Weakness in pregnancy

Weakness during pregnancy is a fairly common ailment. To avoid it, you must first determine the causes of discomfort.

Significant changes in the body of a pregnant woman, increased need for vitamins and minerals, increased load on systems and organs can provoke a feeling of fatigue and apathy.

Causes of weakness during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a condition in which major changes occur in the body, which is preparing for the emergence and development of a new life. Already the first weeks of gestation bring serious changes in the course of hormonal processes.

For example, progesterone, which is able to prepare the reproductive organs for conception and embryo development, significantly increases its activity and level in the blood. This hormone also affects the immune system: this is necessary so that the body of the expectant mother does not perceive the fertilized egg as a foreign body and does not reject it. Among the most unpleasant effects of progesterone is its ability to retain fluid in tissues, which provokes the appearance of edema and depresses the psychological state of the pregnant woman.

Estrogens are necessary to activate the development of the uterus, stabilize blood pressure and vascular tone.

Changes in the balance of hormones in the body cannot but affect the well-being of the expectant mother and contribute to the appearance of a feeling of weakness, fatigue, even apathy. This condition occurs in pregnant women so often that it is considered quite normal for the period of gestation. While the hormonal background changes in the body, feelings of weakness and drowsiness, unfortunately, cannot be avoided.

During this period, it is recommended not to burden the body with excessive activity and stress, to rest as much as possible and to eat well.

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Weakness in early pregnancy

Right at the beginning of pregnancy, the organs and systems of the female body have to adapt to a new state for them. In addition, hormonal changes take a lot of energy, and the body simply gets tired.

However, in order to combat manifestations of weakness, it is necessary, first of all, to understand the true causes of this condition.

If, after consulting a doctor and undergoing certain examinations, it turns out that the cause of weakness is a restructuring of the hormonal balance, then there is no reason to worry. This is considered a completely normal phenomenon, and this period simply needs to be lived through.

Difficulties are experienced by those women who, due to circumstances, need to go to work, do other urgent things that imply a certain physical activity. What advice can be given to them?

• Avoid stressful situations, don't be nervous.
• Ensure adequate sleep.
• Take walks in the fresh air whenever possible.
• Eat a balanced diet, eat high-calorie, energy-rich foods.
• In the morning, do gymnastics, simple exercises that will help you wake up.

Over time, the body will adapt to the “interesting situation”, the hormonal balance will stabilize, and the weakness will subside.

Weakness and dizziness during pregnancy

If during pregnancy you feel dizzy, your legs feel weak, you literally have no strength for anything, and sometimes you feel like you are losing consciousness, perhaps the reason is a decrease in blood pressure.

The reason for the decrease in pressure may be an increase in the amount of estrogens during the gestation period, which have the property of relaxing the vascular walls, thereby contributing to a drop in pressure.

Sometimes signs of hypotension appear as a result of the development of toxicosis, which is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, loss of fluid and body weight, and lack of appetite.

In the later stages, hypotension may be caused by the enlarging uterus compressing the inferior vena cava, which makes it difficult for blood to flow to the heart and brain.

Circulatory disorders have a negative impact not only on the well-being of the pregnant woman, but also on the oxygen saturation of the child, which can provoke the development of hypoxia and premature birth.

Nausea and weakness during pregnancy, formed due to a decrease in pressure, sharply limit the delivery of oxygen to the baby. This process cannot be neglected, since a lack of oxygen can lead to a delay in the intrauterine development of the child, spontaneous abortion and prematurity.

The blood pressure of a pregnant woman must be periodically monitored to prevent the development of unwanted complications.

Drowsiness and weakness during pregnancy

The main reason for drowsiness in pregnant women is significant energy losses associated with both excessive psycho-emotional stress, which takes a lot of strength and energy, and hormonal imbalance. New information, sensations, impressions, and perhaps fear of the unknown, take away large amounts of energy from a woman. The body gets into a new and unknown state for it, so it gets tired quite quickly, needing rest and, first of all, a good night's sleep.

A woman may want to sleep everywhere: at home, at work, while driving, on a walk. In addition, the quality of sleep may be disrupted: you want to sleep, but you can’t fall asleep; snoring appears out of nowhere, a feeling of cramps in your sleep, pain in your joints and limbs, fatigue. Drowsiness overcomes at lunchtime and after lunch. Despite seemingly full sleep, it is very difficult to wake up in the morning. Such symptoms can be typical, most often, during the first trimester of pregnancy.

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Temperature and weakness during pregnancy

An increase in body temperature during pregnancy can sometimes be caused directly by the pregnancy itself. The synthesis of a large amount of progesterone is one of the causes of hyperthermia. In addition, during pregnancy, the woman's body's defenses are suppressed in order to reduce the risk of rejection of the embryo by the immune defense. This is a necessary measure, which can sometimes be accompanied by a temperature reaction.

An increase in temperature is not dangerous and is common during pregnancy. However, this increase should not exceed 37-37.5 C. Otherwise, you should consult a specialist, since a sharp increase in temperature may be caused by an inflammatory or infectious pathology that requires medical intervention.

