Pregnant mum faints, falls on railway tracks

Dizziness is a common problem that many pregnant mums go through. And this can be dangerous when you are travelling or are alone at home. Do you know what to do when you feel dizzy during pregnancy? Can you do anything to avoid fainting and falling with that baby bump?

Fainting during pregnancy can get very risky to both the mum and her baby, as the following case highlights. 

Pregnant Mum Faints and Falls on Train Tracks 

The Damai station of Kuala Lumpur witnessed a rather unfortunate incident on the morning of 19th April.

A 26-year-old pregnant mum fainted and fell on the LRT tracks at the station. She was saved because of the Platform Intrusion Emergency Stop system employed at this station. So, when there’s an impact of more than seven kilos on the platform, the system stops the electricity flow to the LRT system. 

The Rapid Rail chief executive, Khairani Mohamed, explained that when the system detected an obstruction on the tracks, it automatically stopped the train.

He further stated: “Prasarana auxiliary police personnel as well as the station’s operations officer then ordered all passengers to vacate the platform to facilitate the rescue effort. The woman was sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for further treatment, accompanied by a RapidKL officer.”

Pregnant woman fainted to fall on LRT tracks | Image: Screencapped from Asia One

He also thanked the RapidKL for springing to action quickly as well as the rescue personnel for handling the emergency situation so well. 

This pregnant mum was very lucky to have all these safety systems in place to prevent a potential tragedy. However, if she were in the wrong place at the wrong time, then things may have had a tragic ending. 

What To Do When You Feel Dizzy During Pregnancy

While dizziness or fainting is a common symptom during your first trimester of pregnancy, it can continue throughout the nine months.

Here are a few important things that you should know about this common symptom. 

Causes of Dizziness During Pregnancy

• Rising hormones cause your blood vessels to relax and widen during pregnancy. This actually increases the blood flow to your baby. But it also leads to lowering of your blood pressure. And as a result, there’s a reduction in blood flow to your brain. This is the main cause for pregnancy dizziness.
• Another reason behind pregnancy dizziness is low blood sugar levels as the body adjusts to metabolic changes. 
• Pregnant mums who are anaemic or suffering from varicose veins are more prone to feeling dizzy during pregnancy.
• In the second trimester of your pregnancy, your growing uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels and that may cause dizziness. 
• During the later pregnancy period, the weight of the baby may press on the vena cava if you lie on your back. The vena cava is a large vein carrying blood to the heart from your lower body. 

Useful Tips About What to Do When You Feel Dizzy During Pregnancy

Tips about what to do when you feel dizzy during pregnancy | Image: Screencapped from Asia One

• Pregnant mums should avoid standing for long periods. But if you are standing for long, remember to keep moving your feet to increase circulation.
• When sitting or lying down, remember to get up slowly, especially when you are coming out of your bath. Also, hot baths or showers should be avoided.
• Snacking throughout the day is important. Long gaps between meals should be avoided.
• Once the second trimester starts, you should avoid lying on your back. 
• Ensure that your clothing is lose and comfortable for better circulation.

Useful Suggestions to Avoid Fainting

Fainting in pregnancy is quite common and a huge risk. So it is better to take precautions if you are experiencing dizziness.

The most important thing to remember is never sit up or lie down quickly. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind if you feel faint.

• Lower your head
• Sit or lie down
• Start breathing deeply
• Loosen up tight clothing, if any
• Stay near open windows
• Eat food that’s rich in iron

With these useful tips on what to do when you feel dizzy during pregnancy, it may be possible to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous situations. 

Source: Asia One, American Pregnancy Association

ALSO READ: A guide to fasting during pregnancy