Dizziness is one of the early signs of pregnancy, along with nausea and a missed period. However, even if dizziness while pregnant is common, it can sometimes mean something else. It is better to observe what other symptoms are present so you can better take care of yourself and the baby growing inside you.
It is not unusual to feel dizzy and lightheaded when pregnant. When you feel like your surroundings are spinning, it might be vertigo.
You should always tell your doctor when you experience dizziness, especially in early pregnancy, because some conditions may require medical care.
Dizziness in Early Pregnancy
There are several reasons why you may experience dizziness during pregnancy in the first trimester.
Changes in blood pressure and hormones
When you’re pregnant, your hormone levels and cardiovascular system change. This causes an increase in your blood volume, and this in turn can lower your blood pressure. While this is usually not a cause for concern, low blood pressure is something you should observe.
When you have low blood pressure while pregnant, this is also called hypotension. Your doctor normally checks and monitors your blood pressure during your prenatal appointments.
By the end of your pregnancy, your blood pressure will gradually rise and return to normal levels.
Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy may cause dizziness. This condition happens when a fertilized egg becomes implanted in the reproductive system outside the uterus. Commonly, it becomes implanted in the fallopian tubes.
When this happens, the pregnancy is not feasible. You may become dizzy and have pain in your abdomen, as well as have vaginal bleeding. To remove the fertilized egg, your doctor needs to perform a procedure or prescribe you a medication.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
When you experience dizziness along with nausea and vomiting, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition is caused by your changing hormone levels.
When you have hyperemesis gravidarum, it may be difficult to keep down food and water. This results in weight loss and dizziness while pregnant.
If you receive this diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a certain diet or prescribe medication. It is also possible that you need to be hospitalized for monitoring so you can receive additional fluids.
Image source: iStock
Dizziness During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Some of the factors that contribute to your dizziness during the first trimester of pregnancy may carry over to the second trimester, including hyperemesis gravidarum and low blood pressure. Aside from that, other reasons may arise as your pregnancy continues.
Gestational Diabetes
You may feel lightheaded and dizzy if your blood sugar becomes too low when you have gestational diabetes. This condition is more common in the second or third trimester, though it can happen at any stage of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes develops when you have high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This is when your body is not able to produce enough insulin, the hormone that helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
Testing for gestational diabetes usually happens at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. But if your doctor determines that you are at an increased risk of developing this condition, you may be offered this screen test called oral glucose tolerance test or OGTT.
If you experience dizziness when you have gestational diabetes, it may mean your blood sugar is too low. To combat this, eat regularly and as often as two hours. Also, make sure to always pack a snack when you go out.
Lying flat on your back
As you go further along your pregnancy, your uterus may compress your inferior vena cava. This is the vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart.
Your growing uterus can also compress your pelvic veins. This may slow blood circulation in your legs. Lying flat on your back can worsen it.
Dizziness in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
The reasons for dizziness while pregnant in the first and second trimesters may manifest and carry over until the third trimester. At this stage in your pregnancy, it is important that you go to your doctor’s appointments regularly to monitor your condition and prevent any danger.
Other Causes of Dizziness While Pregnant
Aside from the conditions mentioned, there are other causes of dizziness, which may occur at any time during your pregnancy.
Dehydration
Dehydration may happen even when you’re not pregnant. However, the chances increase when you are expecting. In the first trimester, you may become dehydrated when you feel dizzy and have nausea. In later pregnancy, you may experience dehydration because your body needs more water.
You should increase your water consumption as your calorie intake also increases for your pregnancy. Ideally, you should drink 8 to 10 glasses per day. During the second and third trimesters, you may increase it by 300mL per day.
Anemia
Pregnancy may cause a reduction in your healthy red blood cells, which may result in anemia. This happens when there is not enough iron and folic acid in your body.
Aside from dizziness while pregnant, other symptoms of anemia include shortness of breath, fatigue, and becoming pale.
Anemia may occur at any time during your pregnancy, so work closely with your doctor to monitor your iron levels. It is also best to talk about taking iron and folic acid supplements.
Standing up too quickly
When we sit, the blood pools in our lower legs and feet. So when we stand up too fast, the body may not always return enough blood to the heart.
Overheating and hyperventilation
Your blood vessels dilate in heat, and this results in low blood pressure. You may feel lightheaded when it gets too hot, or when you take a hot shower. Meanwhile, overexerting yourself, when exercising for example, may cause you to hyperventilate.
How to Avoid Dizziness While Pregnant
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Dizziness is common in pregnancy, but it does not mean you have to bear this for the next months. Here are some tips you can do to prevent worsening the symptoms:
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and always carry a snack to avoid having low blood sugar.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, or more when you are farther along your pregnancy
- Don’t jump up when you’re sitting down. If you’re lying down, sit up slowly.
- Change positions regularly. Avoid standing or sitting in one place for too long.
- Wear support or compression stockings to help improve circulation in your legs
- Sleep on your left side during the second and third trimester to increase blood flow to your heart.
- Get moving. Walking is a good form of exercise without needing too much effort. Stop if you feel faint or dizzy.
- When you feel dizzy or lightheaded, try sitting down, bending over, or lying on your side. These positions increase the blood flow to your brain.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms relating to dizziness. Ask for a prescription for prenatal vitamins or an iron and folic acid supplement.
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Dizziness in Pregnancy: When to Call the Doctor
You may be asking, when should I be worried about dizziness during pregnancy? While dizziness while pregnant is common, it is still important to inform your doctor about your symptoms. This is so you can take action and diagnose any condition that may be causing this.
If you experience severe and sudden dizziness, or if there are other symptoms present, seek medical attention right away.
Symptoms to watch out for when pregnant include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Extreme headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Vision problems
- Severe swelling
- Fainting
- Chest pain
This article was written by Romy Pena Cruz and republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
