What causes dizziness during pregnancy. How can pregnant women prevent feeling lightheaded. When should you be concerned about dizziness in pregnancy. What are the differences between lightheadedness and vertigo during pregnancy. How does dizziness change throughout pregnancy trimesters.

Understanding Dizziness in Pregnancy: A Common but Manageable Symptom

Dizziness is a frequent occurrence during pregnancy, affecting many expectant mothers at various stages. While it can be unsettling, it’s usually not a cause for alarm. This article delves into the reasons behind pregnancy-related dizziness, its manifestations, and effective strategies for managing this common symptom.

The Physiological Causes of Pregnancy-Related Dizziness

Pregnancy triggers significant changes in a woman’s body, particularly in the cardiovascular system. These alterations can contribute to feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. Some key physiological changes include:

• Increased heart rate
• Higher blood volume (30-50% increase)
• Dilated blood vessels
• Gradual drop in blood pressure, especially in mid-pregnancy
• Growing uterus putting pressure on veins

These adaptations are designed to support the developing fetus, but they can sometimes lead to temporary imbalances in blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizzy spells.

How does blood pressure change during pregnancy?

Blood pressure typically follows a pattern during pregnancy:
1. It gradually drops in early pregnancy
2. Reaches its lowest point in mid-pregnancy
3. Begins to rise again, returning to pre-pregnancy levels by the end of gestation

Distinguishing Between Lightheadedness and Vertigo in Pregnancy

While often used interchangeably, lightheadedness and dizziness (vertigo) are distinct sensations:

• Lightheadedness: A feeling of faintness, with a heavy body and light head
• Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or movement, often accompanied by nausea

Vertigo during pregnancy may also involve feeling off-balance or a tilting sensation. Some women experience associated symptoms such as headaches or vision changes.

Dizziness Across Pregnancy Trimesters: What to Expect

The experience of dizziness can vary throughout pregnancy:

First Trimester

Dizziness in early pregnancy is common due to rapidly increasing blood volume and hormonal shifts. These changes cause blood vessels to relax and widen, potentially leading to drops in blood pressure. Additionally, fluctuating blood sugar levels as the body adjusts to pregnancy can contribute to dizzy spells.

Second and Third Trimesters

While dizziness may be more pronounced in the first trimester, it can persist or recur later in pregnancy. As the uterus grows, it can put pressure on blood vessels, particularly when lying on your back, which may cause lightheadedness.

Preventing Dizziness During Pregnancy: Practical Strategies

There are several steps pregnant women can take to minimize the occurrence of dizziness:

1. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions
2. Avoid prolonged standing
3. Wear compression stockings if necessary
4. Eat regular, small meals to maintain blood sugar levels
5. Stay hydrated
6. Avoid hot showers or baths
7. After the first trimester, avoid lying flat on your back
8. Incorporate iron-rich foods if anemic

Can changing eating habits help prevent dizziness?

Yes, modifying your eating habits can help. Try these tips:
– Eat every few hours instead of three large meals
– Opt for six smaller meals throughout the day
– Include protein-rich snacks like nuts or peanut butter
– Avoid long gaps between meals

Immediate Actions When Feeling Dizzy During Pregnancy

If you experience a dizzy spell, take these immediate steps:

• Sit or lie down immediately
• If sitting, put your head between your knees
• If lying down, elevate your feet above your head
• Take slow, deep breaths
• Move to an area with fresh air
• Loosen any tight clothing
• Avoid eating or drinking until the dizziness passes

When to Seek Medical Attention for Pregnancy-Related Dizziness

While dizziness is usually harmless during pregnancy, there are situations where it may indicate a more serious condition. Consult your healthcare provider if:

• Dizziness is severe or persistent
• You experience fainting episodes
• Dizziness is accompanied by severe headaches, vision changes, or abdominal pain
• You notice a rapid heart rate or difficulty breathing
• There’s any vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid

Is fainting dangerous during pregnancy?

Fainting itself is not typically dangerous to you or your baby. However, there is a risk of injury from falling. Always try to sit or lie down if you feel faint to prevent accidents.

The Role of Prenatal Care in Managing Dizziness

Regular prenatal care is crucial for monitoring your health and your baby’s development. Your healthcare provider can:

• Assess your blood pressure and overall health
• Check for anemia, which can contribute to dizziness
• Provide personalized advice on managing symptoms
• Determine if additional tests or interventions are necessary

Attend all scheduled prenatal appointments and don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns about dizziness or other symptoms with your healthcare team.

Additional Factors Contributing to Pregnancy Dizziness

While cardiovascular changes are the primary cause of dizziness during pregnancy, other factors can exacerbate the condition:

Anemia

Pregnancy increases the body’s demand for iron. If iron levels are insufficient, it can lead to anemia, which may cause or worsen dizziness. Your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplements or dietary changes if you’re diagnosed with anemia.

Dehydration

Proper hydration is crucial during pregnancy. Dehydration can lower blood pressure and contribute to dizziness. Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, especially in warm weather or during physical activity.

Overexertion

While exercise is beneficial during pregnancy, overexertion can lead to dizziness. Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Gradually increase your activity levels and take frequent breaks.

Overheating

Pregnant women are more susceptible to overheating, which can cause dizziness. Avoid hot environments, dress in layers, and stay cool, especially during summer months or in warm climates.

The Impact of Hormones on Dizziness During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes play a significant role in pregnancy-related dizziness. Key hormones affecting this symptom include:

Progesterone

This hormone relaxes smooth muscles throughout the body, including blood vessels. While this adaptation is beneficial for pregnancy, it can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, potentially causing dizziness.

Relaxin

Relaxin loosens ligaments and joints in preparation for childbirth. However, it can also affect blood vessels, contributing to changes in blood pressure and circulation that may induce dizziness.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

High levels of hCG, especially in early pregnancy, can cause nausea and vomiting, which may lead to dehydration and subsequent dizziness.

Dizziness and Other Pregnancy Symptoms: Recognizing Patterns

Dizziness often occurs in conjunction with other pregnancy symptoms. Understanding these patterns can help you better manage your overall well-being:

Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting, common in the first trimester, can lead to dehydration and low blood sugar, both of which may cause dizziness.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness, especially in early pregnancy, can make you more susceptible to dizzy spells. Ensuring adequate rest and managing your energy levels can help mitigate this.

Increased Urination

Frequent urination can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances, potentially contributing to dizziness. Stay hydrated and consider electrolyte-rich beverages if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Long-term Management of Pregnancy-Related Dizziness

While dizziness is often a temporary symptom of pregnancy, implementing long-term strategies can help you manage it effectively:

Dietary Adjustments

Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron, protein, and complex carbohydrates. This helps stabilize blood sugar levels and provides essential nutrients for you and your baby.

Regular Exercise

Engage in pregnancy-safe exercises to improve circulation and maintain cardiovascular health. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or modifying an exercise routine.

Stress Management

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga. Stress can exacerbate dizziness, so finding effective ways to manage it is crucial.

Sleep Positioning

As your pregnancy progresses, sleeping on your left side can help improve blood flow and reduce the likelihood of dizziness.

Preparing for Postpartum: Will Dizziness Continue After Pregnancy?

While dizziness is primarily associated with pregnancy, some women may experience it in the postpartum period as well. Factors contributing to postpartum dizziness include:

• Hormonal fluctuations as the body readjusts
• Blood loss during delivery
• Fatigue and sleep deprivation
• Dehydration, especially if breastfeeding

Most cases of postpartum dizziness resolve as your body recovers from childbirth. However, if dizziness persists or is severe, consult your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

Conclusion: Navigating Dizziness Throughout Your Pregnancy Journey

Dizziness during pregnancy, while common and usually harmless, can be disconcerting. By understanding its causes, implementing preventive strategies, and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can effectively manage this symptom. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one woman may not work for another. Stay in close communication with your healthcare provider, listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to ask for support when needed. With proper care and attention, you can navigate through the dizzy spells and focus on the exciting journey of bringing new life into the world.

Dizziness or Syncope (Fainting) During Pregnancy

Feeling dizzy or faint is very common during pregnancy. It generally doesn’t mean something is wrong. It’s most common during the first trimester, but it can happen anytime during pregnancy. Dizziness and fainting (syncope) are often caused by a drop in blood pressure. This is from the hormones released during pregnancy that relax the body’s blood vessels. Too little blood is then pumped up to the brain. When this happens, you lose consciousness (faint). Fainting is not dangerous to you or your baby unless you fall and hurt yourself.

Home care

To help prevent dizziness and fainting:

• When you get up from sitting or lying down, do so slowly. Clench and release your leg muscles before and during standing.
• Don’t stand for too long. If you must stand for prolonged periods of time, wear compression stockings. These are special stockings that help keep blood flowing toward the heart. Most medical supply stores sell these stockings.
• Don’t let long breaks happen between meals. Keep snacks handy in case you get hungry.
• Don’t take hot showers or baths. Use warm water. Be careful to stand up from a bath slowly.
• After the first trimester, don’t lie on your back.
• Try to eat every few hours. Instead of eating 3 larger meals a day, try eating 6 smaller meals. Snack on healthy foods that contain some protein like nuts and peanut butter.
• If you have been told you are anemic, eating iron-rich foods may be helpful.

