Faintness and dizziness occurs when not enough blood reaches the brain. This is more likely to occur in pregnancy because the hormone progesterone dilates the blood vessels, causing blood to pool in the legs.
The uterus also placing a great demand on your body's blood supply, reducing blood pressure. AnemiaA condition in which the number of red blood cells is abnormally low and usually refers to the oxygen carrying hemoglobin. It is most likely caused by iron deficiency, especially during pregnancy and can be treated with supplements.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. during pregnancy and low blood sugar when you get up in the morning add to the problem.
When you sit or stand for some time, the blood travels through the dilated blood vessels and pools at the lowest point in the body. When you move, the lowered blood pressure that results in pregnancy, cannot pump oxygenated blood to the brain quickly enough, causing you to feel faint.
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There is no risk to the baby from dizzy spells unless you fall on your stomach. It is important to follow a few simple guidelines to try and prevent feeling dizzy and faint. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods, to prevent blood from pooling in your legs.
Rise slowly, especially when you get up out of bed in the morning or from a hot bath. Sit up and wait for fifteen seconds or so before taking your legs off the bed and waiting another fifteen seconds, then stand up and wait another fifteen seconds before walking. If you still feel faint in the morning, drink a glass of juice or eat a small snack fifteen minutes before you get up.
Avoid lying on your back, where the weight of the baby will put pressure on your main blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Stay cool in hot weather, and eat small amounts of food regularly throughout the day. Carry a package of crackers, nuts or fruit with you to ensure that your blood sugar stays constant.
If you feel dizzy while standing, shift your weight or walk in place to promote circulation in your legs, and bring blood back to the heart. Lie down on your side to help the heart pump blood to the brain.
If you are sitting, put your head between your knees. If you are still experiencing dizziness or faintness, have your doctor test you for anemiaA condition in which the number of red blood cells is abnormally low and usually refers to the oxygen carrying hemoglobin. It is most likely caused by iron deficiency, especially during pregnancy and can be treated with supplements.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. and low blood sugar. Your doctor may want to advise you about your diet.
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