Dizziness During Pregnancy: 8 Causes, Treatment, And Prevention Methods

Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience a feeling of unsteadiness or vertigo that can make you feel as if you are about to faint and fall. But dizziness during pregnancy is a fairly common symptom caused by various physiological and metabolic changes. While this symptom isn’t considered alarming, you should always seek medical care to rule out the chances of any risks or potential underlying health conditions.

Read to learn more about fainting or dizziness during pregnancy, its main causes, preventive tips, and when to see a doctor. 

When Does Dizziness Start During Pregnancy?

Many women may experience dizziness as early as 12 weeks of pregnancy and in the first few weeks of the second trimester. While for some the dizzy feeling disappears after the second trimester, others may experience this symptom throughout their pregnancy until childbirth.

Is Dizziness An Early Sign of Pregnancy?

Dizziness is usually not considered the first sign of pregnancy, but it is definitely one of the early pregnancy symptoms. It is more likely to occur in women who have low blood sugar or who have been feeling constantly nauseous due to morning sickness.

What Causes Lightheadedness or Dizziness During Pregnancy?

Dizziness during pregnancy is likely caused due to several factors, such as

• Hormonal changes: Due to hormonal changes, your blood vessels relax and dilate, which may slow down the blood flow to the vein, thus causing temporary dizziness.
• Low blood glucose: Changes in your metabolic rate may cause low blood sugar levels in your body, leading to lightheadedness.
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum: This causes severe vomiting and nausea in pregnant women. Hyperemesis gravidarum may cause dizziness due to water loss from extreme vomiting. This condition may begin around the fourth week of pregnancy and continue till the end of the first trimester.
• Additional pressure on blood vessels: In the second trimester, the growing fetus exerts pressure on your blood vessels. This interferes with normal blood circulation to your brain and causes dizziness.
• Gestational diabetes: Pregnant women with gestational diabetes may experience dizziness when their sugar levels are too low. This can often occur when they are hungry.
• Lying on the back: Lying on your back in the third trimester can make you feel dizzy. This can be due to the pressure exerted on your inferior vena cava (the vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart) from the womb. 
• Varicose veins: This condition may reduce venous return to your heart, especially when you are standing, and cause low blood pressure and dizziness.
• Dehydration: Loss of water in your body due to any reason can result in dizziness since it results in blood volume depletion and low blood pressure.

How to Deal With Dizziness During Pregnancy?

Keep in mind that no matter how “normal” dizziness feels, you shouldn’t ignore it. Take a break from the activity you are doing and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. 

To stop your dizzy spell, lie down as soon as you start to feel lightheaded, and elevate your feet to increase blood flow to your brain. If that is not possible, sit down and bend as far as you can, while putting your head between your knees, and taking slow deep breaths. 

How to Prevent Dizziness During Pregnancy?

The following precautions can help you prevent the frequency of dizziness during pregnancy.

• Avoid standing up too quickly: Avoid getting up too quickly when you are sitting or lying down, as it can cause your blood pressure to drop and trigger dizziness.
• Make sure to follow a nutrient-rich diet: Follow a well-rounded diet during pregnancy with a mix of complex carbs and proteins to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
• Maintain adequate hydration: In some cases, dizziness is a sign of dehydration. Hence, make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Aim for 8-10 glasses of fluids per day, or more if the weather is too hot.
• Dress smartly: Dress in layers that you can take off easily in case you are feeling sweaty or overheated. 
• Avoid lying on your back: It’s best to avoid sleeping on your back in the second and third trimesters as your growing uterus exerts pressure on your vena cava, and interferes with the normal blood flow to your brain. 
• Get some fresh air: Spending too much time indoors can trigger dizziness, so as long as you are feeling okay, try to take a walk outside every day to help feel fresh and rejuvenated. Moreover, walking can help ease other pregnancy symptoms like constipation and swelling. 

When to Contact a Doctor?

Contact your doctor if you have frequent lightheadedness or dizziness during pregnancy. Also, seek immediate medical care if you experience dizziness accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain or bleeding. These symptoms are an indication of complications like low-lying placenta, placental abruption, and ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical treatment. 

Dizziness along with blurred vision, palpitations, and headaches may also require immediate medical attention as it could be a sign of anaemia or other underlying health conditions that may pose a risk to your pregnancy.

Conclusion

Dizziness during pregnancy can be caused due to various reasons like hormonal fluctuations, low blood pressure, extreme morning sickness, and varicose veins. While some may experience dizziness only in their first trimester, others may continue to feel lightheaded even in their second and third trimesters. The good news is that this symptom can be prevented by eating well-balanced meals, maintaining hydration, and avoiding sudden jerky movements while sitting down or standing.

Also read:

Pregnancy brain: What triggers pregnancy brain and how can you deal with it? Find all the answers in this post.

Headache during pregnancy: Here are some effective ways to treat headaches during pregnancy. 

Frequent urination in pregnancy: Check out the main causes of frequent urination during pregnancy and tips to deal with this symptom.

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