🎧 My Third Trimester Secret Weapon: Why Audiobooks Saved My Reading Life

If you read my last post, you know the struggle is real: the third-trimester fatigue combined with the general physical awkwardness of being very pregnant means sitting down to read a physical book feels like a monumental chore. My beloved stacks of TBR books were starting to collect dust, and I was feeling the acute pain of a bookworm in a reading slump.

But I've found my secret weapon: audiobooks.

They haven't just helped me cope with the slump; they've actively allowed me to keep my literary life alive, even when my body is demanding maximum rest.

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The Third Trimester Dilemma vs. The Audiobook Solution

The Challenge (Third Trimester)	The Audiobook Solution
😴 Bone-Deep Fatigue: My brain feels fuzzy, and focusing on lines of text is exhausting.	Passive Consumption: I can close my eyes, lay down, and still absorb the story without any visual or focusing effort.
🪑 Physical Discomfort: Finding a comfortable position to hold a book (without hip pain or breathlessness) is nearly impossible.	Hands-Free & Portable: I can listen while lying on my side, soaking my feet, or slowly pacing to manage restlessness.
🧠 "Pregnancy Brain": My concentration is shot, and I often re-read the same paragraph multiple times.	Consistent Pacing: The narrator keeps the story moving, preventing me from zoning out or losing my place.
🧺 Need to "Nest": I have bursts of energy for light, repetitive chores (folding laundry, organizing the nursery).	Multitasking: I can safely listen while tackling light nesting projects—maximizing my time without sacrificing my reading hobby.

My Go-To Audiobook Strategy for Tired Mamas

I've learned that not all audiobooks are created equal when you're this exhausted. Here's how I've adapted my listening:

1. Prioritize Excellent Narration: A monotone or robotic narrator is a recipe for a nap. I look for books read by actors or voice artists known for their engaging, well-paced delivery. The voice becomes my anchor to the story.

2. Embrace the "Comfort Listen": This is not the time to dive into a dense historical fiction or a philosophical treatise. I stick to lighthearted mysteries, cozy fantasy, or easy-to-follow romantic comedies. The goal is pure, stress-free escapism.

3. Speed Control is Key: On good days, I might speed up the narration to $1.25x$. On days when the fatigue is crushing, I might slow it down to $0.9x$. This simple adjustment lets me match the pace of the story to the pace of my tired brain.

4. The Sleep Routine Starter: I've started listening to a familiar, non-stressful audiobook (like a re-read of a childhood favorite) as a signal to my body that it's time to wind down. It quiets my racing mind and often helps me drift off more peacefully than staring at a screen.

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A Thank You to My Invisible Narrators

I’ve "read" more books in the last month than I did in the two months prior, all thanks to this shift. Audiobooks have truly saved my sanity and kept me feeling connected to the literary world I love, even while I’m navigating the demanding, final phase of pregnancy.

To any fellow bookworm struggling with fatigue, exhaustion, or physical discomfort: Give audiobooks a try! They don't replace the joy of a physical book, but they are a fantastic, low-effort alternative for this season of life.

What are some of your favorite, captivating audiobooks that kept you engaged when you were struggling with focus? I'm always looking to add to my queue!