If you feel dizzy:

• Sit or lie down. If you sit, put your head between your knees. If you lie down, try to get your feet higher than your head.
• Take deep breaths. Breathe out slowly.
• Move toward fresh or circulating air.
• Loosen tight clothing.
• Don’t eat or drink anything while you feel dizzy.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. Arrange for prenatal care if you haven’t already. Go to all your prenatal appointments. Get prenatal tests as instructed.

StayWell last reviewed this educational content on 10/1/2019

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Dizziness in early pregnancy: Is it vertigo?

Why am I experiencing dizziness in pregnancy?

You might occasionally feel lightheaded or dizzy when you’re pregnant because your cardiovascular system undergoes dramatic changes: Your heart rate goes up, your heart pumps more blood per minute, and the amount of blood in your body increases by 30 to 50 percent.

In most pregnancies, the blood vessels dilate and blood pressure gradually drops, reaching the lowest point in mid-pregnancy. It then begins to go back up, returning to its regular level by the end of pregnancy. In the second and third trimesters, a growing uterus also puts pressure on veins and slows circulation to the lower half of your body.

Your cardiovascular and nervous systems can usually adjust to these changes and maintain adequate blood flow to your brain. But sometimes they don’t adapt quickly enough, which can leave you feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or even make you faint.

You’re also more likely to feel dizzy if you have anemia, don’t eat or drink enough, overdo it when you exercise, or get overheated.

What’s the difference between feeling lightheaded and dizzy?

Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re distinct from each other. Lightheadedness happens when you feel faint, and your body might seem heavy while your head feels too light. Dizziness, which is also called vertigo, makes you feel like your surroundings are moving and that can often lead to nausea.

With vertigo in pregnancy, you may feel off balance or like you’re spinning or tilting. This might also be accompanied by headaches or vision issues.

Dizziness in early pregnancy: Will it just occur in the first trimester?

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy during early pregnancy is not as common as changes like sore breasts, morning sickness, fatigue, and frequent urination. But it’s still considered normal because of increasing blood volume along with hormonal changes.

Those hormone shifts cause your blood vessels to relax and widen, which bring more blood to your baby, but slow how much flows back to you. That prompts a dip in blood pressure that can cause dizziness. Low blood sugar levels may also be a culprit, because your body is trying to regulate those levels in the first trimester.

Although dizziness can be more acute in the first trimester and less frequent in your second trimester, it can also occur later in pregnancy, especially if you lie on your back. That’s because the weight of the baby is pressing on your vena cava, the large vein carrying blood to your heart from your lower body.

Can certain health conditions cause dizziness in pregnancy? Could it be vertigo in pregnancy?

You can have vertigo in pregnancy, but other less common causes of dizziness during pregnancy may not be as easy to spot. Those can include:

Vasovagal syncope: Some people get dizzy when they strain to cough, pee, or have a bowel movement. These actions can prompt blood pressure and heart rate to fall, leading to dizziness and fainting. (Vasovagal means your vagus nerve is affecting your circulatory system; syncope means fainting.) Dehydration, anxiety, and pain can also be triggers.

Pregnant women are more prone to vasovagal syncope. Besides lightheadedness, it’s often preceded by warning signs such as a feeling of warmth, paleness, sweating, nausea, yawning, and hyperventilation. Pay attention to these symptoms and lie down immediately to try to keep yourself from fainting.

Anemia: If you’re anemic, you don’t have as many red blood cells to carry oxygen to your brain and other organs, which can make you feel lightheaded. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, so be sure to eat an iron-rich diet and take a prenatal vitamin with iron, especially in your second and third trimesters. If you’re anemic, your provider may prescribe a separate iron supplement as well.

Anxiety: When you feel anxious, you may hyperventilate and get lightheaded. See our article on managing stress and anxiety during pregnancy for advice on reducing stress. If nothing seems to help, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a therapist for help figuring out what you need to do to feel better.

What can I do if I’m experiencing dizziness or lightheadedness in pregnancy?

Lie down as soon as you start to feel dizzy. Lying on your side maximizes blood flow to your body and brain, which may keep you from fainting and could relieve lightheadedness altogether.

If you’re someplace where you can’t lie down, then sit down so you don’t fall. Try to put your head between your knees. (Of course, you may no longer be able to do this if you’re very pregnant.)

If you’re doing anything that might put you or others at risk for injury, such as driving, pull over and stop right away.

Other strategies include taking deep breaths, opening windows or going outside so you get fresh air, and loosening tight clothing.

Can I prevent dizziness in pregnancy?

You can take steps to minimize the risk of dizziness during pregnancy. Here are some common causes of lightheadedness during pregnancy as well as the precautions you can take:

Don’t stand up too fast. When you sit, blood pools in your feet and lower legs. If your body isn’t able to adjust when you stand up, not enough blood returns to your heart from your legs. As a result, your blood pressure drops quickly, which can leave you feeling faint.

To prevent this, avoid springing up from your chair or bed. When you’re lying down, sit up slowly and stay seated for a few minutes with your legs dangling over the side of the bed or couch. Then slowly rise from sitting to standing.

Your blood may also pool in your feet and legs when you stand in one place for a long time. If you’re in a situation where you can’t move around, try shaking your legs to promote circulation.

Wearing support stockings can also help circulation in the lower half of your body.

Don’t lie on your back. In your second and third trimesters, your growing uterus can slow the circulation in your legs by compressing the large vein (inferior vena cava) that returns blood from the lower half of the body to the heart and the pelvic veins. Lying flat on your back can make this problem worse.

About eight percent of pregnant women in their second or third trimester develop a condition called supine hypotensive syndrome. If you have this condition, it means that when you lie on your back, your heart pumps less blood and your blood pressure drops, so you may feel anxious, lightheaded, and nauseated until you shift position.

To prevent this problem, lie on your side instead of flat on your back. A pillow placed behind you or under your hip can help you stay on your side (or at least tilted enough to keep your uterus from compressing the vena cava).

Eat and drink regularly. When you don’t eat enough, you can end up with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can make you feel dizzy or faint. This can happen much more easily when you’re pregnant. Keep your blood sugar from getting too low by eating small meals frequently during the day instead of three large ones. Carry healthy snacks to eat when you get hungry on the go.

Dehydration can have a similar effect, so stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The Institute of Medicine recommends that pregnant women drink about 10 8-ounce cups of water or other beverages each day. You may need even more if you’re exercising or it’s hot. (If your urine is dark yellow or cloudy, you’re not drinking enough.)

Avoid overheating. Spending time in a hot room or taking a hot bath or shower can make your blood vessels dilate, lowering your blood pressure and making you feel woozy.

If you feel dizzy when you get too hot, avoid stuffy, crowded places and dress in layers so you can shed clothes as necessary. Take warm showers or baths instead of hot ones, and try to keep the bathroom cool.

Don’t overdo it when you exercise. Exercise can sometimes cause you to hyperventilate and feel faint. Although exercise can help your circulation, be careful not to overdo it. Take it easy, and stop if you feel tired or unwell.

When should I call my healthcare provider about dizziness during pregnancy?

Feeling a little lightheaded on occasion from heat, hunger, or getting up too fast is generally not cause for alarm. But if you have persistent lightheadedness, frequent bouts of dizziness, or any other concerns, talk with your provider.

Also call your provider if you have any of these symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:

• Severe headaches
• Blurred vision
• Impaired speech
• Palpitations
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Vaginal bleeding

Also, get immediate medical help if you faint, or if you’re dizzy following a head injury. In early pregnancy, call 911 if you have dizziness with abdominal pain and a racing pulse. This could indicate that you could have a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.

Learn more:

7 Signs Your Pregnancy Dizziness Is A Much Bigger Issue

Figuring out which pregnancy symptoms are normal and which could be a cause for concern is no easy task. Some can seem really scary but turn out to be totally common, while others can seem trivial and turn out to be something much more serious. Dizziness can fit into either category. Sometimes it’s just due to the way your pregnancy is affecting your blood pressure and blood flow, and the dizzy spells will soon subside. There are, however, some signs your pregnancy dizziness is a much bigger issue and needs to be checked out by your doctor ASAP.

As mentioned above, your dizziness can have a lot to do with your blood vessels. Your pregnancy hormones increase your blood flow and your heart rate, but slow down your circulation in the process, according to Parents. Dizziness can also be caused by the pressure that’s put on your blood vessels by your growing uterus.

If a dizzy spell strikes, the Mayo Clinic suggested immediately laying down on your side until the feeling passes. You should also avoid standing up for long periods of time if you can and drink plenty of water to prevent them from happening. If none of those things are helping you feel better, it may be time to talk to your doctor.

