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Dizziness and Fainting

Why do I get dizzy?

Dizziness in pregnancy is common. Some are more prone to it than others. The most common cause is called postural hypotension, which is a gravity induced drop in blood flow to the brain. Postural hypotension is more likely in advanced pregnancy and can occur if you get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position or standing still for a long time.

Such dizziness can also occur if you are in a confined space, overexercise, or your blood sugar is low.

Also make sure you are not anaemic as this can make a dizziness tendency worse. In extreme cases dizziness will lead to fainting.

What can be done?

If this is a problem try to avoid triggers, e.g. get up more slowly, avoid confined hot spaces, limit exercise, eat regularly, correct anaemia, etc. If you feel dizziness coming on then immediately lie down or at least sit down, no matter where you are. It is better to do this than faint and fall over. The danger is not in the dizziness or even in the fainting but in that you can hurt yourself if you fall over!