The most dangerous increase in temperature is in the last weeks before childbirth: hyperthermia at this stage poses a risk of infection of the fetus, as well as complications of the cardiovascular system and kidneys in the pregnant woman. Such a situation requires immediate consultation with a doctor.

Constant weakness during pregnancy

One of the most common causes of constant weakness during pregnancy may be the development of iron deficiency, which is caused by a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the bloodstream.

The main purpose of hemoglobin is to deliver oxygen molecules to the organs and tissues of the body: oxygen is captured in the lungs and transferred to all structures that require it for further development of oxidation-reduction reactions in them and the production of energy potential to ensure normal life in the body. Violation of the sequence of this process causes the appearance of constant inexplicable weakness, apathy.

Pregnant women should have a minimum hemoglobin level of 110 g/L.

To confirm the diagnosis of decreased hemoglobin concentration, it is necessary to take a detailed blood test (from a finger), or an analysis of the concentration of iron in the blood plasma (blood from a vein), as well as an analysis of the iron-binding capacity of the blood plasma.

The reasons for the decrease in the amount of hemoglobin may be improper nutrition, gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenitis. Also, hidden blood loss may be the reasons: such cases are possible with hemorrhoids, periodontal disease, hereditary pathologies.

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Morning sickness during pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is strongly recommended to take care of yourself and your future baby: sleep exactly the amount of time that your body urgently requires. Do not overexcite the nervous system, do not allow great emotional stress. In the evening, you can take a walk in the fresh air, take a warm shower, drink a cup of warm milk before going to bed. Such simple methods guarantee a full and healthy sleep.

A hot bath, excessive food intake before bed, strong tea and coffee in the afternoon will not only harm the future baby, but also provoke poor sleep and a feeling of weakness and drowsiness after waking up.

You should go to bed as early as possible and sleep at least 8 hours a day.

You need to sleep in a well-ventilated room, in comfortable clothes, choosing a comfortable sleeping position.

During pregnancy, daytime sleep is also allowed - 1-2 hours depending on the body's requirements. However, unfortunately, the possibility of daytime sleep exists only for women who are not working or on maternity leave.

Weakness in the body during pregnancy

Weakness during pregnancy may be caused by the manifestation of vegetative-vascular dystonia. This disease is most often observed in thin women. The signs may be morning fatigue, frequent headaches, weakness in the body. Neither coffee nor any other energy drink helps: you fall asleep with difficulty and wake up exhausted.

The manifestation of vegetative-vascular dystonia during pregnancy can be accompanied by a crawling sensation, weakness in the arms and legs, tingling, anemia, and destabilization of blood pressure.

The clinical picture of the disease can be very different, so only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect that you have this pathology, and weakness in the body appears regularly, then you need to consult with your doctor. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, especially during pregnancy. Remember - you are responsible not only for your health, but also for the condition of the unborn baby.

Weakness in arms during pregnancy

Weakness in the arms may be a sign of general weakness during pregnancy. However, it can also be observed as an independent symptom of some other diseases.

If weakness in the arms appears after prolonged strain on the upper limbs, when frequently carrying heavy bags, uncomfortable clothing, due to professional activities, or due to cold weather, such a manifestation is not considered a disease.

Frequent and chronic weakness in the arms without any apparent cause may be a sign of a pathological condition that requires specialist consultation:

• cervical osteochondrosis - damage to the intervertebral discs of the cervical region, in which a nerve ending is pinched;
• signs of cervical spondylosis - accompanied by the growth of osteophytes in the vertebrae;
• traumatic lesions of the joints of the upper limbs;
• signs of neuralgia of the shoulder joint due to inflammatory processes, infectious diseases, hypothermia;
• vascular disorders.

Sometimes, you can combat weakness in your arms with gymnastic exercises performed every morning. Active physical exercise helps improve blood circulation in your limbs and gives you a boost of energy.

Weakness in legs during pregnancy

If the signs of weakness in the legs are not associated with the general condition during pregnancy, the causes may be the following conditions:

• atherosclerosis. This disease is often accompanied by ischemia of the lower extremity vessels, which is associated with their narrowing and blockage. Additional signs of this disease are a feeling of frozen feet, which occurs even in warmth, a feeling of numbness, and night cramps. It is important to recognize and control this disease in time;
• signs of varicose veins. As is known, this disease can worsen during pregnancy due to increasing pressure on the vessels of the lower extremities. Even in the absence of visible damage to the venous system, weakness, fatigue in the legs, the appearance of edema, heaviness can signal the disease. Normalization of blood flow occurs with a horizontal position of the body and an elevated position of the lower extremities;
• presence of flat feet. The presence of foot deformity, especially during pregnancy, aggravates the feeling of weakness in the legs. Fatigue increases in the evening, practically disappearing the next morning. Accompanied by pain in the limbs, in particular, in the ankle joint, as well as heaviness when walking.

Weakness in the first trimester of pregnancy

An unusual and new condition for the body – pregnancy – makes its own adjustments to the issues of vital activity and functioning of human systems and organs. The body's endurance and energy expenditure change dramatically. Is it worth talking about how much energy is spent only on the emotional state of a woman who finds out that she is pregnant?