Here are seven signs that could mean your dizziness is more serious than you realize.

1

You’re Also Bleeding Or Feeling Cramps

If you’re feeling dizzy and also experiencing any sort of vaginal bleeding or cramping, it’s a major red flag. According to the American Pregnancy Association, this scary combination of symptoms could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or problem with your placenta.

2

You’re Also Throwing Up A Lot

4

You’re Also Super Hungry

Kids Spot also noted that dizziness can mean you’ve got low blood sugar. If you feel hungry or weak when your dizziness strikes, you may need to eat more frequently and up your protein intake.

5

You Get Dizzy Or Light-Headed When You Lie Down

Lying down is usually what makes dizziness go away, but if getting horizontal actually makes you feel worse, it could mean you’ve developed supine hypotensive syndrome, according to Baby Center. That means your blood pressure drops when you’re on your back, leaving your head spinning. Lying on your side instead of your back should help.

6

You’re Also Super Thirsty

7

You’re Also Feeling Hot

According to Pregnancy Corner, feeling dizzy as you’re enjoying the hot summer weather could actually mean that your pregnant body is overheating. Staying outside in the heat, overdoing it while exercising, or even turning the temperature too high during the shower can all make you dizzy. Pregnant mamas need to be careful not get so hot that they pass out and potentially injure themselves.

How to deal with dizziness during pregnancy

Your body goes through a lot of changes when you’re pregnant, and some of them cause you to feel faint. Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy dizziness.

“I had been working from home and I remember getting up from bed. I had to catch myself against the wall as my knee buckled,” recalls Jasvinder Sandhu, who was six months pregnant at the time with her second child. “My eyes went black and I thought I was going to faint.”

She thankfully didn’t faint. “Fortunately, my mother-in-law was also there, and she brought me some crackers and soda,” recalls Sandhu. She immediately called her doctor, who told her to relax and take it easy.

Sandhu had also experienced dizziness early in her first pregnancy, after spending long hours working at her desk as a lawyer in Toronto. “I felt more worry the first time,” she says. “What if there’s something wrong with me, what if there’s something wrong with the baby?”

Dizziness during pregnancy is actually quite normal and can often be treated and prevented with lifestyle changes. Here’s what you need to know.

What causes dizziness during pregnancy?

The cause of dizziness during pregnancy can depend on which trimester you are in, explains Nicole Todd, an obstetrician at the B.C. Women’s Hospital & Health Centre in Vancouver. During the first trimester, dizziness could be related to morning sickness. Pregnant women often can’t keep food or liquids down and feel weak and dizzy as a result, explains Todd. 5 ways to cope with morning sickness

In the second and third trimester, a lot of changes happen in your body to accommodate the growing baby, including a 30 to 50 percent increase in your blood volume. But the amount of hemoglobin, a protein responsible for delivering oxygen to the cells, doesn’t keep up with that increase in blood volume, Todd says. This can lead to anemia—when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make hemoglobin—which can make you feel dizzy or weak. Your OB or midwife will often notice your low hemoglobin levels when you have your regular bloodwork done, and typically it’s treated with iron supplements.

Another reason for feeling faint during pregnancy is dehydration says Robyn Berman, a midwife with IWK Community Midwives. Pregnant women need to stay hydrated because fluid is essential for the development of the baby. But things like morning sickness, aversions and just being busy mean women often don’t drink enough.

Throughout pregnancy, women may also experience dizziness as a result of their veins relaxing, which happens due to a rise in hormones. “Along with changes in blood volume, a lot of blood vessels dilate and become more distended,” says Todd. “It can be difficult for blood to go from the legs to the heart to the brain and back to the baby,” she says. This lag causes you to feel dizzy when you stand up too quickly.

What does pregnancy dizziness feel like?

Women can experience dizziness differently during their pregnancy. “You can be dizzy but also feel weak; other women feel the room is spinning and feel nauseous,” says Todd. “Others associate dizziness with a merry-go-round feeling. ” Berman adds dizziness can also involve some visual changes—seeing stars, for example—and feeling like you might fall to the ground or lose balance.

What should I do if I feel dizzy while pregnant?

If you experience dizziness during pregnancy, the best thing to do is quickly find a place to sit or lie down for about five minutes, then try to slowly get up, says Berman.

Once the dizziness has passed, have a drink and a small snack. Todd recommends a piece of fruit, which is not only healthy but will give you a quick release of sugar. For some women, feeling faint can be symptomatic of changes in their blood glucose, says the OB. Feeling light-headed can be a sign of gestational diabetes, so it’s important to mention your symptoms to your doctor or midwife.

On hot days, move to a cool, shaded area and stay out of the heat. Make sure you’re keeping hydrated.

A long, warm bath or shower can also make you feel dizzy. Berman recommends adding cooler water to your bath or shower and placing a cold cloth on your forehead if you feel light-headed.

How can I prevent pregnancy dizziness?

Take time to rise slowly if you’ve been sitting for a while or lying down in bed. Todd says women need to be careful not to rush into any changes in movement.

Berman says lying flat on your back may also cause dizziness in pregnancy because the weight of your uterus puts pressure on the blood vessel called the vena cava. Normally it returns blood to the heart and lungs for oxygenation, but the added pressure can disrupt the flow and make you feel faint. “Pregnant women should choose a different sleeping position to avoid this sensation,” she says. It’s recommended that you try to sleep on your left side.

Try to avoid standing for long periods of time, but if your job or lifestyle prevents that, take breaks and move around. This will engage the blood vessels in your legs and help pump blood back to the heart. Todd says compression stockings can also help provide comfort and improve circulation for women during pregnancy.

When should I be worried about dizziness during pregnancy?

Mention any feelings of dizziness to your doctor or midwife during your regular appointments. “That way we can help you figure out if there’s something more complicated going on,” Todd says.

Often dizziness is just a normal pregnancy symptom, but in some instances it can be a sign of a larger issue.

“Pregnancy is a huge undertaking for the body,” says Todd. “Pre-existing heart conditions such as heart murmurs or problems with heart rate can worsen a woman’s experience of dizziness.” She recommends women with these conditions see their physician prior to getting pregnant.

If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing or fainting, go to the emergency room, says Todd.

And even though it’s difficult, remember that in most cases feeling light-headed isn’t a cause for concern.

“Try not to be worried!” says Berman. “Talk to your primary care provider about prevention. If they are concerned about your condition, the proper assessments and evaluations will follow suit.”

Despite Sandhu’s dizzy spells, everything was fine with her pregnancy and she is now the proud mom of a healthy and happy baby. ­­­­­

Read more:
8 natural ways to relieve pregnancy back pain
When to worry about swelling during pregnancy

Causes & Tips to Cope

Are you pregnant and experiencing unexplained dizziness, and wondering what it might mean for you or your baby?

There are several symptoms you expect to experience when you’re pregnant, but dizziness isn’t one that’s frequently discussed — even though it’s an experience that’s common to many expectant mothers.

In this article, we will discuss why you’re feeling dizzy, what steps you could take to combat it, and how to know when you need to seek medical attention.

What Causes Dizziness While Pregnant?

There are lots of changes happening in your body when you’re pregnant, so there could be a number of causes for your dizziness.

Here are the main ones:

1. Low Blood Pressure

Early in your pregnancy, hormones dilate your blood vessels in order to deliver sufficient blood to your baby ⁽¹⁾. However, a combination of the blood volume in your body which hasn’t yet caught up with the expanded circulatory system and the increased amount going to your uterus causes your blood pressure to be lower than normal. This can result in reduced blood flow to your brain, which can cause you to feel temporarily dizzy, especially when standing up or changing your position quickly. Some women have varicose veins and many develop them during their pregnancy, and these can contribute to the occurrence of dizziness throughout your pregnancy.

2. Low Blood Sugar

When you’re struggling with pregnancy nausea, morning sickness, or food aversions, it can be tough to eat the number of calories necessary to sustain your body — especially when your nausea is persistent and severe. During pregnancy your metabolism goes through changes too, so your doctor will routinely do tests for gestational diabetes mellitus. A drop in blood sugar can cause dizziness, sweating, shakiness, and lightheadedness, and if this happens in conjunction with vomiting, it can make the experience even more miserable.

3. Restricted Blood Flow

As your belly grows, your uterus may start to put pressure on your internal blood vessels, restricting blood flow. That is why when you lie on your back during the third trimester you might experience dizziness and why you should avoid exercises that involve lying on your back ⁽²⁾.

4. Poor Sleeping Position

If you sleep on your back late in pregnancy, you put extra pressure on the large blood vessel that carries blood from your lower body back to your heart, which can cause you to feel extreme dizziness until you reposition yourself and the blood flow is restored.

5. Overheating

You’re walking around with a little heater in your abdomen, and it doesn’t take much to tip you over the edge, especially if you find yourself in a stuffy place ⁽³⁾. Getting overheated can cause you to feel lightheaded and possibly pass out.

6. Dehydration

It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re pregnant, especially if you can’t keep much down due to vomiting or your frequent trips to the bathroom. Unfortunately, dehydration can also contribute to overheating and feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness.

7. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia, a condition 3-7% of women develop later in pregnancy, can cause dizziness. Preeclampsia should be taken seriously because it can cause severe complications for both mother and baby, including the possibility of death. If you experience dizziness, remember that most cases of it aren’t caused by preeclampsia.

Still, be on the lookout if you experience other symptoms together with dizziness after 20 weeks of gestation, including headache or abdominal pain, changes in your vision, peeing a lot less than usual, fast and significant weight gain, and particularly if you have a history of chronic medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, if this is your first pregnancy and if you are pregnant with multiples ⁽⁴⁾.

8. Anemia

During pregnancy, your body needs to make more blood in order to support your needs and the needs of your baby. If you’re not getting enough iron, folate or cobalamin in your diet, your body might not be able to produce the number of red blood cells it needs to make this extra blood and might not be producing enough hemoglobin which is a protein inside your red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport ⁽⁵⁾.

Over 50% of pregnant women suffer from anemia. It’s not unusual to have a slight degree of anemia in pregnancy even when you take in enough nutrients; however, severe anemia can lead to dizziness from not getting enough oxygenated blood to your brain, especially when standing up. Severe anemia can also pose a serious threat to both you and your baby so make sure you follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

If you are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting during your pregnancy, your doctor might have prescribed you with some medicine to manage those symptoms. If after taking those you start feeling dizzy – make sure you let your doctor know as some of these drugs can cause dizziness and your doctor can switch your medication to avoid this adverse effect.

Editor’s Note:

Dr. Irena Ilic, MD

How Can I Prevent Dizziness During Pregnancy?

There are several things you can do to try and prevent dizziness while pregnant.

Some of these things are:

• Stay hydrated: Drink water throughout the day to ensure you stay properly hydrated. It’s recommended you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day, or enough to keep your urine clear or very light yellow ⁽⁶⁾.  Adjust this amount if it’s hot outside or if you are exercising. Remember that besides water what also counts into your fluid intake is milk, yogurt, smoothies, juice, tea, coffee. Avoid alcoholic and sugar-loaded drinks, and limit your daily caffeine intake to less than 200mg ⁽⁷⁾. It may be daunting to try to increase your fluids when you feel like you’re already running to the bathroom every 10 minutes, but after a few days of increased water intake, your body will adjust and you won’t find yourself needing to pee with such urgency so frequently.
  

  If frequent peeing starts being an increasing discomfort for you, try avoiding caffeinated beverages and not taking too many fluids right before you go to bed. Another thing that women complain about is the feeling of their bladder not being completely empty after you pee. Try this trick: while sitting on the toilet gently rock forward and backward so that the pressure of the uterus on your bladder can change and you can avoid that feeling of not having peed enough.

  Editor’s Note:

  Dr. Irena Ilic, MDMaintaining proper hydration can help you combat other common pregnancy symptoms including fatigue, constipation, hemorrhoids, and swelling/water retention.

• Don’t over-do it on the exercise: Working out too hard can cause you to become lightheaded and also to overheat. While exercise during pregnancy is considered healthy and generally recommended, it’s important to listen to your body and not overwork yourself.
• Sleep on your left side: Blood flow to your baby is optimal when you sleep on your left side. If you have trouble getting comfortable, try using a pregnancy pillow to cradle your stomach, cushion your hip, or place it between your knees to help prop them up and keep them from putting pressure on your back and hips.
• Eat small, frequent meals: Keeping your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day can help prevent them from dropping quickly, which can cause lightheadedness. A balanced diet will help you fight constipation and eating regularly will also prevent your stomach from emptying completely. If you struggle with pregnancy nausea, an empty stomach can cause queasiness and make it more difficult to keep new contents down, exacerbating your risk of suffering from low blood sugar and related dizziness.
• Get enough fresh air: Avoid overheating by staying out of crowded rooms or reducing public transport time when it’s hot outside. The same goes for taking long hot baths or showers.
• Wear loose clothing: Poor or restricted circulation can contribute to dizziness. When dressing, choose clothes that won’t restrict your circulation or cause you to overheat. Choose breathable fabrics that aren’t overly tight. While belly panels of maternity clothes fit snugly against your skin, they should not feel tight, uncomfortable, or leave deep marks when you take them off. Also don’t forget your undergarments shouldn’t be too tight, either — particularly your bra. Your rib cage and breasts expand throughout pregnancy, so switch to a larger bra size if you find it starts to get uncomfortable and cut off blood flow.
• Get up slowly: When moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position, do so slowly so your circulatory system has time to catch up. It’s perfectly fine to hold on to a wall or some other object for support when getting up, giving yourself time to adjust to the change. When you stand up, blood pools in your legs, which can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure and subsequent dizziness. This is exacerbated by your widened blood vessels during pregnancy.
• Don’t stand for long periods: Change your position regularly. If you have to stay on your feet, move around often, and keep your knees bent to keep the blood flowing. After being on your legs for a while, grab a chance to lie down and elevate your legs.
• Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings help with swollen feet and varicose veins, but can also help with dizziness by creating less space in the legs for blood to pool, leaving more blood available for the upper body, including the brain.
• Take iron supplements: The most common cause of dizziness due to anemia is iron deficiency. Take a prenatal vitamin, which contains extra iron. If you are still anemic, talk to your doctor or midwife about a pregnancy-friendly iron supplement that doesn’t cause constipation. Some recommendations suggest starting iron supplements right from your first prenatal visit ⁽⁸⁾. This will help improve dizziness caused by anemia.

If you have had gastric bypass surgery and you are pregnant and dizzy – you might be anemic, but the reason behind your anemia might actually be a cobalamin deficiency, and in that case your doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy.

Editor’s Note:

Dr. Irena Ilic, MD

How to Keep Safe When You Feel Dizzy

If you’re actively dizzy or regularly struggle with dizziness, there are some steps you can take to keep yourself safe and avoid falling.

• Sit down: If you feel dizzy, don’t try to power through the episode. Sit or even lie down until the feeling passes, take some deep breaths, and then get up slowly.
• Eat or drink something: For the fastest relief in case that your dizziness is caused by low blood sugar, choose a high-sugar or high-carb snacks like a piece of fruit, candy, a bottle of juice, or granola bar. You can also carry some of those snacks with you just in case.
• Hold onto something for stability: If you’re not prone to passing out but struggle with dizziness, hold onto a table or chair when standing for balance.
• Avoid driving: If you find yourself experiencing dizziness often, avoid driving for some time until you feel fit for it again.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Your doctor keeps a close eye on your blood pressure and other vital signs at your regular prenatal visits. Be sure to tell them about any dizziness you’re experiencing so they can monitor your symptoms, but in most cases, it’s not essential to notify them outside of your regularly scheduled appointments. Ideally, during your regular visits, your healthcare provider will inform you about how to cope with and prevent dizziness and this will help keep unnecessary worries at bay.

However, if you find yourself fainting or losing consciousness, you need to contact your doctor without delay. They may check you for anemia and check your blood pressure and blood glucose levels to see if any of those may be causing it. If you are dizzy and feeling your heart race and have pain in your abdomen or chest, or you notice severe swelling or vaginal bleeding – call your doctor right away ⁽⁹⁾.

You should also call the doctor if your dizziness is accompanied by a headache and blurred vision.

Take Action

If you ever fall as a result of your dizziness, see your doctor right away. They may want to monitor your baby to make sure your tumble didn’t cause any harm or distress.

Dizziness In Pregnancy | 9 Causes And What To Do

Have you started feeling light-headed throughout the day and you’re not sure why?

Are you trying for a baby and wondering why you’re feeling a little woozy?

Or have you just found out you’re pregnant and worried you feel lightheaded?

If you’ve started to feel a little dizzy it’s important for you to get it investigated, especially if you’re pregnant.

Some causes of dizziness are easily fixed and some are much more serious conditions.

Here we will explore dizziness in pregnancy, what the causes might be, and what to do about it.

Dizziness in pregnancy

Dizziness is a very normal pregnancy symptom. But it’s also one that’s less common than the typical morning sickness or fatigue.

Dizziness or lightheadedness can make you feel like the room is spinning (vertigo) or it can make you feel weak and unsteady.

But it can also be a sign something isn’t quite right.

As you get to know your changing body much better, you’ll be able to pinpoint what’s going on to make you feel dizzy.

Is dizziness a sign of pregnancy?

If you haven’t taken a home pregnancy test to confirm whether you’re pregnant or not, your dizziness could be trying to tell you something.

Dizziness can happen because of hormonal changes and changes in your blood volume. If you’re feeling dizzy, maybe you should take a pregnancy test.

Dizziness in early pregnancy before missed period

After ovulation, progesterone levels rise to support a possible pregnancy. If you become pregnant, progesterone levels keep going up.

