Everyone knows about the variety of symptoms1 that occur and can happen during pregnancy, and one of the main symptoms is dizziness during pregnancy. In fact, many women suspect and find out they are pregnant when they experience this symptom along with others like nausea or cravings for something different.
When They Start to Occur
In the first trimester dizziness happens more frequently in the morning together with nausea and almost always when getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period. This occurs because a pregnant woman’s blood pressure is completely altered2 due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone production during pregnancy.
Another common reason for dizziness in pregnancy is hypoglycemia3, which is caused by a drop in blood sugar levels from going a long time without eating or even from an inadequate diet that lacks important nutrients and vitamins needed for a healthy pregnancy and fetal development.
Another reason for the symptom is excessive heat. For moms who start pregnancy during warmer and drier times, dizziness can happen more naturally, and extra care should be taken during this phase.
When reaching the third trimester, the reasons for dizziness in pregnancy increase, since the pressure of the uterus on the blood vessels ends up causing daily dizziness and discomfort. That’s why there are more recommendations at this stage concerning wearing high-heeled shoes, suggesting more comfortable and low styles, and more caution when going down stairs and walking outside.
After all, during a dizzy spell, a woman may lose her balance and fall, leading to accidents, injuries, and harm to both mother and baby. There are many cases of falls related to premature birth, so extra care is needed during this period.
What to Do About Dizziness During Pregnancy
Paying attention to eating, staying hydrated and drinking water regularly, and wearing clothing—especially comfortable flat shoes—are ways to prevent and relieve dizziness during pregnancy and also reduce the risk of accidents caused by it. Another well-accepted method among pregnant women is the anti-nausea bracelet, which helps with both nausea and dizziness immediately.
But naturally, each precaution is recommended for the specific reason responsible for the dizziness, which should be properly evaluated. For morning dizziness early in pregnancy—which can last from the first trimester until the end of the second—the best way to minimize discomfort upon waking is to lie on your side and get up slowly. Stay seated until you feel confident that the dizziness has passed, and then you can safely stand up.
In the case of very strong dizziness, there’s nothing to do but lie down and stay still until the discomfort passes. It’s better to rest than to risk your own health and your baby’s life. Another way to relieve it while resting is to lie down flat with a pillow under your legs, so your legs are above your head, which improves blood circulation.
Risk of Anemia
Regarding your diet, eat properly with a varied menu rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals that will keep you healthy and help your baby develop as expected. A lack of vitamins in a pregnant woman’s body can not only harm fetal development but also cause severe anemia in the mother, so excessive dizziness should be reported to your OB/GYN, who will determine if further exams are needed to investigate.
Remember to eat healthy foods, splitting meals into small portions, which will keep your blood sugar levels stable and help reduce dizziness. If you need to go out, take a quick snack like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit to keep you nourished until the next meal.
It’s important to highlight that dizziness during pregnancy in itself does not pose a risk, but accidents do and there is a danger of fainting, falling, and getting injured during an episode. Therefore, if symptoms happen daily or are accompanied by others like blurred vision or severe headaches, the doctor should be informed immediately for proper evaluation and treatment, as this can be a sign of anemia.
See also: Is Heartburn a Symptom of Pregnancy?
Photo: Marcos
