What causes dizziness during pregnancy?

Dizziness In Pregnancy

Feeling faint or dizzy is very common, during pregnancy; in fact, it is one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. Many women therefore are known to frequently ask the question, “What causes dizziness during pregnancy?” Dizziness is more likely to occur during the first trimester of pregnancy; however, there are some women who have experienced dizzy spells right through the nine months of pregnancy. While many women experience bouts of dizziness, they are absolutely clueless as to the reasons for these dizzy spells. Furthermore, some women actually get worried that there is something severely wrong with either them or their unborn baby, which can lead to stress and anxiety. However, there is no substance to these beliefs.

Many gynecologists are often asked the question “what causes dizziness during pregnancy?” There could be several reasons why some women feel dizzy (while others do not). These reasons are not necessarily a cause for concern. Some of the most common factors that can make you feeling dizzy during pregnancy are:

•    Hormonal changes: Changes in the hormonal balance is what causes dizziness during pregnancy in most women. The hormonal levels in your body will usually rise rapidly, when you are pregnant. This surge in hormones causes the blood vessels to enlarge, so that the flow of blood to the baby can be increased. However, when this happens, the flow of blood back to the mother slows down, leading to a fall in blood pressure. As your blood pressure may fall far below normal, the amount of blood flowing to the brain will reduce, causing you to feel faint.

•    Lower blood sugar: As your body gets adjusted to metabolic changes that occur during pregnancy, it is quite common for your blood sugar levels to fall, below normal, leading to dizzy spells.

•    Pressure on the blood vessels: In the second trimester of pregnancy, increased pressure may be placed on your blood vessels, because of your growing uterus. This too hampers the circulation of blood causing the sensation of dizziness and lightheadedness.

•    Resting on your back: Towards the end of the second trimester and at the beginning of the third, the pressure of your baby’s weight, will be placed on you vena cava, when you lie down, on your back. This is a vein that transports the blood from the lower part of the body, to your heart. You can deal with this by resting on your side instead of your back.

Although dizziness during pregnancy is quite natural, if the dizziness is persistent, you need to consult your doctor right away. If you notice any other accompanying symptoms which include vaginal bleeding, blurred vision, abdominal pain or palpitations, it is important to inform your health care provider, without any delay.

Submitted by P T on August 3, 2010 at 12:23

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