If an egg is fertilized and implants into the uterus, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced, and that means another surge of hormones for you to manage.

These sudden changes in hormones can cause dizziness – even before you’ve missed your period. It’s likely and perfectly reasonable, you might not be aware you could be pregnant.

Dizziness in early pregnancy 1 week

In our week-by-week pregnancy guide, you can find out what’s normal for this time.

It’s interesting to determine when week 1 of pregnancy actually is. Technically, in the first week of your ‘pregnancy’, you’re not even pregnant!

Read more about this confusing but interesting information in our article 1 Week Pregnant – The First Week Of Pregnancy.

Dizziness during pregnancy

In many cases, dizziness during pregnancy is a normal occurrence and nothing to worry about.

However, there are more serious conditions that could be triggering your dizziness. That’s why it’s important you tune in to your body and pay attention.

Seek help from your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your dizziness.

Let’s look at 9 causes of dizziness when you are pregnant:

#1: Hormonal changes

As mentioned earlier, hormones can play havoc with your system.

Levels of progesterone, relaxin, and hCG are all rising. These hormones are necessary to support your placenta and baby.

They act to expand blood vessels, increase blood volume, and increase blood flow. Their effect on your body, however, can leave you dizzy.

#2: Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force your blood exerts on the artery walls or the heart.

With the increase in blood flow and blood volume in pregnancy come blood pressure changes. During pregnancy, your care provider will be watching your blood pressure and making sure it doesn’t change too dramatically.

Big changes in your blood pressure can mean not enough oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the placenta and to your baby.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) isn’t generally serious but restriction in your blood vessels can cause lightheadedness or, more seriously, fainting. There’s some research to suggest hypotension can lead to low birth weight.

Avoid getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying down position, as it can cause your blood pressure to drop suddenly.

High blood pressure (hypertension) in pregnant women can lead to a serious condition called preeclampsia.

It’s important to know the signs it is worsening. They include:

• Headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision or flashing lights
• Puffy face, hands, and feet
• Upper right side abdominal pain
• Reduced urine output
• Changes in reflexes.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical help.

#3: Blood sugar levels

Fluctuation in blood sugar levels can cause dizziness in a few different ways.

Insulin helps the body to process glucose (a type of sugar) into energy. If there’s too much glucose in the blood, due to a processing problem, it can cause serious health problems.

When the body can’t create its own insulin to help break down sugar, it’s a condition known as type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is when some insulin is produced but it just isn’t enough.

Diabetes can also appear during pregnancy as the hormones promote insulin resistance.

Read about Gestational Diabetes – Diet and Symptoms.

A low blood sugar level in your circulation causes dizziness during pregnancy.

Try not to go for long periods without nourishing yourself. Have a healthy snack at regular intervals throughout the day if you are struggling to eat larger meals. Choose protein and healthy fats over processed carbs; they will help keep your blood sugar level stable.

Making sure your sugar levels are controlled is the key to keeping dizziness at bay.

Your health care provider can guide you if you already have gestational diabetes, or are diagnosed with this condition.

#4: Anemia

Anemia is otherwise known as iron deficiency. We need iron to make hemoglobin, which is a protein in the red blood cells that helps transport oxygen to the cells in the body.

If the body is lacking in iron, the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough hemoglobin. In turn, there won’t be enough hemoglobin in the blood to transport oxygen to major organs such as the brain and heart.

Iron can also be stored (as ferritin) for backup if the levels of blood circulating in the body drop.

A lack of iron can leave you feeling faint, with lightheadedness and less energy.

Have your iron levels checked if you are at risk of developing anemia in pregnancy. That way you can adjust your iron intake or supplement with iron before it becomes a problem.

#5: The vena cava

The vena cava is the main vein running through the uterus that returns blood flow from the lower half of the body to the heart.

Lying on your back can restrict the blood flow through your system, as the weight of your baby and uterus puts pressure on this vein. It can cause you to feel dizzy when you first stand up and, in later pregnancy when you’re lying down.

Your doctor will recommend you change sleeping positions in pregnancy once your belly starts to poke out. Sleeping on your side, rather than your back, helps keep the circulation flowing well to your little one and will reduce your dizziness.

Compression stockings for your legs can also provide comfort and improve circulation.

#6: Pain

If you’re experiencing discomfort, it can cause dizziness during pregnancy.

You might have backache, leg cramps, or even very strong Braxton Hicks contractions.

Any painful sensations during pregnancy can cause stress, interrupt your sleep, and make you feel anxious. This can increase the heart rate and cause shortness of breath and could be the reason you are having dizzy spells.

Try to find the source of any discomfort you experience, or see your trusted care provider for support in finding relief.

If the pain is severe, especially if it also involves vaginal bleeding, seek immediate medical assistance.

#7: Morning sickness

Feeling nausea or vomiting in the mornings, or for that matter, at any time of day?

Morning sickness is a typical pregnancy symptom and can be the cause of dizziness for some women, even in a healthy pregnancy.

It’s common in the first trimester but, as pregnancy progresses, it can continue into the second and third trimesters.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a more serious form of morning sickness and dizziness can occur due to dehydration and weight loss from not being able to hold down food and fluids.

Make sure you visit your doctor if you feel dizzy and can’t stop vomiting. You might be able to take some medication that will help, or you might need IV hydration.

#8: Dehydration

Going long periods without fluids can cause dizziness during pregnancy. Dehydration often kicks in well before you feel thirsty and you might start to feel faint.

You might be drinking less in an attempt to stop needing to wee all the time, another common pregnancy symptom. If you live in a hot, humid climate you’ll sweat more and dehydrate faster.

Be sure to read Electrolytes During Pregnancy – 9 Important Reasons To Have Them for more information.

Instead of restricting your fluid intake, fill a large bottle with water, and take sips from it frequently during the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink!

#9: Excessive exercise

Doctors recommend keeping fit and healthy during pregnancy throughout the first, second and third trimesters. Exercise during pregnancy has many positive benefits for you and your baby.

Too much strenuous exercise, however, can cause pregnant women to feel faint or dizzy. This is especially true if you’re just starting to exercise, or haven’t exercised for a while.

Go slowly and build your fitness gradually. Be mindful of your limits as your body changes.

Try alternating some moderate exercise, like swimming or walking, with yoga, so you can enjoy the benefits without dizziness.

When should I be worried about dizziness during pregnancy?

You’re still feeling dizzy and, despite making changes to address the causes, nothing has changed.

It’s time to reach out to your healthcare professional to make sure there isn’t something more serious going on.

Your doctor can take your health history, organize relevant blood tests, if required, and investigate further for you.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s early in your pregnancy or you’re in your second or third trimester; pregnancy dizziness that doesn’t resolve should be taken seriously, and your doctor needs to know.

Dizziness During Pregnancy

Feel like you just got off a piece of spinny playground equipment, only you haven’t set foot on a playground in years? That’s dizziness for you. And if you’re wondering if pregnancy can cause that lightheaded sensation, the answer is—it sure can. Learn why you might feel dizzy during pregnancy, what you can do about it and when it might be a sign of something more serious.

Why Do You Feel Dizzy When Pregnant?

Dizziness is most likely just another pregnancy symptom, in part due to hormone and blood pressure changes. As baby continues to grow, the pressure your uterus places on blood vessels can add to the dizziness.

Some conditions like anemia, hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness), hypertension and preeclampsia could also cause dizziness.

When To See The Doctor For Dizziness

If your dizziness is accompanied by vaginal bleeding or severe abdominal pain, call your doctor immediately—this might be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. It’s also time to talk with your doctor if things get so bad that you faint.

Ways To Deal With Dizziness During Pregnancy

When you start to feel lightheaded, sit or lie down right away, and put your head between your knees (if your belly allows it). Always lie on your left side—it’ll help increase blood flow to your heart and brain.

You can help keep dizziness at a minimum by taking care of yourself in a few basic ways:

• Eat regularly and choose healthy snacks
• Drink lots of water (dehydration can make you dizzy)
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down
• Try not to stand for long periods
• Don’t lie on your back after the first trimester
• Avoid getting overheated

You’ve probably been told countless times since getting pregnant to just take it easy—and yes, we’re going to repeat that sage advice. When you start to feel lightheaded, you should get some rest.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Hyperemesis Gravidarum During Pregnancy

What You Need To Know About Preeclampsia

Related Video

90,000 Dizziness during pregnancy: causes, features, symptoms, first aid, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Most pregnant women experience slight dizziness. It is possible to alleviate the condition by revising the usual regimen. Doctor IntegraMed (formerly NDC) will help you with this.

Main symptoms

Dizziness is the appearance of an illusory sensation of instability in space, movement of one’s own body and surrounding objects.Symptoms occur when the receptors of the visual or vestibular apparatus are overstrained, and the head turns sharply. The impetus can be a rise to a significant height, motion sickness in a vehicle, a change in position, being in a stuffy room, atmospheric pressure drops, as well as being on your feet for a long time. Along with weakness, nausea rolls over, tinnitus occurs, coordination of movement is impaired, limbs go numb. With oxygen starvation of the brain, fainting occurs, while the human body gradually subsides, blood pressure drops below normal, the skin becomes pale, the pulse slows down, sweat appears on the forehead.

