While dizziness in pregnancy may be cause for concern, this generally temporary lightheadedness is usually the result of a benign pregnancy-related cause. A lot is going on in your body when you are pregnant, and it can have an impact on your overall circulation. Often, this inhibited circulation leads to dizziness in pregnancy and, as a result, lightheadedness that is almost always temporary and little cause for concern. See your doctor for any protracted or worrisome dizziness in pregnancy.
Hormonal Causes of Dizziness in Pregnancy
Many women’s pregnancy dizziness can be traced to the hormonal changes they are experiencing. The hormones that surge through your body during pregnancy cause blood vessels to relax, reducing your blood pressure and potentially leading to bouts of dizziness, reports American Pregnancy.
Anemia-Induced Dizziness in Pregnancy
Women who develop anemia during pregnancy, or who suffer from anemia even when not pregnant, may find that this iron deficiency leaves them feeling faint while pregnant, reports Women’s Healthcare Topics. Many individuals who suffer from anemia when not pregnant find that pregnancy exacerbates the disorder’s symptoms, while others who have never been anemic become so during pregnancy and must take an iron supplement to get their levels back up to par.
Blood Sugar Imbalance
When you are pregnant, the way in which your body metabolizes food will change significantly. As your body adjusts to the changes in metabolic function that pregnancy induces, your blood sugar that was once stable may undergo temporary surges and dips. As American Pregnancy reports, these metabolism-related blood sugar dips can leave you feeling temporarily lightheaded or dizzy.
Pressure From Uterus
Women who begin to experience dizziness as their uterus grows during their second trimester may be able trace the root of their problem back to this expanding organ. As your uterus grows, it can place pressure on your blood vessels. This increased pressure can slow circulation, making it harder for your organs to get the blood they need and in some cases leading to blood pressure spikes. Both of these potential outcomes of the pressure increase can leave you feeling dizzy, reports American Pregnancy.
Back Sleeping
If you are a back sleeper, this sleeping pattern could be playing a part in your dizziness. The vena cava, a vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart, runs up your back. If you lie on your back, the weight of your belly can temporarily cut off the flow through this vein, potentially causing you to become lightheaded. For optimal circulation while you sleep, rest on your left side instead.
Dizziness Remedies
You don’t necessarily have to just deal with your dizziness throughout your pregnancy. If you find that dizziness is slowing you down, take a bit more time to get to your feet, as this allows your blood ample time to move through your body before you attempt to expend energy. Also, eat a balanced diet and snack regularly to ensure that you receive the nutrients you and your baby require.
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