Dizziness and Fainting During Pregnancy
Fainting and Dizziness
During Pregnancy
Many women feel dizzy or lightheaded when pregnant. Typically this is not something to worry about and usually the result of rapidly rising levels of blood pumping through your body. During pregnancy our bodies undergo many remarkable changes. Women's hearts are capable of pumping more than double the normal capacity of blood throughout the body. The circulatory system also expands to accommodate your growing uterus and baby.
During pregnancy women's blood pressure typically rises and falls. During mid pregnancy the blood pressure may drop significantly, only to rise to its normal level by about the time of delivery. All of these changes can contribute to dizziness or lightheadedness.
You have probably been told more than once to take it easy during pregnancy. Your best bet for combating lightheadedness and dizziness is in fact, taking it easy. You'll want to be sure you take your time when rising to avoid blacking out unexpectedly.
Tips For Managing Dizziness and Faintness During Pregnancy
If you do feel dizzy or faint during pregnancy your best bet is to lie down for a bit until you feel well again. If you don't you risk full out fainting. While you won't be the first woman to ever grace the floor unexpectedly while pregnant, you may find the situation a bit embarrassing. Not to mention you may end up with an unpleasant lump on your head from fainting.
If you tend to feel dizzy at night you may find you feel better simply by laying on your left side. This will help maximize the amount of blood flowing through your heart and the rest of your body.
Here are some additional common causes of faintness and dizziness and simple strategies for relieving them during pregnancy:
- Avoid rising or moving too quickly. If you get up too fast the blood in your body will pool in your feet and legs. This can help contribute to dizziness or faintness. Be sure to avoid leaping out of your chair (this may be quite easy during your last trimester).
- Get out of bed slowly. Many women feel dizzy or faint first thing in the morning when rising out of bed. Again your best bet here is to take things slowly. You might consider grasping the dresser or other firm object to support you as your rise on waking.
- Get plenty to eat and drink. Sometimes dizziness or faintness simply results from not eating enough. You want to make sure you are adequately hydrated throughout the day and eat enough food to keep your blood sugar levels stable. The best way to do this is by eating several smaller meals per day. This will keep a stable supply of energy flowing through your body during the course of your day.
- Avoid overly hot environments. Many women feel faint or dizzy simply from being overheated. If this is the case step into a cool room or even stand in front of your freezer or refrigerator (with the door open of course) if you have to. You may find a cool shower helps during warm and humid summer months.
Some women feel faint or dizzy because they are anemic. Your doctor can test to find out if you have an iron deficiency that is contributing to dizziness, fatigue or faintness. If you are anemic you will likely have to take an additional iron supplement throughout your pregnancy.
Remember that periodic dizziness or faintness during pregnancy is quite normal. If you experience persistent symptoms however or sudden symptoms accompanied by a severe headache, vision disturbances or numbness and tingling, be sure to contact your health care provider immediately to rule out other more serious medical problems.
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