Causes of occurrence

There is no serious cause for concern if weakness and dizziness occur infrequently. This is explained by the fact that the body of a pregnant woman undergoes significant physiological changes. First of all, the circulatory system changes – the volume of blood increases, the circulatory network grows, and an additional circle of blood circulation is formed. In the later stages of pregnancy, uterine blood flow accounts for 25% of the total blood flow.The body of a pregnant woman works in a mode of increased stress, the production of blood cells increases. Under the influence of hormonal changes, the heart muscle thickens. As a result, the tone of the vascular walls decreases, they relax. Reduced blood flow, which leads to oxygen starvation of the brain, weakness and dizziness. Other causes of occurrence are possible, they can only be identified by an experienced specialist.

What causes dizziness during pregnancy?

• Decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, while the tissues experience oxygen starvation.The volume of blood circulating in the body of a pregnant woman increases, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. On this basis, dizziness arises, often a woman loses consciousness. Similar symptoms occur as a result of prolonged stay in a zone of low atmospheric pressure. There are malfunctions in the respiratory system and in the blood hemostasis system.
• Decrease in blood glucose concentration. This symptom occurs due to improper diet.A woman eats a large amount of sweet food or maintains a long interval between meals. As soon as the concentration of sugar rises sharply, there is a sharp release of insulin into the blood, produced by the pancreas.
• Toxicosis. This condition is accompanied by nausea. Weakness appears, blood pressure drops below normal, and vomiting often occurs. A pregnant woman loses a significant amount of fluid; the required amount of oxygen does not enter the brain.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus. The disease develops as a result of increased stress on the pancreas. The problem disappears after the baby is born.
• Migraine, vegetative-vascular dystonia.
• Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, head trauma, circulatory disorders in the brain.
• Influenza, ARVI.
• Malfunctions of the respiratory system and vestibular apparatus.
• Increased physical activity, sunstroke.
• Meniere’s disease, epilepsy.
• Taking medications. During pregnancy, the sensitivity to the effects of medical components is aggravated.
• Enlargement of the uterus. Against the background of pregnancy, the genital vein contracts, unpleasant symptoms appear in the supine position.
• Gestosis. In the last weeks of pregnancy, a pregnant woman’s vision deteriorates sharply, and tinnitus appears. If you have such symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a specialist.

What to do to prevent dizziness

Slight dizziness in the first weeks of pregnancy does not pose a health hazard.A pregnant woman should know the reasons for the discomfort and what needs to be done to get rid of the discomfort.

If you feel dizzy, you must immediately lie down, raising your legs, thereby increasing the blood supply to the brain. Or you can sit down with your head tilted between your knees. In such positions, the condition of the pregnant woman improves. If the room is stuffy, you need to go out into the fresh air. If at this moment the pregnant woman is on public transport, you should feel free to ask the passengers to give up their seats.

Prevention of dizziness

To avoid discomfort, follow these simple rules:

• no need to make sudden movements while lying or sitting;
• you should not sit or stand for a long time, periodically you need to change your body position, walk to stretch your muscles;
• hot tub should be excluded;
• the air in the room must be ventilated so as not to provoke dizziness;
• should avoid crowded places;
• does not need to take long breaks between meals.Meals should be fractional, at least 4 times a day;
• visits to the obstetrician-gynecologist should be regular.

Diagnostic Methods

If dizziness is accompanied by loss of consciousness, the attending physician prescribes the following examination for the pregnant woman:

• general blood test;
• ultrasound of the brain and heart;
• electrocardiogram.

In some cases, additional examination may be required.Diagnostics of pregnant women should be selected individually in each case.

Treatment methods

Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the examination. In the presence of VSD, sedatives are prescribed to a woman, such as motherwort, valerian or mint. To get rid of anemia, drugs that increase hemoglobin are prescribed.

A woman should be sensitive to her health. The course of pregnancy affects not only the health of the expectant mother, but also the future baby.Treatment, like diagnosis, in case of pregnancy should be selected individually, based on many factors.

Contact the specialists of the Clinical and Diagnostic Center “IntegraMed” (formerly “NDC”). We select the treatment individually for each case. Press the button “SIGN UP” and come to us.

Medical news – BUZ RA “Perinatal Center”

Tuesday,
fourteen
May
2019

Hypertension during pregnancy: what is important for expectant mothers to know

On May 11, in many countries of the world, in Russia and the Altai Republic, World Hypertension Day was celebrated.Today, this disease is extremely common among the adult population, and it often worries expectant mothers. Statistics show that about 15% of women and during pregnancy suffer from hypertension. Why is this condition dangerous for the expectant mother and baby? Why is it so important to monitor the tonometer reading during pregnancy?

Of course, it is ideal if the pressure during pregnancy remains the same as it was before it occurred. However, this is not always the case.Deviations from the norm by more than 10% indicate the presence of health problems, which may not have the best effect on the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

If the pressure is high

During pregnancy, an additional circle of blood circulation appears in the body of the expectant mother – the placental, by the end of the third trimester, the volume of circulating blood gradually increases by 1-1.5 liters. All this, with a certain predisposition, can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

There are several markers that suggest that a woman may develop hypertension during pregnancy, including:

problems with pressure before the onset of “interesting position” or the presence of other problems with the cardiovascular system in a woman in labor;

overweight;

miscarriages and some complications from a previous pregnancy;

hormonal disorders;

kidney disease that complicates pregnancy.

Hypertension can remind of itself with ailments, headache, palpitations, a feeling of heat, rush of blood, blurred vision, tinnitus.

There are times when there are no special signs of high blood pressure, or they are mistaken for a manifestation of toxicosis, therefore, violations are detected only during a routine examination of a woman.

If the doctor has identified high blood pressure, it is imperative to distinguish between the two conditions.As a rule, if problems arose before 20 weeks of pregnancy or were even before its onset, then we are talking about hypertension. If the pressure begins to rise at the end of the second or third trimester, then gestosis (late toxicosis) is likely – a very serious complication of pregnancy, which often requires hospitalization.

Low pressure

Quite often, in women who are waiting for replenishment in the family, the pressure, on the contrary, decreases. The reason for this may be hormonal changes in the first trimester and early toxicosis.Signs of hypotension – lethargy, noise or ringing in the ears, headache or dizziness, feeling short of breath, and fainting.

Since low blood pressure cannot provide adequate blood supply to organs, hypotension is fraught with serious consequences, for example, a baby may experience a lack of nutrients and oxygen in the mother’s womb. Therefore, you need to try to correct the pressure in the available ways and make sure that it does not drop too low.

Health loves care

Today, many pregnant women have cardiovascular diseases, which is primarily associated with an appropriate lifestyle – unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress. If the expectant mother does not want to change her habits, then health problems may arise not only for her, but also for the future baby.

It is very important to constantly monitor your blood pressure and be monitored by the local doctor and take the drugs that he prescribes.Regular walks in the fresh air, good nutrition with a predominance of vegetables and fruits in the menu, good sleep and, of course, a positive attitude will help to normalize the woman’s condition.

Fact

Hypertension is said if the pressure exceeds 140/90 mm Hg. Art. (even if only one indicator is higher). About hypotension – if it is 90/60 mm Hg. Art. and less.

The rate for each person is individual, it is important to take into account not only absolute numbers, but also the degree of pressure change.So, if usually a woman was characterized by a pressure of 100/60 mm Hg. Art. and she felt fine, and during pregnancy the tonometer shows 130/80 mm Hg. Art., then it is likely that for her personally, these numbers are high and measures need to be taken. Only a doctor should make a specific decision.

90,000 First signs of pregnancy | Kotex

Although pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are the only ways to accurately determine pregnancy, there are a number of signs and symptoms that are worth looking out for.The early signs of pregnancy include not only missing menstruation, but can also include fatigue, sensitivity to odors, and morning sickness. It is worth remembering that all these are POSSIBLE signs of pregnancy, they can appear in both pregnant and non-pregnant women and are associated with ovulation and menstruation.

When do symptoms appear?

Oddly enough, the first week of pregnancy is determined by the date of the last period.

Your last period is considered the first week of pregnancy, even if you have not actually been pregnant yet.The approximate date of birth is calculated from the moment of the first day of the last period.

Taking a home pregnancy test is the most affordable and easiest way to find out if you are pregnant. Remember that home pregnancy tests measure the level of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the urine, which is usually lower in urine than in blood.

The test gives the most accurate results from the moment of missed period.

The menstrual cycle is considered delayed if menstruation does not start within 5 days or more after the day of their expected start.

However, it is worth remembering that even the day after the expected delay, more than a third of women have such home tests negative, and if you do the test too early, the result may be negative even if you are already pregnant. You can do another test at home after a couple of days to get a more accurate result.

