Will Prenatals Help With Tiredness During Pregnancy?

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published on PubMed, 94% of women struggle with fatigue during pregnancy. For many expectant mothers, extreme exhaustion can be one of the most surprising and overwhelming symptoms. Taking a daily prenatal vitamin can help, but will prenatals help with tiredness on their own, or is more needed?

Quick Summary

This article explores how prenatal vitamins can support energy levels during pregnancy by addressing nutritional deficiencies, primarily focusing on the roles of iron and B vitamins. It examines the typical causes of pregnancy fatigue and provides practical advice for managing it.

Key Points

Nutrient Support: Prenatal vitamins combat fatigue by addressing common pregnancy-related nutritional deficiencies, especially low iron and B vitamins.
Iron is Key: The iron in prenatals helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia, a major cause of tiredness during pregnancy, by supporting increased blood volume.
B Vitamins for Energy: B vitamins, particularly B12 and folic acid, support energy metabolism, helping your body convert food into usable energy.
Holistic Approach is Best: While prenatals are crucial, combining them with adequate rest, a balanced diet, and light exercise is the most effective strategy for managing fatigue.
Know the Side Effects: The iron in some prenatals can cause side effects like nausea and constipation, which can affect energy. Taking them with food or at a different time can help.
Consult a Doctor: Persistent and severe fatigue should always be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions like anemia or depression.

Understanding the Root Causes of Pregnancy Fatigue

Pregnancy fatigue is a multifaceted issue driven by a number of profound physiological changes. It's far more than just feeling a little sleepy; it is often an all-consuming exhaustion that can significantly impact daily life. While prenatal vitamins are an essential component of a healthy pregnancy, it's crucial to first understand why you are feeling so tired.

The Role of Hormones and Bodily Changes

In the first trimester, a surge of the hormone progesterone is a major contributor to fatigue. Your body is also working incredibly hard to create the placenta, a new organ vital for your baby's development. This process consumes a huge amount of energy. Increased blood volume, a faster heart rate, and lower blood sugar and pressure can also leave you feeling drained.

Potential Nutrient Deficiencies

While many women have a healthy diet, it can be challenging to meet all the increased nutritional demands of pregnancy through food alone. This is where nutrient deficiencies can occur, directly contributing to fatigue. The most common deficiencies include:

Iron: Your body's iron needs approximately double during pregnancy to produce the hemoglobin required for both you and your baby's blood supply. A lack of iron leads to iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that causes extreme tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Vitamin B12: This vitamin is essential for red blood cell formation and energy metabolism. Deficiency can cause anemia and fatigue.
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Folic acid is vital for cell growth and fetal nervous system development, but deficiency can also lead to anemia and fatigue.

How Prenatal Vitamins Address Fatigue

So, will prenatals help with tiredness? The answer is that a high-quality prenatal can be a powerful tool for combating fatigue, particularly when it stems from a nutritional gap. By providing a reliable source of essential nutrients, prenatals help support your body's increased demands and prevent key deficiencies.

Iron: Preventing Anemia and Boosting Oxygen

Many prenatal vitamins contain a significant amount of iron (often 27 mg) to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is a core component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and, importantly, to your baby. Consistent iron intake through your prenatal is one of the most effective ways to prevent anemia and restore your energy levels.

B Vitamins: The Energy Powerhouse

B vitamins, such as B6, B12, and folic acid, are central to your body's energy production. They help convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy, a process that is working overtime during pregnancy. In addition to their critical role in fetal development, having sufficient B vitamins can directly help you feel more energetic and less tired.

A Comparative Look: Prenatal Nutrients and Energy


Nutrient	Role in Combating Fatigue	Deficiency Symptoms	Included in Prenatal?
Iron	Vital for hemoglobin, prevents anemia, and boosts oxygen transport.	Extreme fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath.	Yes, typically in higher amounts.
Vitamin B12	Supports red blood cell formation and energy metabolism.	Anemia, fatigue, and potential neurological issues.	Yes, essential for energy and development.
Folic Acid	Works with B12 to support red blood cell creation.	Fatigue, weakness, and birth defects.	Yes, critical for fetal nervous system.
Vitamin D	Regulates calcium and phosphate levels, supporting healthy bones.	Bone and muscle weakness, fatigue.	Yes, often included to aid calcium absorption.

Holistic Strategies for Managing Fatigue

While a prenatal vitamin can make a significant difference, it is just one part of a holistic approach to managing pregnancy fatigue. Combining supplementation with healthy lifestyle habits is the most effective strategy. Some helpful tips include:

Get more rest: Listen to your body and take naps when needed. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule can also be beneficial.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen tiredness, so drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining energy levels.
Eat a balanced diet: Small, frequent meals consisting of lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh produce can help stabilize blood sugar and prevent energy crashes.
Incorporate light exercise: Gentle physical activity like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga can boost circulation and provide an energy lift.
Manage stress: Stress and anxiety can contribute to fatigue. Techniques like deep breathing or talking with a trusted friend can help.

The Potential Side Effects of Prenatals

It is also worth noting that for some women, prenatals can sometimes cause side effects like nausea or constipation, which can, in turn, affect energy levels. This is often due to the high iron content. To help mitigate these side effects:

Take with food: Taking your prenatal vitamin with a meal or a snack can help reduce stomach upset.
Try a different time: If morning sickness is an issue, consider taking your prenatal in the evening before bed.
Consider chewable options: For some, a chewable or gummy prenatal can be easier on the stomach than a pill.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Magic Pill

So, will prenatals help with tiredness? Yes, they can play a vital role by preventing and treating common nutritional deficiencies, particularly anemia caused by low iron. For many, a good prenatal is a key component in restoring some much-needed energy. However, prenatals are not a magic cure-all for the extreme exhaustion that often accompanies pregnancy. The best results come from combining supplementation with a strategic approach to rest, diet, and gentle exercise. Always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you are taking the right vitamins for your specific needs and to rule out other potential causes of severe or persistent fatigue.

For more information on managing pregnancy-related symptoms, resources like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) can be invaluable.

The Bottom Line

While a prenatal vitamin can help combat fatigue by providing essential nutrients like iron and B12, it is not a complete solution. Pairing your prenatal with lifestyle changes like increased rest, healthy eating, and light exercise offers the most comprehensive approach to managing tiredness during pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

While unlikely to be the direct cause, side effects from prenatal vitamins like nausea or constipation (often due to the iron content) can lead to a decrease in energy and overall feeling unwell. If this occurs, try taking the vitamin with food or at a different time of day.

If your fatigue is caused by a nutritional deficiency, such as iron-deficiency anemia, you may start to notice a difference in your energy levels within a few weeks of consistent use. However, the exact timing varies based on the severity of the deficiency and your body's response.

In the first trimester, the main driver of fatigue is the massive hormonal fluctuation, especially the surge in progesterone. Your body is also expending significant energy on building the placenta.

First-trimester fatigue is mainly caused by hormonal changes and building the placenta. Third-trimester fatigue is often due to the physical demands of carrying extra weight, interrupted sleep, and increased general discomfort.

No, you should never take more than the recommended dose of a prenatal vitamin unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. Excessive amounts of certain vitamins, like Vitamin A, can be harmful to your baby.

Yes, it is very common. Prenatals address nutritional deficiencies but cannot counteract all the physiological demands of pregnancy. Lifestyle factors like lack of sleep, dehydration, and stress also contribute significantly.

Yes, moderate and gentle exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, can help boost circulation and provide a natural energy lift. However, it's important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion.