Is it normal to feel very fatigued and sleepy every day at 32 weeks of pregnancy?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus increases in size, causing the pregnant woman's uterus to become significantly protruded and her physical burden to increase. This leads to greater stress on cardiopulmonary function, making her prone to feelings of hypoxia, which may subsequently cause fatigue. At the same time, hormonal changes in the body can suppress neural excitability, resulting in drowsiness. If the pregnant woman has sufficient daily sleep and a balanced diet, and experiences only fatigue and sleepiness without other discomforts, these symptoms are considered normal manifestations during pregnancy.
Generally, feeling fatigued and sleepy at 32 weeks of pregnancy is usually a normal physiological response. However, if accompanied by dizziness, worsening edema, or abnormal fetal movements, there may be underlying health concerns that require attention. If in doubt, it is advisable to seek medical consultation promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the fetus increases in size and the uterus becomes significantly enlarged, increasing the physical burden on the mother. This places added stress on the heart and lungs, making pregnant women more prone to feelings of oxygen deficiency, which can lead to fatigue. At the same time, hormonal changes in the body may suppress nervous system excitability, resulting in excessive sleepiness. If the pregnant woman has adequate daily sleep and balanced nutrition, and experiences only fatigue and sleepiness without other discomforts, symptoms can typically be relieved with appropriate rest and are considered part of normal pregnancy.
If fatigue and sleepiness at 32 weeks are accompanied by significant dizziness, blurred vision, sudden worsening of lower limb edema, or a noticeable decrease or weakening of fetal movements, this may indicate underlying issues such as anemia, gestational hypertension, or fetal intrauterine hypoxia. These conditions are not normal physiological responses, and without timely intervention, they may affect both maternal health and fetal development. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.
When experiencing fatigue and sleepiness at 32 weeks of pregnancy, adjusting daily routines is recommended—ensuring 1–2 short rest periods each day and avoiding overexertion. If any abnormal symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention for evaluations including blood pressure monitoring, complete blood count, and fetal heart rate monitoring.
