Self-Care Steps For Dizziness During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you might feel lightheaded or dizzy.

There are a couple of reasons why this can happen. Your blood pressure is lower. Plus, your growing uterus can press on and block the large vein carrying blood to your heart. In either case, this reduces the blood supply in your brain.

Low blood sugar and low iron can also be factors. Sometimes, just getting up too quickly from a sitting position to a standing position can cause dizziness.

To keep from falling during episodes of dizziness, stand up slowly and hold onto the walls and other objects for support and balance. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have repeated dizziness or fainting.

Self-Care Steps For Dizziness:

• Stand up slowly from seated or lying positions.
• Change positions often. Don’t stand or sit in one place for too long.
• Don’t get overheated. Avoid hot showers or baths.
• Try to avoid lying flat on your back during the third trimester.
• Eat regular meals.
• Drink enough fluids.
• Get enough exercise. Walking is a good exercise during pregnancy. If you feel faint or dizzy during exercise, stop and call your healthcare provider.
• Sit down, bend over, and breathe deeply or lie on your side when you feel dizzy. Both positions increase the flow of blood to your brain.
• Tell your healthcare provider about your symptoms. He or she may want to check if you have anemia.