Dizziness

 

Is dizziness common in pregnancy?

It is not uncommon to have dizziness during pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, some women may feel dizzy or lightheaded. However, there may be other causes as well.
What are the possible causes of dizziness in pregnancy?
  • Normal physiological changes during pregnancy such as a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate could lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. All this changes helps to provide more blood to your baby.
  • Compression of a large vein called inferior vena cava especially if you lie down on your back.
  • Changes in your metabolism could lead to low blood sugar
  • Low levels of haemoglobin or anemia. The women who has anaemia may also have other symptoms such as tiredness, difficult in breathing & palpitations
What should I do if to prevent dizziness in pregnancy?
  • Avoid prolonged standing.
  • Avoid standing up to quickly from a lying or sitting position.
  • Avoid humid rooms
  • Avoid have a hot bath or shower
  • Avoid lying down flat on your back especially when you are in your second or third trimester as by doing so your growing abdomen may compress on a large vein that brings back all the blood from the legs back to the heart (inferior vena cava).
  • Avoid skipping meal to avoid low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
  • Have a balanced diet, rich in iron. You may want to start taking iron supplements to prevent anaemia.
What should I do if I have dizziness?
  • Lie down on your side
  • Sit down. You may place your head in between your knees if this feels comfortable.
  • If your dizziness worsen or is persistent you need to see your doctor.
When should I see the doctor?
  • If you have fainting episodes.
  • You have other symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations, shortness of breath or chest pain or blurring of vision.
  • You have lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.


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