Dizziness in pregnancy

Why am I feeling dizzy in pregnancy?

Dizziness, or feeling faint is one of the most common symptoms in pregnancy, so you’re not alone. There are lots of reasons why you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Hormonal and other changes to your body relax the walls of your blood vessels, and blood is rerouted from your brain to your baby, causing your blood pressure to fall. This can cause you to feel faint or light-headed (NHS 2021, Valente & Economy 2024, Smith 2023).

You could also be feeling dizzy if you have morning sickness. Up to nine in 10 pregnancies have some degree of nausea in the first half of pregnancy (Smith et al 2023). The dizziness may be particularly bad if you have severe pregnancy sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum) (NICE 2024, Smith et al 2023).

You may get dizziness in early pregnancy, from around six weeks, when hormonal changes in your body start to kick in (Valente & Economy 2024).

In the second and third trimesters, your growing womb (uterus) can put pressure on your blood vessels, causing dizziness when you stand for a long time or lie down on your back (NHS 2021).

Other reasons why you may feel dizzy during pregnancy include:

• If you stand up too quickly, for example, from sitting or when you’re getting out of the bath. Your blood may not have enough time to reach your brain (postural hypotension) (HSE 2023, NHS 2021).
• If you've started a new medication. Some prescription medications for severe morning sickness can make you feel dizzy or drowsy (Smith et al 2023).
• If you haven't eaten for a while, or you've exercised a lot, and your blood sugar is low (HSE 2023). In pregnancy, you're most likely to develop low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) if you have diabetes and are treating it with insulin (HSE 2023, NHS 2022).
• If you’re too hot or dehydrated (HSE 2023).
• If you’re feeling stressed or anxious (Cleveland Clinic 2023). Panic attacks can cause dizziness too (Ditzell 2021).
• If you have low iron levels in your body (anaemia), which is a common side effect of pregnancy (NHS 2023). Your midwife will check your iron levels at your booking appointment and when you’re 28 weeks pregnant, which is when your iron levels are likely to be at their lowest.
• If you have an ear infection or a migraine (NHS 2023).

How can I stop feeling dizzy?

It depends what’s made you dizzy, but as soon as you start to feel giddy, faint, off-balance or light-headed, try to sit or lie down as soon as possible. If you sit, try to lower your head to your knees if you can. If you lie down, lie on your side. This should help the dizziness go away and stop you from falling over (HSE 2023)

Try to get used to getting up slowly and smoothly from a chair or a bed now that you’re pregnant, even if you're in a rush (HSE 2023).

If you feel dizzy when you stand for long periods or lie down, it could be because your baby is putting pressure on the large vein on your right-hand side (inferior vena cava) (HSE 2023, Valente & Economy 2024) .

This vein receives blood from your lower limbs. Roll on to your side, as this will help your heart to pump blood around your body more easily (Valente & Economy 2024).

A bout of dizziness in pregnancy may be your body telling you that it needs more rest or an energy boost. If you haven’t eaten for an hour or two, a quick, healthy snack should boost your blood sugar levels (HSE 2023).

Drink plenty of water and decaffeinated drinks so you don’t get dehydrated (HSE 2023). If you prefer fruit juices or squash, look for no-added-sugar varieties.

Waves of dizziness in pregnancy can happen at any time and they can be wearing and upsetting. However, they are usually temporary and manageable. When dizziness strikes, sit or lie down on your side, take some deep breaths, and be kind to yourself while you wait for it to subside. You should soon start to feel normal again.

When should I call my doctor or midwife?

You should mention it to your doctor or midwife if you’re worried in any way, if you are often dizzy during pregnancy or if you're so dizzy that you faint (NHS 2020c). You could fall awkwardly if you lose consciousness.

Sometimes dizziness in pregnancy can be caused by another underlying health condition, which has nothing to do with your pregnancy. That’s why, if you have any concerns, you should see your doctor.

While feeling dizzy from heat, hunger, nausea, or getting up too fast, can be part of being pregnant, you should never ignore your symptoms if they’re worrying you. Your midwife or doctor should be able to reassure you that all is well with you and your baby.

Check out which pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore.