Expecting mothers commonly complain about frequent dizziness during pregnancy. It is quiet common have this fainting feeling because of a variety of reason. Although it is not something harmful but you simply can’t ignore it. for most women, first trimester is the worst with respect to dizziness but it can go on till childbirth.
Here are some of the ways you can deal with dizziness according the reason:
1. Low Blood Sugar
One of the most common reasons for feeling dizzy is low blood sugar level. It can be caused by the changes in your metabolism. You blood sugar level decreases when you do excessive exercise, eat too little, drink alcohol and skip a meal.
What you can do:
- As soon as you feel dizzy, start taking foods that are high in sugar like chocolate, candy or fruit juice. This immediately pumps up the blood sugar level.
- If you are on the move, make sure you carry whole crackers or fruits. It is better to have frequent small meals throughout the day instead of taking three large ones.
2. Anemia
Anemia hits you when you lack folate, vitamin B12 and iron. The fetus also takes up iron and it does so from the mother. In case you are anemic, you are bound to feel dizzy because your body does not possess enough amounts of red cells to carry oxygen to your entire body.
What you can do:
- Cut down on caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. Drink a lot of water to remain well hydrated. Water, lemon water, coconut water and fruit juices are good choices.
- Make sure you take a diet that is rich in essential vitamins, folic acid and iron. Iron tablet can result in diarrhea for many women. It is only best to take foods that are rich in iron like greens, beef, cereals, eggs, dried fruit and spinach.
3. High Blood Pressure
During the first four months of pregnancy, women tend to feel dizzy because of fluctuating levels of blood pressure. An expecting mother’s circulatory system expands at this time causing all the fluctuation which results in dizziness for short intervals.
What you can do:
- As soon as you begin to feel dizzy, sit down immediately. If you are resting, then it is best to lay on your side rather than your back as it increases blood flow to your brain and heart.
- Putting your head between your needs helps to deal with oncoming fainting. In case, you had high blood pressure even before your pregnancy, then you require medication. Do consult with your doctor.
4. Dizziness Because of Lying On Your Back
When you lay on your back, you allow the weight of the baby to press on your vena cava. Vena cava is a large vein that returns deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart. In the third trimester, lying on the back makes the heart pump less blood making you feel dizzy and anxious.
What you can do:
- Make sure you don’t stand for long especially in hot weather and avoid taking hot showers. It can not only make you dizzy but it has chances of making you faint.
Avoid sudden reflexes when you changing positions from sitting to standing or lying down to sitting. Make sure you don’t lie flat on your back when you sleep or exercise.
