Lately, my nightstand has looked less like a literary launchpad and more like a book graveyard. If you’re a fellow bookworm, you know that feeling of a stack of To Be Read (TBR) books staring back at you, practically accusing you of neglect. And if you’re also pregnant, especially nearing the end, you know the ultimate culprit: third-trimester exhaustion.
From First-Trimester Fatigue to Third-Trimester "Nope"
I thought I knew exhaustion after the first trimester. That was a wall of sudden tiredness. But the third trimester? This is a whole new level of bone-deep, heavy fatigue combined with the physical difficulty of just existing. My body is doing the serious, final growth push, and the energy needed to process plot, characters, and subtext is just... gone.
Forget curling up in a comfy chair; just finding a position that doesn't put pressure on my hips, back, or bladder is a win. The thought of holding a large hardback open for more than ten minutes feels like a marathon, especially with the constant need to shift, stretch, or find my breath. My brain feels like it’s running on a sputtering generator, making a complex novel feel utterly impossible.
My Survival Guide for Reading (or Listening) Now
So, what does a book lover do when she can barely keep her eyes open, her body is sore, and her concentration is shot? I’ve had to completely redefine what "reading" means during this final countdown.
Audiobooks are My Lifeline: Seriously, if you’re struggling, switch to audio. I can close my eyes, rest my head, and still consume stories. It requires zero physical effort and just enough mental engagement to keep me happy. My current favorites are lighthearted romance and familiar re-reads—nothing that requires intense focus.
The Power of Short-Form Content: I've temporarily shelved the 700-page fantasy epics. Instead, I'm focusing on short stories, essays, and quick-read mysteries. The commitment is minimal, and I get the satisfaction of finishing something without a weeks-long struggle.
Reading as a Stretch Goal: I’ve stopped trying to set aside an hour for reading. Instead, I pick up my book for 5-10 minutes while waiting for the kettle to boil or right before I inevitably crash into bed. Progress is progress, no matter how slow.
Forgetting the Pressure: This has been the hardest part. I had to let go of the guilt about my TBR and my reading goals. My body is literally building a human and preparing for labor—that’s a Herculean task! Now, my main goal is simply to rest.
Note: If I find myself drifting off or re-reading the same paragraph five times, I put the book down. The story will be there later. My sleep and comfort are more important now.
A Gentle Reminder to Fellow Tired Bookworms
If you're also in this phase, please know you are not alone. It's not a failure to slow down. It’s okay if your literary goals take a backseat to your physical needs right now. Your love for books doesn't diminish because you're tired; it just shifts form. Right now, I'm simply turning the page on this chapter of my reading life, trusting that a new one—filled with energy and quiet reading time (maybe during naps! 🤞)—is coming soon.
What book genre or format helps you stay engaged when you're dealing with serious fatigue? I'm always looking for low-effort suggestions!
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