Signs and symptoms of pregnancy

If you are pregnant for the first time, you may well not notice these early signs of pregnancy or confuse them with symptoms of impending menstruation.

You should not spend long hours looking for answers on the forums in anxiety, in any case, your research will not change what has already happened or has not happened, but mood and sleep can seriously spoil.

Tiredness Week

Vertigo 90-181

Pain and slight bleeding in women

so far occurring at the cellular level.A fertilized egg creates a group of cells filled with fluid, which is called a blastocyst, which, after pregnancy, will have to turn into organs and body parts of the fetus.

Approximately 10-14 days after conception (4 weeks), the blastocyst attaches to the endometrium that covers the walls of the uterus. This process can cause slight bleeding, which can be confused with light periods.

Here are some signs of such bleeding:

• color can be red, pink or brown
• bleeding: usually comparable to normal menstruation, usually lighter
• soreness
• usually lasts about three days

Missing periods

After the blastocyst attaches to the walls of the uterus, the body releases a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, which tells the body that it is time to stop releasing eggs from the ovaries every month.Most often, after conception, menstruation disappears at 4 weeks of gestation.

If you have a delay, it is worth doing a home pregnancy test, especially if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Fatigue

Fatigue can occur at any time during pregnancy. During pregnancy, progesterone levels rise, and this hormone can make you feel sleepy. If you feel tired, make sure you get enough sleep.

Morning nausea and vomiting

Nausea and morning vomiting usually develop at 4-6 weeks of gestation.In fact, such symptoms can occur not only in the morning, but in general at any time of the day. This symptom is typical for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. If you are often nauseous, make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated.

Breast swelling and tenderness

Breast changes may begin at 4-6 weeks of gestation. They are also associated with changes in hormone levels. Most often, the breast swells somewhat and becomes more tender than usual.Usually, these symptoms disappear later when the body gets used to the changed hormonal background.

Frequent urination

During pregnancy, blood flow increases and this causes the kidneys to process more fluid than usual, which can cause frequent urination even in the early stages of pregnancy.

Constipation and bloating

This symptom is similar to a typical menstrual symptom and is also caused by hormonal changes that can slow down digestion, causing bloating and constipation.

Increased blood pressure and dizziness during pregnancy

Most often during early pregnancy in women, blood pressure drops, which can cause dizziness due to dilated cerebral vessels. High blood pressure in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy usually means that there are some health problems that occur in parallel with the pregnancy. This symptom may have been present unnoticed prior to pregnancy, but it could have developed during the process.In such cases, it is especially important to monitor your blood pressure and consult your doctor.

Mood swings

Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can cause changes in your emotional background and you may become more sensitive than usual. They can cause strong feelings such as depression, irritability, euphoria, and anxiety.

Rise in basal body temperature

Basal body temperature is the lowest body temperature it reaches during rest or sleep.It is determined by measuring the temperature in the early morning by introducing a thermometer into the rectum. Your normal body temperature can also rise, especially during heat waves or physical activity. It is important to consume enough liquid in such cases. Make sure you are not too hot to sleep.

90,000 Dizziness and fainting during pregnancy

In the first trimester of pregnancy, and it lasts up to 12 weeks, important changes take place in the woman’s body, such as the laying and development of all organs of the future fetus.The woman’s body is being rebuilt to a new level of work. Nausea, dizziness and weakness concern almost all expectant mothers. And it is very important at this stage not to allow overwork, starvation, lack of sleep, otherwise the body may react with “shutdown” and loss of consciousness, the so-called fainting, that is, impaired cerebral circulation.

When blood pressure drops, the brain begins to experience oxygen starvation and fainting – this is a compensatory response to a lack of oxygen.

Fainting and light-headedness in a pregnant woman may occur under the following circumstances:

• stuffy room, cramped
• exercise fatigue
• abrupt change in body position
• taking a hot bath (causes a sharp expansion of blood vessels)
• hunger (causes a drop in blood glucose)
• decrease in hemoglobin level
• viral infections
• emotional stress
• physiological problems (osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, vegetative-vascular dystonia, heart and vascular diseases, brain tumors, anemia)

For any person, a short-term loss of consciousness can be dangerous, and for a pregnant woman – doubly.Regardless of the gestational age, the mother-placenta-fetus system suffers. This can lead to complications such as weakness during labor, an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage, and poor contraction of the uterus after childbirth.

First aid for fainting:

Call a doctor. The woman should be laid on a horizontal surface , it is important that her feet are at head level, unfasten tight clothes, open windows, give ammonia (moisten a cotton swab with alcohol and let it breathe for a few seconds).

If dizziness and fainting are repeated repeatedly, then it is necessary to find out the cause of such conditions. Treatment means eliminating the cause.

As you know, pregnancy is not considered a disease, therefore, the more active the lifestyle of a pregnant woman, the easier the pregnancy is tolerated. Correctly selected physical exercises tone up the body, blood vessels and heart well. Hiking and swimming are essential to remedy these problems. Moderate physical activity helps to eliminate dizziness, fainting, and also facilitates easier childbirth.

Prevention and Precautions:

• Avoid crowded places, ventilate the room more often.
• more rest, walk,
• moderate physical activity, swimming.

Not recommended:

• get up abruptly,
• lie on your back for a long time in the second half of pregnancy.

Frequent split meals are very important.

In case of dizziness, weakness, tinnitus and first aid, you must take a horizontal position, unfasten the collar, belt to facilitate breathing.In the room, you need to open a window, you can wash yourself with cold water, inhale the vapors of ammonia, vinegar. You can also take a tincture of valerian, valocardine or carvalol. Drink strong sweet tea and lie down quietly.

Be healthy and attentive to yourself!

The main signs of pregnancy | EvyBaby.com

Do you think your old dream of “becoming a mother” has come true? Do you feel tired and often have an insane desire to sleep? Are you sick of nausea? Perhaps these are signs that a new life has arisen within you, and soon you and your husband will become parents.

In this Mom’s Land article, you will learn about the very first signs of pregnancy. We recommend that you read this article if you want to know about the changes in your body during the early stages of pregnancy.

How to find out about the pregnancy?

In addition to a home pregnancy test or a blood test at the clinic, you can find out about the onset of pregnancy by the following signs and changes in your body.Some signs appear as a result of hormonal changes early in pregnancy. In general, the main signs of pregnancy include the following:

– Delayed menstruation: This is one of the clear signs of pregnancy. If you have a long delay in your period, you may be pregnant. However, a missed period does not always mean pregnancy. The delay can also be caused by the use of drugs, sudden changes in the weather, increased stressful situations.

– Weakness: Due to the increased level of progesterone in the body of a pregnant woman, a woman gets tired quickly and often feels weak. Sometimes signs of pregnancy include conditions such as a desire to go to bed early, difficulty waking up in the morning, weakness in the legs in the afternoon, regardless of where you are.

– Profuse vaginal discharge: As mentioned above, the onset of pregnancy, in fact, manifests itself as a result of hormonal changes.One of these changes is profuse vaginal discharge. As hormones change during pregnancy, the vagina relaxes and blood circulation increases in this area. Don’t worry about painless white vaginal discharge or colorless, odorless discharge.

– Breast tenderness and darkening of the nipples: Among the most well-known signs of pregnancy are breast tenderness and darkening of the nipples.Soreness and swelling of the breasts can be caused by pregnancy. In this case, soreness is most often felt in the supine position, when changing body position, when changing clothes or taking a bath. This is mainly due to the fact that the female body is preparing for the production of breast milk and breastfeeding. The darkening of the area around the nipples is caused by the same reasons.

– Dizziness and fainting: Blood pressure decreases with the onset of pregnancy. This is completely normal.Therefore, sudden movements can cause dizziness. For example, if you stand up suddenly from a sitting or lying position, you will feel dizzy and even faint due to low blood pressure. Therefore, as soon as you find out about your pregnancy, visit your gynecologist. The problem of low blood pressure and its consequences can be solved with the help of physical exercises recommended by the doctor.

– Frequent urination: Frequent urination is one of the surest signs of pregnancy.This condition can last until the end of your pregnancy, reducing your quality of life. You can also find out about pregnancy by changing the color of urine.

– Food cravings and sensitivity to the smell of certain foods: As one of the clear signs of pregnancy, increased appetite often manifests itself in the form of cravings for certain foods. This addiction is expressed in an irresistible craving for certain foods during pregnancy. You will only feel cravings for certain foods.Conversely, you may have an aversion to certain foods. Moreover, some pregnant women cannot stand not only the smell and taste of such products, but also their mere mention. This is all due to the changes in your body during pregnancy.

– Exposure to tobacco or alcohol odors: Even if you smoke and / or consume alcoholic beverages, you may feel disgusted with the smell of tobacco or alcohol during pregnancy. This may be due to the fact that the body includes a “defense reflex”.During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is recommended to completely give up tobacco and alcohol.

