Women often experience dizziness during pregnancy and this is a normal occurrence due to the changes in the body. During this period, the cardiovascular system undergoes significant alterations which begin by an increase in heart rate. This is explained by the heart pumping more blood per minute. Moreover the blood in the body is expanded by an average of 40-45% during pregnancy. As blood flows to the growing fetus in the uterus and placenta, the capacity of the circulatory system also expands.
One significant reason for dizziness during pregnancy is that the blood pressure during pregnancy is lowered in the beginning and reaches the lowest point during the middle period of the pregnancy. These dramatic changes however resume to normal level by the time of your delivery.
Because of the compensating mechanisms of your body, the cardiovascular and nervous systems are able to adjust to the changes of pregnancy appropriately. However at certain times, these systems fail to make these changes and that is why you feel lightheaded or dizziness during pregnancy. If you faint, then consult your doctor right away because this means that something is wrong and there might be a serious condition behind.
If lightheadedness or dizziness during pregnancy is experienced, you may need to execute some simple tasks. As you experience dizziness during pregnancy, simply lie down on your side, relax and take a deep breath. It is best to lie down on your side because this maximizes the blood flow to your heart and also to your brain. If there is enough oxygen supply to your brain, dizziness during pregnancy is relieved. If the places make it impossible for you to lie down, sit and place your head in between your knees.
There are various causes of dizziness during pregnancy. The most common cause is iron deficiency anemia. The body needs more iron during pregnancy due to increased blood volume, therefore, lack of sufficient iron leads to decreased oxygen in the body. When oxygen is lacking, dizziness during pregnancy will be experienced.
Standing up too fast is also one triggering factor that causes dizziness during pregnancy as it leads to pooling of blood in your legs due to force of gravity and there is not enough time for the body to let enough blood return to your heart. Lying on your back is also one common reason for dizziness during pregnancy. Due to your enlarged uterus in the second and third trimesters, the inferior vena cava and pelvic veins are compressed and this in turn, slows down the blood flow.
Dizziness during pregnancy also occurs when you hyperventilate due to anxiety or excessive exercise. Exercise is good for the body as long as you do not overdo it. Stop and lie down if you experience dizziness during pregnancy after exercising. Because your body is undergoing a dramatic change during pregnancy, it is important that you maintain a nutritious diet plus sufficient hydration. Dehydration and low blood sugar occur when you do not take in enough fluids or eat correct food. Both of these conditions can cause dizziness during pregnancy.
There might be a serious condition underlying your dizziness during pregnancy if you experience severe headaches, impaired speech, blurred vision, fainting, numbness or tingling, palpitations and bleeding. Call your doctor right away if these symptoms occur in association with dizziness during pregnancy to avoid further complications.