The nervous system of pregnant women is very sensitive to the concentration of progesterone, which is of great importance in regulating the quality of sleep and causes weakness and excessive sleepiness. This hormone provokes yawning during the day and a wild desire to sleep in the evening.

What can be recommended in this case? Of course, sleep! Sleep as much as your body requires for its full recovery. You should go to bed early, at least before midnight: this promotes a good night's sleep.

You can also try to sleep during the day - for example, around 12 noon or in the afternoon. Even 20-30 minutes of sleep will restore your strength and give you energy and vigor for the rest of the day.

Weakness in the second trimester of pregnancy

Usually, with the onset of the second trimester, pregnant women note an improvement in their general well-being and the disappearance of drowsiness. This is due to the stabilization of the body's adaptation to hormonal changes. If weakness and fatigue do not go away, you should consult a specialist, as this condition may be the cause of anemia.

During pregnancy, the female body uses microelements much more intensively than under normal circumstances. This is primarily due to the fact that the body of the expectant mother needs to ensure the formation and growth of the baby, share its reserves of vitamins, minerals, in particular, iron. Our body needs iron to form red blood cells and nourish tissues.

Iron deficiency anemia is accompanied by dizziness, weakness, a constant desire to “sleep”, dry and pale skin, brittle and falling hair, and flaking skin.

If these symptoms are detected, a pregnant woman should consult a doctor who will prescribe appropriate treatment.

Weakness in the third trimester of pregnancy

Feeling weak in late pregnancy is quite common and is often considered normal. Often this condition is caused by increased stress on the body as a whole, increased amount of circulating blood, signs of anemia. If the weakness is not critical, is not accompanied by other suspicious symptoms, then there is no need to worry.

Excessive sleepiness and fatigue can be an alarming signal if it occurs along with late toxicosis of pregnancy. This pathological condition is accompanied by edema, increased blood pressure and proteinuria.

The appearance of severe symptoms of late toxicosis (gestosis) may signal a serious complication – eclamptic condition, which is characterized by the development of convulsive attacks provoked by brain disorders. Drowsiness in such cases is combined with nausea, vomiting, headaches, and vision problems.

If you have suspicious symptoms of a preeclamptic condition, you should contact a specialist immediately and urgently.

Severe weakness during pregnancy

Weakness during pregnancy can be considered a completely acceptable phenomenon. However, a sharp attack of weakness can be caused by less harmless reasons, among which may be the following:

• signs of toxicosis of pregnancy - accompanied by nausea, dehydration, dizziness, which is associated with the body's adaptation to work in new conditions;
• excess pressure on large vessels in the third trimester of pregnancy. The increase in the volume of the uterus can cause compression of blood vessels, which disrupts the functioning of the brain and the saturation of blood with oxygen;
• a drop in the concentration of hemoglobin in the bloodstream is a common condition that provokes oxygen starvation of brain tissue;
• a drop in blood glucose levels – associated with disturbances in alimentary behavior (eating disorders, excess of simple carbohydrates in food, abuse of sugar, sweets, cakes);
• vegetative-vascular dystonia and osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Weakness as a sign of pregnancy

Can excessive weakness and fatigue be the first symptom of pregnancy? In principle, it can. Complex and important hormonal restructuring of the body's vital systems is often the cause of unmotivated weakness and drowsiness. Moreover, at first, weakness may remain the only symptom of the body's new condition. However, as practice shows, this initial sign is typical for women with increased sensitivity to hormonal imbalance.

In other cases, weakness can be a sign of many pathological conditions, possibly even requiring medical consultation.

You should not rely unconditionally on the presence of just one symptom that may confirm pregnancy. At the first suspicion, take a blood test for an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin levels, or simply buy a test strip at the pharmacy, and get an answer to your question. The increase in hCG levels occurs already in the first week after conception, so such indications are much more effective.

What to do if you feel weak during pregnancy?

What to do? First of all, don't panic! Almost all pregnant women experience weakness, and you are no exception. General recommendations can help you cope with attacks of weakness:

• periodic rest, both for the body and for the soul. Quality sleep, at least 8 hours a day, not including daytime rest;
• frequent small meals, about 6 times a day;
• Taking a contrast shower with smooth regulation of water temperature is encouraged;
• gymnastic exercises in the morning and during the day, walks in the fresh air, avoiding busy roads and places where exhaust gases accumulate;
• eating foods rich in iron (red meat, liver, seafood, buckwheat, nuts, fruits).

You should not overeat, especially at night; it is advisable not to abuse coffee drinks, strong tea, chocolate, Coca-Cola. The temperature in the room where you sleep should not exceed 20-21 C, the bedroom should be ventilated at night.

If you are going on a long walk, take a bottle of water with you to drink and some ammonia in case you feel dizzy.

Weakness during pregnancy is not a reason for negative experiences. Enjoy your condition, imagine more often how a new life is developing inside you, and give him, your future baby, only joyful and positive emotions.