Dizziness during pregnancy

During pregnancy, many symptoms and discomforts occur that are related to this special condition. One of them is dizziness. Many pregnant women experience it as early as the first weeks of pregnancy, and it typically does not pose a serious problem. However, if it occurs in the third trimester, towards the end of the pregnancy, it may indicate dangerous complications such as preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. What are the causes of dizziness during pregnancy, and can it be prevented?

Dizziness in early pregnancy

Many women suffer from various discomforts in the first weeks of pregnancy. The most common are nausea and vomiting, which occur in up to 70% of expectant mothers. In addition, pregnant women often complain of fatigue, mood swings, and excessive sleepiness. Some women also experience headaches and dizziness in addition to the typical and frequent symptoms such as a missed period or sensitive breasts. Where does this come from? Dizziness in early pregnancy is usually caused by hormonal changes in the woman’s body. To support the healthy growth of the baby in the uterus, there are several changes in different body systems and organs of the expectant mother. These include increased blood flow and circulating blood volume, as well as a drop in blood pressure. For this reason, dizziness is most commonly experienced when changing positions suddenly, such as from lying down to standing up. It is important to always get up slowly, ideally sitting first, to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure. If the woman experiences frequent nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, dehydration may occur, and dizziness can be one of its symptoms.

Causes of dizziness during pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, hormonal causes are among the most common reasons for dizziness. They affect the function of the heart, the expansion of blood vessels, and the physiological drop in blood pressure during pregnancy. However, there are other causes of dizziness. It can be caused by side effects of medications the expectant mother is taking. In this case, the doctor may adjust the treatment or dosage if possible.

Dizziness during pregnancy can also be a sign of malnutrition or inadequate diet, as well as insufficient fluid intake. It can also occur as a symptom of anemia, which is often caused by iron deficiency in expectant mothers. As the pregnancy progresses and the mother’s belly grows, the pressure from the uterus on the inferior vena cava increases, which can lead to dizziness or even fainting. For this reason, pregnant women are often advised to lie on their left side to avoid these discomforts.

How to prevent dizziness during pregnancy

There is no proven recipe to prevent dizziness during pregnancy, but you can try to avoid it with the following tips:

• Try to avoid standing for long periods.
• Don’t get up too quickly when transitioning from a sitting or lying position.
• Avoid lying on your back, especially in the second and third trimesters.
• Eat a healthy, regular diet and avoid low blood sugar levels.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Always take medications and supplements according to your doctor’s recommendations.

Dizziness in the third trimester

The growing baby and uterus can increasingly press on the blood vessels towards the end of the pregnancy, making normal blood flow more difficult. Therefore, the causes of dizziness in the third trimester are similar to those in the early weeks of pregnancy and usually do not cause concern.

However, certain complications may arise in the final weeks of pregnancy that are particularly dangerous and should not be underestimated. If dizziness is accompanied by symptoms such as bleeding, abdominal pain, vision problems, difficulty breathing, or very severe headaches, you should immediately go to the emergency department of a maternity hospital. These symptoms may indicate impending eclampsia or preeclampsia (pregnancy poisoning). In addition, dizziness and other symptoms may also be associated with HELLP syndrome. In such cases, the treatment usually involves ending the pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the possibility of cord blood collection and stem cell storage to be prepared for the case of premature birth. If you haven’t made a decision yet and would like to: click here.

In most cases, dizziness during pregnancy is a typical symptom that does not indicate serious complications. However, if the dizziness becomes very burdensome or is accompanied by the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to consult a specialist.