– Acne or acne enlargement: As the age spots increase during pregnancy, you may notice the appearance of acne or the spread of acne.

– Inflammation of the urinary tract: During pregnancy, the level of glucose in the urine rises, which leads to increased stress on the kidneys. Thus, inflammation of the urinary tract is not uncommon during pregnancy.

– Nausea: The first sign of early pregnancy is nausea, known as “early toxicosis”. As a rule, it appears at the 6th week of pregnancy and can last up to 12 weeks of gestation. This condition significantly impairs the quality of life. Episodic toxicosis can last throughout the day. This condition is caused by an increase in the level of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the blood, which is also known as the pregnancy hormone.

– Frequent constipation and heartburn: From the first days of pregnancy, the uterus slowly begins to grow, putting pressure on nearby organs, in particular the stomach.Also, hormonal changes can hinder the digestion process. In view of this, heartburn and constipation are considered frequent companions of pregnant women. These are the most common changes in the body when pregnancy begins. Fractional but frequent meals between meals can help mitigate these problems.

– Mood swings: Pregnancy can also be judged by mood swings. Naturally, this is the result of hormonal changes in the body, which are manifested in emotions.You may feel sudden rage or unreasonable sadness. Moreover, the mood can change very quickly.

– Pain, swelling or tingling sensation in the groin area: During pregnancy, the ligaments of the uterus are strongly stretched. If you move suddenly, you may feel pain, swelling, or tingling sensation in your groin.

– Increased body temperature: An increase in body temperature is also considered one of the signs of pregnancy.However, this is not a pattern. Not every case of fever means pregnancy. It can increase as a result of SARS, flu, or prolonged cooling of the body. If you are trying to get pregnant and feel a significant increase in body temperature, be sure to see your doctor. Women often mistake a slight increase in body temperature for a cold. And don’t forget to monitor your body temperature during pregnancy.

90,000 Nausea, due to which a pregnancy is terminated

April 22, 2015

Photo author, PA

Pidpis to photo,

Morning sickness in pregnant women can be of varying intensity; in the worst cases, women have to stay in bed

According to medical estimates, about 10 thousand pregnant women suffer from acute nausea and vomiting every year – a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum – it is much more severe than the usual morning sickness that occurs every third expectant mother.

In particular, the Duchess of Cambridge suffers from hyperemesis, who is soon to give birth to her second child.

Her pregnancy problems have brought attention to this dire condition, which sometimes causes women to spend their days in bed and vomit thirty times a day. But for 10% of patients, the symptoms of hypermesis are simply unbearable.

In their opinion, they have no choice but to terminate the pregnancy.

The British charity Pregnancy Sickness Support has published a report on various cases of hyperemesis in pregnant women entitled “I Won’t Get Over Another Day.”The data presented in the document indicate that a large number of pregnant women do not receive the necessary care and treatment.

The report is based on the stories of 70 British women who, in the past 10 years, have decided to terminate their pregnancies due to extreme nausea.

“Really bad”

The experience of these women shows that therapists and antenatal clinics are sometimes reluctant to prescribe medication for nausea or to acknowledge the seriousness of the condition.

Lily (not her real name) knows what a severe form of hyperemesis is.

During the first pregnancy it was “really bad, but I put up with it,” she says.

The first few months she lay in bed, could only do a few sips of water and vomited up to 30 times a day. She suffered from dehydration and hunger, having overall lost 19 kg in weight during this period.

“I was very weak and could not stand on my feet, my head was spinning. I could not stand any smells of food – but what, I was sick even from the smell of my husband.”

“I remember once I tried to swallow some beans – but they came back in a matter of seconds.”

A therapist sometimes came to Lily and prescribed medications for her nausea, but they did not help.

Finally, after 22 weeks of pregnancy, the disease gradually disappeared, and vomiting occurred only once a day.

In 2011, Lily had a daughter.

“I begged the doctors for steroids”

But after a few months she became pregnant again, and this time she could not even drink water – she was so nauseous.

She felt very bad, and since there was a child at home, she simply could not take care of herself.

“I begged the doctors for steroids (they are sometimes prescribed for women who are not helped by other anti-nausea medications), but we just moved, I did not have an up-to-date urine test, and I was not admitted to the hospital for rehydration therapy.”

Photo author, Getty

Pidpis to photo,

The Duchess of Cambridge is one of those women who suffer from hyperemesis

As the report says, women are sometimes told that steroids can harm the fetus or are too expensive.

Less than one in ten women were offered steroid treatment; 47% of the women surveyed said that they were either denied such treatment in response to their request, or simply did not remember about it.

According to Caitlyn Dean, director of Pregnancy Sickness Support, many women are unreasonably convinced that there is no safe medication for pregnant women. Sometimes their doctors reinforce this belief.

“But in fact, a considerable list of medicines is both safe and effective.Some of them have been around for over 50 years. “

” There is ample evidence that they do not cause any problems. ” that hyperemesis of pregnancy is a well-known condition that should be taken seriously.

“First, women should be prescribed anti-nausea pills, then hospitalized for intravenous rehydration and nutrition if necessary, and in very severe cases, steroids.”

Awareness of hyperemesis will help doctors and midwives develop more empathy for patients with acute nausea, she adds.

“We must give every pregnant woman a guarantee that she will have someone to discuss these problems with.”

No choice

Lily gave up her attempts to get the best medical care during her second pregnancy as she spent all her energy on daily survival.

In the end, it seemed to her that there was no choice.

“With all our maternal instincts, it takes despair to end a child’s life.”

Photo author, ivanmikhailov

Pidpis to photo,

Even plain water can cause severe nausea in women with severe hypermesis

“I really felt like I was about to stretch my legs.”

The woman says that she does not want to have more children and is afraid of getting pregnant.

“I don’t trust doctors. They don’t take this problem seriously enough, so everything will end with just another abortion.”

As for Caitlyn Dean, she went through three pregnancies with hyperemesis, but thanks to a competent doctor and good medical care before and after conception, the third pregnancy was much easier.

Dean wants all women with hyperemesis to be able to receive this kind of care, and believes that reducing abortion requires a service that puts pregnant women at home with IVs to stay hydrated.

It would be much more economical than hospitalizing women every time, she says.

90,000 1 trimester of pregnancy: what happens to the fetus

1st trimester: 1-12 weeks

The gestation period is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation, since it is difficult to accurately determine the day of conception. Since conception usually occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, you are not actually pregnant during the first two weeks, but this period is counted as the beginning of pregnancy.

As soon as the fertilization of the egg takes place in the region of the 3rd week, hormones gradually begin to make changes in your body.As a result, you may develop some of the following symptoms:

• Morning sickness. As a result of increased levels of hormones characteristic of pregnancy, up to 80% of women in the 1st trimester experience morning sickness with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The notion that such malaise occurs only in the morning is a common misconception. In fact, symptoms can appear at any time of the day or night. In 1 in 5 women, morning sickness occurs during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy and can sometimes persist throughout pregnancy.

  If you experience morning sickness, avoid foods that make you sick, eat little and often, avoid fatty and spicy foods, and drink plenty of water. If you experience severe or bothersome symptoms, see your doctor.

• Changes in the mammary glands. The mammary glands will begin to increase in size, and soreness may appear. The nipples will increase in size and become darker and more prominent.
• Fatigue. High levels of the hormone progesterone may make you feel tired and sleepy.Rest as often as possible in a horizontal position with your legs up, and eat as best as possible, which is not easy if you are experiencing morning sickness!
• Increased emotionality. Higher levels of emotionality resulting from increased hormone levels are normal. Understanding and patience on the part of your partner and loved ones is very important here.
• Food habits and dislikes. You may find that you cannot tolerate one food and are addicted to another.This is usually not a problem unless you feel like eating strange foods like chalk. If you are concerned about the situation, see your doctor.
• Frequent urination. As your body’s fluid content increases and your uterus presses on your bladder, you will have more urge to use the toilet. Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to – this will minimize the pressure on the bladder.
• Feeling dizzy. Sometimes you may feel a little dizzy (due to hormonal changes). Try not to stay on your feet for a long time and slowly rise from a sitting or lying position. If you feel dizzy, see a doctor immediately.
• Heartburn and constipation. Your digestive system will slow down to allow more time for food to be absorbed. This can lead to heartburn and constipation. For heartburn, try to eat small meals at regular intervals and avoid fried or spicy foods and carbonated drinks.Constipation can be helped by eating a diet rich in fiber, staying physically active, and drinking plenty of water.

Main stages of the 1st trimester of pregnancy

• Approximately 7 days after fertilization, the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus. To provide nourishment and protection to the embryo, the placenta, umbilical cord and amniotic sac will begin to form.
• By the end of the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus is felt through the abdominal wall, the abdomen will begin to enlarge.

Child development in the 1st trimester of pregnancy

By the end of the 1st trimester:

• All the main organs of the baby are formed, the circulatory system is working.
• The development of the genitals has begun.