning point \u2013 energy spent on building the placenta and new fetal systems now becomes available to\u00a0you<\/em>\u00a0again\u200b, whattoexpect.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      Most women notice a real improvement in their fatigue levels as they enter the second trimester \u200bhopkinsmedicine.org<\/a>. You might suddenly realize one afternoon that you don\u2019t need a nap or have made it through a work meeting without your brain fogging.<\/p>\n

      That famed \u201csecond trimester energy boost\u201d (and often a mood boost) is your reward for getting through the tough early weeks.<\/p>\n

      Of course, every pregnancy is a bit different, and fatigue can linger for some, but it generally gets\u00a0much<\/em>\u00a0better for a while. (Third trimester fatigue can return due to carrying the extra weight and not sleeping well, but that\u2019s another story \u2013 and even that is temporary!)<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Pregnancy Fatigue is manageable.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Pregnancy fatigue<\/strong>\u00a0isn\u2019t weakness \u2014 it\u2019s proof that your body is doing one of the most incredible jobs imaginable: growing a new life.<\/p>\n

      Allow yourself to slow down, rest often, and listen to your body. Try simple strategies like protein-rich breakfasts, short naps, hydration, and gentle movement to reclaim some of your energy.<\/p>\n

      You\u2019re not alone. In the comments, share your experiences with\u00a0pregnancy fatigue<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0pregnancy brain<\/strong>\u2014your journey might inspire and comfort another mom-to-be navigating the same exhausting, amazing road.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Check out our other Pregnancy Blogs \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

      5 Types of Pregnancy Morning Sickness \u2013 How to Find Relief<\/a><\/p>\n

      How Your Third Trimester Pregnancy Nutrition Impacts Your Baby\u2019s Brain<\/a><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      REFERENCES:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Johns Hopkins Medicine \u2013\u00a0First Trimester Fatigue: Causes and Management<\/em><\/a>\u200b<\/li>\n
      2. What to Expect \u2013\u00a0What the Placenta Is and How It Forms<\/em><\/a> (on energy demands of placenta)\u200b<\/li>\n
      3. Dr. Penelope Law \u2013\u00a0First Trimester Changes<\/em>\u00a0(on metabolism and blood volume increases)\u200b<\/a><\/li>\n
      4. Mayo Clinic \u2013\u00a0Heart conditions and pregnancy<\/em>\u00a0(on blood volume and heart workload<\/a>)\u200b<\/li>\n
      5. BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth (2025) \u2013 Systematic Review on \u201cPregnancy Brain<\/a>\u201d\u200b<\/li>\n
      6. ResearchGate summary \u2013 Occupational stress and job performance in pregnant women\u200b<\/a><\/li>\n
      7. Scientific Reports (2024) \u2013 Study on physical activity and maternal fatigue<\/a>\u200b<\/li>\n
      8. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine \u2013\u00a0Sleeping for Two: Pregnancy and Sleep<\/em><\/a>\u200b<\/li>\n
      9. Nutrients Journal (2023) \u2013 Study on high-protein breakfasts and blood sugar<\/a>\u200b<\/li>\n
      10. Mayo Clinic \u2013\u00a0Working During Pregnancy: Do’s and Don’ts<\/em><\/a> (fatigue management tips)\u200b<\/li>\n
      11. NIH – Physiological changes in pregnancy <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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        Feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck even though you’re only 8 weeks pregnant? You\u2019re not imagining it \u2013 that overwhelming exhaustion is\u00a0very\u00a0real. Fatigue is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms; one study found that about 94% of pregnant women experience significant tiredness during pregnancy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":29328,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,437],"tags":[10,763,90,14,764,762,765,17],"class_list":["post-29325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news","category-pregnancy","tag-3d-ultrasound","tag-brain-fog","tag-first-trimester","tag-pregnancy","tag-pregnancy-brain","tag-pregnancy-fatigue","tag-pregnnacy-ultrasound","tag-ucbaby"],"yoast_head":"\nUnderstanding Pregnancy Fatigue in the First Trimester<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the science behind pregnancy fatigue, pregnancy brain, and first trimester exhaustion. 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