Dizziness in pregnancy
Are you feeling light-headed? Relax, it’s normal to experience dizziness, especially in the first trimester. Your body is undergoing some pretty dramatic changes, but you can take a few steps to avoid these dizzy spells.
Pregnancy can bring on dizziness. It’s because your body is going through changes, and dizziness in pregnancy is just one reaction to these changes. Dizziness is common and can be easily overcome. Please consult your doctor if you experience persistent dizziness during pregnancy.
3 Reasons why you might be feeling dizziness during pregnancy
- Pregnancy and the rising hormone progesterone cause your blood vessels to relax and expand. This causes your blood pressure to drop, which can reduce the blood flow to your brain, leaving you feeling lightheaded.
- During pregnancy, your metabolism changes as well, and this can cause low blood sugar levels. This can also have an impact on your dizziness.
- During your second trimester, dizziness may also be caused by your uterus putting pressure on blood vessels. This restricts the blood flow around your body, and to your brain.
Although it is common, there are ways to overcome dizziness in pregnancy.
7 Ways to avoid dizzy spells
- To prevent mild, occasional dizziness, avoid standing for too long or lying on your back in your second and third trimesters.
- Get up slowly after lying or sitting down.
- Eat small amounts of food regularly, and don’t wait too long in-between meals.
- In your meals, include foods rich in iron, such as red meat and poultry, beans and dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas to avoid iron deficiency anemia, which could also cause dizziness.
- Avoid long, hot baths and showers.
- Wear loose clothing so that your blood circulation is not restricted.
- Remember to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
6 Helpful tips to reduce dizziness, when it happens
- If you do need to stand for long periods of time, keep moving your feet to increase circulation, or go for a walk.
- If you’re standing when dizziness hits, lie down on your left side to increase the blood flow to your heart and brain.
- If you feel dizzy when you’re getting up from your seat or from the bath, sit back down and wait until it passes.
- Deep breathing also helps in fighting dizziness.
- Loosen any clothing that may feel tight.
- Head for the nearest window or air vent, and stand in circulating air.
What if dizziness won’t go away?
If, however, you feel that the dizziness is occurring too often and you find it difficult to overcome, seek advice from your doctor.
