Experiencing Dizziness During Pregnancy? Read To Know The 7 Possible Causes

Note: Dizziness during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of different factors. It is advisable to consult your doctor for proper evaluation. 

Pregnancy can directly impact a woman’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, giving rise to a variety of unusual symptoms and complications that may trigger multiple concerns. Experiencing dizziness during pregnancy is one such complication, which is often related to the metabolic and physiological changes that occur post-conception and last for varied periods of time throughout the course of pregnancy. Read this blog to learn about the various factors that could be responsible for making a pregnant woman feel dizzy or lightheaded. 

Hormonal Imbalances During Pregnancy

When you conceive, your body floods itself with two hormones - oestrogen and progesterone. You will be surprised to know that your body produces more oestrogen during pregnancy than in your entire life. While people often link hormonal imbalance to mood swings, these do have other significant roles to play, which include supporting the healthy development of the foetus, ensuring proper functioning of the placenta, preparing your body for breastfeeding, increasing blood flow to the womb and not to forget, boosting your pregnancy glow. The increased blood flow in the body due to changing hormonal levels can impact your blood pressure, making it fall below normal levels. It is this low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, that leads to a feeling of dizziness in early pregnancy.

Low Blood Sugar During Pregnancy

Dizziness in pregnancy may also be linked to low blood sugar, which is commonly referred to as hypoglycemia. For a pregnant woman, the blood sugar levels are not generally considered to be low till they fall below 70 mg/dL. It is mostly a temporary complication that results from changing hormonal balance in the body and is characterised by fluctuating insulin levels. While gestational diabetes can affect a pregnant woman at any stage of her pregnancy, it is most common in the second and third trimester. A woman with the condition may present with symptoms like unusual sweating, frequent headaches, and lightheadedness. If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you should opt for regular blood sugar monitoring and religiously follow the dietary recommendations and exercise plan set by your doctor. 

Extreme Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

The common term used for extreme or severe morning sickness in pregnancy is hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). According to an article published by FOGSI (Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India) the incidence of hyperemesis gravidarum “varies from 0.3% to 3.6% of all pregnancies”. A woman suffering from the condition is likely to experience severe nausea and vomiting that can last for weeks, eventually resulting in dehydration, loss of weight, and nutritional deficiencies. These can all lead to dizziness or even fainting. Women presenting with the symptoms of severe hyperemesis gravidarum need to be hospitalised, as early medical intervention and intravenous fluid administration are crucial for avoiding unnecessary complications. Even if you have mild morning sickness, it is advisable to make sure that your doctor knows about it. 

Tubal Pregnancy

Tubal pregnancy, also known as ectopic pregnancy, is a serious complication in which the fertilised egg gets implanted within the fallopian tube instead of the uterus and starts growing there. “The incidence of ectopic pregnancy among all pregnancies is about 0.25-2.0%” suggests FOGSI. This can happen in other parts of the reproductive tract as well, however the chances are quite low. In such cases, continuing the pregnancy can pose a serious threat to the mother’s life and hence is not viable. Women with tubal/ectopic pregnancy experience dizziness and fainting, along with several other symptoms, such as severe pain, and vaginal bleeding. The condition is usually diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy. The risks of tubal pregnancy are higher if the woman has had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, has an underlying condition like pelvic tuberculosis or history of sexually transmitted disease, has conceived despite the use of an intrauterine device or has undergone tubal surgery in the past. Women who smoke carry a higher risk.

Increased Pressure On Uterus 

As the baby continues to grow inside the uterus, it expands to make more space and in this process, it may put additional pressure on the surrounding blood vessels. This generally happens when the baby is large. The pressure may also increase when you are lying on your back. This is because the enlarged uterus presses against the blood vessels and disrupts the normal flow of blood through them, which can lead to dizziness. This is the reason why pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their side. Some other things that can help relieve pressure from the blood vessels include wearing loose and comfy clothes, using a maternity pillow to support your back, trying gentle exercises (after consulting your doctor), and refraining from indulging in rigorous physical activities or lifting heavy. 

Anaemia During Pregnancy

According to the statistics from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), “52.2% of pregnant women in the country between the ages of 15 and 49 years are considered anaemic”. Anaemia is a simple condition, marked by a significant drop in the haemoglobin levels in the body. When it happens during pregnancy, it has an impact on your baby’s ability to develop and grow to a healthy weight. Anaemia has also been linked to preterm birth, which means that the baby is born before the specified time. While mild anaemia is not usually a cause of concern, severe anaemia can lead to complications like breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, dizziness & fainting and hence needs to be addressed at the earliest. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, anaemia can be easily managed. Common treatment strategies include taking iron-rich meals and prescribed vitamins. 

Dehydration During Pregnancy

Severe dehydration may also be responsible for causing dizziness in pregnant women. This is not only dangerous for the mom, but the baby as well as it has been linked to serious complications like decrease in amniotic fluid and even preterm delivery. During pregnancy, your body needs more water than you need on a regular basis. Experts usually recommend 8 to 12 glasses of water in a day. It is very easy to find out whether you are dehydrated or not. Just notice the colour of your urine. If it is light, you are going in the right direction, however, if it is dark and has a strong smell, you need to increase your water intake. Do not forget to keep your doctor informed about this. 

If you are pregnant and experiencing dizziness, inform your doctor at the earliest. The 9 months of pregnancy are no less than a roller coaster ride with countless changes happening within your body that can be overwhelming at times. No doubt the journey is beautiful and precious, but the experience can be quite stressful for some women, especially those who are walking the path for the first time and maybe that is why Linda Wooten has rightly said, “Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed”