Dizziness During Pregnancy: Reasons & Remedies

Feeling lightheaded, dizzy and faint, at times, during the day is a normal occurrence during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. As the body undergoes changes to accommodate a baby, the variation in blood pressure, sugar levels and hormones cause you to feel dizzy every now and then. Should you be worried if you are feeling dizzy during pregnancy? Not really. Because faint-headedness or dizziness in pregnancy is a normal occurrence. However, you must have the required knowledge to be able to handle the situation when you feel dizzy and understand when to contact a medical expert. In short, feeling dizzy is normal, but fainting episodes should be reviewed by a doctor immediately. We aim to address most of the questions you may have about dizziness during pregnancy in this article. Read on to know more about having a light head during pregnancy.

What Is Dizziness During Pregnancy?

Feeling faint and nauseous can begin as early as two weeks after conception. Dizziness, accompanied by morning sickness and nausea, at other times, during the day, can be an indicator of pregnancy. The body’s physiological changes can cause expectant mothers to get disoriented and feel a sense of vertigo (a sense of fainting or falling). Because of changes in hormonal levels and blood pressure in early pregnancy, dizziness could occur. Nausea and vomiting often accompany dizziness during pregnancy. Low blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and pressure on the uterus from lying on the back are some other possible reasons for dizziness during pregnancy.

Is It Normal to Feel Dizzy During Pregnancy?

Yes, it is absolutely normal to feel dizzy during pregnancy. Dizziness affects nearly 75% of pregnant women in varying degrees. It is a common symptom during the first trimester but can continue throughout the pregnancy in some women.

Is Feeling Dizzy Harmful for Your Pregnancy?

As mentioned earlier, dizziness during pregnancy is normal. Although the dizzy feeling is not harmful in itself, the light-headedness can lead to fainting, which can be dangerous as there is a chance you might fall and injure yourself or the baby inside you. However, if the fainting episodes after dizziness are frequent, it sheds light on some serious ailments that require immediate medical attention.

Are you wondering why pregnant women feel dizzy? Let’s check out the causes of dizziness during pregnancy.

Causes of Dizziness During Pregnancy

The cause of dizziness varies throughout pregnancy, depending on the stage of pregnancy. Therefore, different women experience different levels of dizziness and varying lengths of time. Here are some causes of dizziness during pregnancy:

Dizziness During the First Trimester

• Hormonal Changes: Early in pregnancy, the body experiences increased levels of hormones, particularly progesterone, which causes blood vessels to dilate. This leads to a drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness.
• Anemia, Nausea, and Vomiting: Dizziness can also be exacerbated by conditions such as anemia, which is common during pregnancy, and frequent vomiting due to morning sickness. Dehydration resulting from vomiting further contributes to feeling lightheaded.
• Increased Blood Supply: The body begins to adapt to the expanding circulatory system as it prepares to nourish the baby, leading to changes in blood flow that can cause dizziness.

Dizziness During the Second Trimester

• External Temperature and Overheating: The body’s normal temperature rises by about one degree due to the pregnancy, which can cause overheating. This, combined with external heat, can exacerbate feelings of dizziness during the second trimester.

Dizziness During the Third Trimester

• Pressure on the Inferior Vena Cava: As the pregnancy nears its end, the weight of the baby can place pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower limbs. This restriction in blood flow can result in dizziness, particularly when the mother lies on her back. To avoid this, sleeping on the left side is recommended.
• Position-Related Dizziness: Prolonged periods of sitting or lying down can trigger dizziness in the third trimester, as the baby’s size adds pressure to blood vessels.
• Gestational Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels: Dizziness in the third trimester may also be related to imbalanced blood sugar levels, such as in cases of gestational diabetes, which can cause irregularities in energy supply.

Additional Considerations

• Rare but Serious Causes: Although dizziness is commonly experienced during pregnancy, it can sometimes be an indication of more serious complications, such as bleeding from the placenta or an ectopic pregnancy. Any sudden or severe dizziness should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

You are probably wondering if you can do something when you feel dizzy. Well, yes, there are a few things you must do when you feel dizzy during pregnancy. The next section of the article should help you do that.

Things to Do When You Suddenly Feel Dizzy

Here’s what you can do when you feel dizzy during pregnancy –

• When you feel dizzy, sit down to avoid a fall. If you can, sit with your head between your knees. Also, sit down or get up slowly; sudden movements worsen dizziness.
• If you have a chance to lie down, do so on your left side. This increases the blood supply to your brain and makes you feel better.
• Dizziness can also be due to low blood sugar if you have gone a while without eating. Get a quick healthy snack, and drink some water or fresh fruit juice to boost your energy levels.
• Waves of dizziness can often happen to many women during pregnancy. The best thing to do would be to stop what you are doing, sit or lie down and wait for it to pass, after which you must consult a doctor immediately.
• You may try loosening tight clothes, if any.
• If you feel dizzy in a congested or crowded place, slowly walk to the closest place with enough ventilation and less crowd.

Let’s now take a look at some remedies that can help alleviate dizziness.

Remedies to Alleviate Dizziness During Pregnancy

Although dizziness during pregnancy is common and you can’t do much about it, here are some ways you can reduce it:

• Avoid quick movements like getting up too fast or springing up out of bed.
• Do not lie on your back for too long. Change positions often and try to lie more on your left side.
• Eat regularly at small intervals to keep the blood sugar levels appropriate. Avoid going without food for longer periods.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Substitute sugar-rich foods with healthy snacks.
• Consume an iron-rich diet.
• Avoid overheating by avoiding hot water baths or spending too much time outdoors or in crowded places.
• Go easy on your workout. Stressing yourself can cause you to overheat or hyperventilate which can both lead to dizziness.

How to Prevent Dizziness in Pregnancy

Dizziness is a common concern during pregnancy, particularly due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and the growing weight of the baby. However, there are several strategies that can help prevent or reduce dizziness during this time.

• Wear Compression Stockings: These help improve blood circulation in the legs and reduce the risk of dizziness caused by poor blood flow.
• Rest and Elevate Your Feet: If you’re feeling lightheaded, sit or lie down with your feet elevated to improve circulation.
• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: If you have gestational diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels in check is essential to avoid dizziness.
• Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can restrict circulation, leading to dizziness, so opt for loose and comfortable attire.
• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If dizziness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and advice.

Should You Consult a Doctor for Dizziness During Pregnancy?

Dizziness, once in a while, due to heat, movement or hunger, is normal during pregnancy. However, if it is frequent and is coupled with symptoms such as severe headaches, blurred vision, palpitations, impaired speech, numbness, chest pain, shortness of breath, tingling and vaginal bleeding, immediate medical help should be sought. In early pregnancy, if dizziness is followed by abdominal pain and a racing pulse, it could be an indication of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is also a medical emergency and should be dealt with immediately.

FAQs

1. Can dizziness be caused by taking prenatal vitamins?

Prenatal vitamins, particularly those containing iron, can sometimes cause you to faint during pregnancy, especially if not taken with food. Iron supplements can irritate the stomach or cause a drop in blood pressure if not properly absorbed. If dizziness is linked to prenatal vitamins, it may help to switch to a different form or take them with meals to avoid side effects.

2. Can dizziness be a result of a sudden change in your pregnancy diet?

A drastic change in your diet during pregnancy, such as suddenly cutting out certain foods or skipping meals, can cause dizziness. The body may struggle to adjust to new dietary patterns, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar or nutrient deficiencies, which can trigger dizziness. Gradual changes to the diet are recommended to avoid this effect.

3. Could an iron deficiency cause dizziness despite taking prenatal vitamins?

It is possible to experience dizziness even while taking prenatal vitamins if the body is unable to absorb the iron properly. Certain conditions, such as low stomach acid or digestive issues, can interfere with the absorption of iron, leading to persistent dizziness despite supplementation. A healthcare provider might suggest adjusting the type of iron supplement or adding vitamin C to enhance absorption.

This was all about lightheadedness and pregnancy. Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride. Learning to recognise your symptoms early on and taking precautionary measures can help reduce your dizziness. If that does not work, it is time to call your doctor and get yourself checked.

References/Resources:

1. How to Handle Dizziness During Pregnancy; Nationwide Children’s Hospital; https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/family-resources-library/how-to-handle-dizziness-during-pregnancy; Last Reviewed: May 2016

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) During Pregnancy; Cleveland Clinic; 
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4497-gestational-hypertension#symptoms-and-causes; 2019

3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); Texas Heart Institute; https://www.texasheart.org/heart-health/heart-information-center/topics/high-blood-pressure-hypertension/

4. Dizziness or Fainting During Pregnancy; Fairview Health Services; https://www.fairview.org/patient-education/116807EN

5. Signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy; Planned Parenthood; https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-ectopic-pregnancy

6. Dizziness during pregnancy: When is it a concern?; American Heart Association; https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/01/18/dizziness-during-pregnancy-when-is-it-a-concern

7. Dizziness During Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/dizziness-during-pregnancy/

Also Read:

Hot Flashes during Pregnancy
Motion Sickness and Pregnancy
Pregnancy Pains and Their Solutions
How to Deal with Cramping in Pregnancy?

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