Is Dizziness Normal During Pregnancy

Dizziness During Pregnancy: Causes and Prevention

Dizziness or feeling faint is a normal symptom during pregnancy. Although it is more typical in the first trimester, you might experience it at any time during your pregnancy.

The primary factor causing vertigo during pregnancy is an increase in hormones that widen and relax your blood vessels. This aids in boosting the blood flow to your infant but slows the blood’s return to your veins. This results in lower-than-normal blood pressure, which can temporarily make you feel lightheaded by decreasing the blood flow to your brain. Low blood sugar levels, which can happen as your body adjusts to changes in your metabolism, can also make you feel dizzy. Women with varicose veins or anemia may experience dizziness more frequently than other women. Due to the pressure that your expanding uterus puts on your blood vessels during the second trimester, you may experience dizziness. If you lie on your back later in your pregnancy, putting the baby’s weight on your vena cava (a sizable vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart), you could experience dizziness.

How can I prevent dizziness when you are pregnant?

There are several recommendations you can make to lessen the frequency of dizziness while pregnant. Here are some helpful suggestions to reduce dizziness:

Avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand, make sure that you keep your feet moving to help increase circulation

Get up slowly from either sitting or lying down (this is especially important when you are getting out of the bath)

Eat regularly. Avoid long periods between meals; it is better to snack throughout the day

Avoid hot baths or showers

Avoid lying on your back once you reach the middle of your second trimester

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid restricting circulation

What can I do about dizziness when I’m pregnant?

Remember that you shouldn’t disregard 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.

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