Why Early Pregnancy Feels Like You’ve Run a Marathon 🏃‍♀️💤

If you’re in your first trimester and feel like you could nap through the day, you’re not alone.

Most women describe early pregnancy exhaustion as “different” — not just tired, but drained to the core. You may wake up sleepy, fall asleep at odd times, or feel as if your body weighs twice as much.

The truth? You are running a marathon, you just can’t see the finish line yet.

Feeling exhausted in early pregnancy? Dr. Chun helps patients reset their energy with trimester-specific guidance and live support in Empowering Pregnancy.

What’s Really Going On Inside Your Body 🧬

During the first trimester:

• Progesterone surges — calming, but sedating
• Blood volume rises up to 50% — your heart works overtime
• Metabolism increases to nourish a developing placenta
• Blood sugar fluctuates
• Sleep cycles shift, leaving you groggy even after a full night

Your body is building a life-support system from scratch. Fatigue isn’t a weakness, it’s a physiological masterpiece in motion.

Why Sleep Feels Harder, Not Easier 🌙

Even though you’re exhausted, good sleep can feel impossible.

Common early sleep disruptors include:

• Nausea or hunger in the middle of the night
• Increased urination
• Vivid dreams or racing thoughts
• Light sleep from temperature changes
• Anxiety about the pregnancy

Inside Empowering Pregnancy, Dr. Chun provides live Q&A sessions and trimester-specific guidance to help manage fatigue effectively.

Simple Strategies That Actually Help 💤✨

Here’s what Dr. Chun tells his patients in the first trimester when fatigue takes over:

1️⃣ Protect Your Evenings

Start winding down an hour before bed. Dim lights, silence your phone, skip doom-scrolling. Go to bed when you first feel tired.

2️⃣ Feed the Fatigue—Literally

Keep light snacks bedside — crackers, banana slices, or yogurt — and eat every 2–3 hours.

3️⃣ Move, But Don’t Overdo It

Gentle movement improves sleep. Try walking, stretching, or prenatal yoga 20–30 minutes daily.

4️⃣ Reimagine Rest

If you can’t nap, rest anyway. Lie down, breathe deeply, or listen to soothing audio.

5️⃣ Hydrate Wisely

Fatigue worsens from mild dehydration. Sip water steadily throughout the day.

6️⃣ Optimize Your Sleep Setup

Keep the room cool, use supportive pillows, and consider white noise. Limit screens 30 minutes before bed.

7️⃣ Let Go of the Guilt

Fatigue is biological, not laziness. Every slow morning is prenatal self-care.

For additional strategies and personalized guidance, join Empowering Pregnancy — your virtual OB guide for every trimester.

Signs You Might Need to Check In With Your Provider ⚠️

Extreme exhaustion can sometimes signal an underlying issue, especially if it persists beyond 14 weeks. Call your provider if you experience:

• Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat at rest
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Persistent weakness even after rest
• Cold intolerance or constipation

A simple blood test can check thyroid function, iron levels, and other common culprits.

Why Sleep Hygiene Matters Now (Not Later) 🕒

Establishing good sleep early pays off later in pregnancy. Your body “learns” to fall asleep faster when you train it to wind down consistently.

The Emotional Layer: When Tired Feels Heavy 😔💛

Exhaustion can blur into anxiety or sadness. If sleep loss triggers constant tears, irritability, or hopelessness, talk to your provider. These may be early signs of perinatal depression or anxiety — treatable and easier to address early.

The Bottom Line ✅

You’re not lazy, unmotivated, or failing. You’re pregnant.

There’s no magic pill for first-trimester exhaustion but there is rhythm, rest, and reassurance. Honor the slowdown. Let your body lead.

Want More Personalized Support Throughout Your Pregnancy?

Join Empowering Pregnancy — your virtual OB guide for every trimester.

Inside, you’ll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions with Dr. Chun to answer your questions in real-time
• Trimester-specific modules covering everything from fatigue to emotional wellness
• Searchable library of PDFs on key pregnancy topics
• Access to a private, supportive community of moms navigating the same journey
• Calming Tools and More

Stop Googling and get real guidance from your OB when you need it most.