Pregnancy is a remarkable time in a woman’s life, but it can also be overwhelming and taxing on the body. It is not uncommon for women to experience a variety of physical side effects during pregnancy, and fainting can be one of them. During the second trimester, pregnant women may be more prone to fainting due to the enormous physical and hormonal changes that take place. In this blog post, we will be exploring fainting during the second trimester of pregnancy and the steps that can be taken to manage it. Fainting can be a frightening experience, especially during pregnancy. It is important to understand the causes of fainting and the potential risks associated with it. With this knowledge, pregnant women can take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of fainting or limit its potential impact. Before we explore this in depth, let’s first look at what fainting is, what causes it, and who is
What can I do about dizziness when I’m pregnant?
Remember that you shouldn’t ignore dizziness, regardless of how “normal” it is. So use caution when handling anything that could harm you, such as driving, exercising, or handling objects. If you need help, dont be shy about asking.
As soon as you begin to feel lightheaded, lie down to avoid falling or passing out, then raise your feet to increase blood flow to your head in order to end a dizzy spell.
If that’s not possible, sit down, lean as far forward as you can, if possible placing your head between your knees, and take slow, deep breaths. If there is nowhere to sit or lie down, position yourself on one knee and bend forward as if tying shoes until the spell is over.
Can I prevent dizziness during pregnancy?
To keep dizziness from starting in the first place:
Go slowly. Dont get up too quickly when youre sitting or lying down, since it can cause your blood pressure to drop, triggering dizziness.
Make the most of the munchies. Make sure youre eating a healthy, well-rounded diet during pregnancy, with a mix of protein and complex carbs (like whole grain bread or pasta) at every meal to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Feast frequently. Chow down on several small meals throughout the day to prevent dips in your blood sugar, and carry healthy pregnancy snacks with you for a quick blood sugar boost. Good options: a mini-box of raisins, a piece of fruit or some whole wheat crackers.
Fill up on fluids. Make sure youre drinking enough water, since dizziness can be a sign of dehydration, too.Trusted SourceMayo Clinic2nd Trimester of Pregnancy: What to ExpectSee All Sources [2] Aim for around 12 to 13 glasses of fluids a day, and more if its hot or youre working out.
Dress smart. Wear easy-to-shed layers in case you start feeling overheated, and avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, scarves or hats.
Dont lie on your back. In your second and third trimesters, its best to avoid sleeping on your back, as your growing uterus can press on the vena cava (the main vein that carries blood back to the heart from your lower body region). That can interfere with optimum circulation and cause a feeling of dizziness.
Get some fresh air. Spending too much time in a stuffy, overheated indoor space (like a crammed bus, office or store) can trigger dizziness, so as long as youre not feeling overly faint, try to take a five-minute walk outside every hour or so — which can help relieve other pregnancy symptoms like constipation and swelling, too.
Is dizziness a common early sign of pregnancy?
If you’re not eating much because you’re feeling nauseous, which can sometimes (but not always) occur within days of conception, you may feel dizzy as a sign of pregnancy even before you miss a period.
Your body is preparing to meet the demands of two bodies rather than just one early on in pregnancy. Dizziness is likely due to several factors:
Your body isnt producing enough blood yet to fill a rapidly expanding circulatory system.
High levels of progesterone can also make your blood vessels relax and widen, increasing blood flow to your baby but slowing it down to you — which can reduce your blood pressure. This, in turn, cuts back on blood flow to your brain, sometimes making your head spin.
Your growing uterus can put pressure on your blood vessels, especially when youre lying on your back.
Its not called a bun in the oven for nothing: Your body is generating plenty of heat right now, which means spending too much time in a hot or stuffy room can contribute to feelings of lightheadedness.
If your blood sugar drops or you become dehydrated, youre more likely to experience a dizzy spell.
FAQ
Is it normal to faint during second trimester?
You may feel faint while pregnant.This is due to hormonal changes. Fainting happens if your brain is not getting enough blood and, therefore, not enough oxygen. You are most likely to feel faint if you stand up too quickly from a chair or out of a bath, but it can also happen when you are lying on your back.
Can fainting while pregnant harm the baby?
The rate of premature birth, at 18.3%, was higher in pregnancies with fainting during the first trimester, compared to 15.8% during the second trimester, 14.2% in the third trimester and 15% for pregnancies without fainting.
What should I do if I faint while pregnant?
Feeling dizzy or faint is very common during pregnancy. It generally doesn’t mean something is wrong. … If you feel dizzy:
Sit or lie down. …
Take deep breaths. …
Move toward fresh or circulating air.
Loosen tight clothing.
Don’t eat or drink anything while you feel dizzy.
Dizziness and Fainting During Pregnancy: When to Worry | Parents
