Like so many other changes you experience during pregnancy, light-headedness can appear at any time. Suddenly feeling dizzy can be frightening but is generally not a cause for concern. Light-headedness can cause you to fall and can be dangerous when you’re driving, so take steps to avoid becoming dizzy to keep you and your baby safe.
Causes
Your changing hormones are most likely to blame for light-headedness. As your hormones rise, your blood vessels expand, simultaneously delivering more blood to your growing baby and lowering your blood pressure. Low blood sugar may also be the culprit. As your metabolism adjusts to the changes in your body, you may get hungry more quickly than before becoming pregnant. In rare cases, light-headedness during your first trimester can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy in which the fertilized egg has become implanted outside the uterus.
Treatment
As soon as you become light-headed, lie down immediately. Pull over to a safe location if you’re driving and put the seat back. Lie on your side if possible and take deep breaths until you start to feel better. When you feel well enough to stand up, drink a full glass of water and eat foods that are rich in iron such as whole eggs, spinach or iron-fortified bread or cereal. Moving outdoors or to a large room where air circulates freely may also help.
Prevention
You can become light-headed at any time, but taking some precautions can limit your suffering. Getting up too quickly causes your blood pressure to drop so stand up slowly rather than jumping out of a chair. The same goes with getting out of bed. Sit on the edge of the bed for 30 seconds to allow your blood to get moving before standing. Eating frequent healthy snacks and drinking water throughout the day will prevent light-headedness caused by low blood sugar. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes at all times and avoid any situation that can cause you to become overheated.
When to Call the Doctor
If your light-headedness stems from some change in your behavior or environment, such as heat, hunger or getting out of bed too fast, then it’s generally not a sign of a problem. If it occurs frequently and with no obvious causes, call your doctor. You must also seek treatment if your dizziness is accompanied by blurred speech, headaches, bleeding or if you faint. Call for help immediately if you have abdominal pain along with dizziness, since this may be triggered by an ectopic pregnancy.
