Dizziness in Pregnancy

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

19 Mar 2008 11:01 AM

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is a common side effect of pregnancy. This is most common in early pregnancy, but can happen at any time. In most cases there is no cause for concern, but mention it to your doctor to be sure.

There are a few causes of dizziness during pregnancy. For me, the problem was always related to low blood sugar levels. Your metabolism changes during pregnancy and you will find you need to eat more frequently to avoid a drop in blood sugar. Many women find that small, frequent meals are the key to resolving the problem.

Another cause of dizziness generally occurs in late pregnancy as the baby presses down into your abdomen. This can cause the blood vessels in the abdomen to become compressed. This can reduce your blood flow, causing dizziness.

Although dizziness is a common problem, it should be reported to your doctor. You may wait until your next visit to report a short, brief dizzy spell. However, if you are frequently dizzy or the dizziness is accompanied by bleeding or abdominal pain, notify your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a serious problem, such as ectopic pregnancy or problems with the placenta.

The best thing to do if you feel dizzy is to lie down until the feeling passes. This will prevent injury or a possible fall. Lie on your left side to help increase the blood flow to your brain. This helps the dizzy feeling go away faster.

Do not lie on your back when you are feeling lightheaded. Lying on your back slows the circulation of blood which can make the problem worse and often causes dizziness in the first place. When you feel ready to get up, move slowly. Getting up too fast can trigger the lightheaded feeling.

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Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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