When I was six months along with my youngest, staying awake past 7:30 PM felt like an impossible feat. After tucking in my other two children, I would don my cozy blue robe, wrap myself up, and apply a nasal strip (hello, pregnancy rhinitis). It didn’t matter how thrilled I was to catch a show or enjoy a quiet dinner with my partner; the allure of sleep was far too strong.
My husband would often glance over at me, pleading for me to stay awake, expressing that he felt increasingly lonely. Even though I felt a twinge of guilt, like butter melting on warm pancakes, it wasn’t enough to keep my eyelids from drooping. My body was gaining weight, and it desperately needed rest, leaving me feeling as if I had downed a few sleeping pills followed by a fruity cocktail.
In a conversation with my midwife about my struggle to stay awake during “happy hour,” she simply told me, “Tell him to get over it. You’re creating a heart and lungs; you’re making a human.” Her words validated my feelings. I knew pregnancy was demanding, but hearing it from a professional made it resonate even more.
The reality is, being pregnant is downright exhausting—no exceptions. Some women find the first trimester draining, while others feel it more towards the end. Many of us feel tired throughout the entire journey. Even if you’re solely focused on nurturing your little one, that task alone is enough to make you crave lengthy naps and a solid night’s sleep, all while indulging in food.
For most of us, pregnancy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Some manage households with other kids, while others juggle work responsibilities. Add in daily chores like laundry, dishes, and grocery shopping, and it’s a miracle if you can make it through the day without looking like a zombie.
It’s easy to feel like you’ll never return to your pre-pregnancy self. I often wondered if my energy would ever bounce back. But then I’d remember my midwife’s wise words. When you truly appreciate the incredible work our bodies do to create skin, hair, and eyes, it becomes simpler to embrace the exhaustion. So go ahead and lean into that fatigue—whether it’s your bed or sofa that calls you, answer it.
Your energy will return when it does. It could be when your baby is eight months or eighteen years old; what’s vital is that you prioritize your well-being. Don’t hesitate to vocalize your needs—even if it means putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign for a couple of months to hibernate and enjoy your favorite snacks. Remember, this fatigue is completely normal. And don’t feel guilty about letting household chores slide; you have much more important things to focus on.
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In summary, while pregnancy can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed, it’s essential to acknowledge and embrace this phase. Your body is doing incredible work, and it’s okay to put self-care first, even if that means saying no to chores and embracing some well-deserved rest.
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