When pregnancy fatigue is more than just tiredness

Persistent exhaustion during pregnancy might point to more than lack of sleep, particularly when it comes with symptoms such as dizziness, weakness or breathlessness. (Envato Elements pic)

PETALING JAYA: Pregnancy can be physically demanding in ways that are both obvious and less visible. Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, a growing baby and the increasing demands placed on the body can all leave expectant mothers feeling tired.

But there is a point at which fatigue deserves a closer look, particularly when it becomes persistent, excessive, or is accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath or heart palpitations.

One possible cause is iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), a common and treatable condition that can affect pregnant women.

The World Health Organisation defines anaemia in pregnancy as a haemoglobin concentration below 11 g/dL, although interpretation may also depend on the stage of pregnancy and other clinical factors.