Dizziness during pregnancy - causes and treatment

Dizziness is a common symptom in expectant mothers. In some, it is accompanied by a slight clouding, while in others it may result in fainting.

Of course, if the head is spinning rarely and briefly, then the state is caused by physiological changes in the circulatory system. The body is rebuilt for carrying a child, an additional circle of blood circulation appears, the pelvic organs are filled with blood.

Another thing, when dizziness is accompanied by symptoms: general weakness and drowsiness, impaired coordination, darkening of the eyes, blood pressure spikes, hot flushes, fainting. In this case, the pathology can indicate serious health problems.

That is why it is important for a pregnant woman to know when dizziness is the norm characteristic of an “interesting position”, and when it is evidence of hidden pathologies or diseases.

Causes of dizziness in expectant mothers

First of all, this condition can occur in women at risk:

• hypotension (low blood pressure);
• anemia (anemia);
• fluctuations in plasma glucose concentration;
• anorexia, fasting, diet, fasting, vegetarianism;
• long stay in the sun (living in warm regions);
• office work (prolonged lack of fresh air causes dizziness);
• weight lifting, physical activity.

There are also certain reasons why a pregnant woman can feel dizzy.

1. Strong toxicosis. The most common cause of illness. Vomiting and general weakness lead to the fact that a woman's sleep and nutrition are disturbed, the body does not receive enough energy components and oxygen, there is an active loss of fluid.
2. Diseases against which the blood supply to the central nervous system and brain is impaired (osteochondrosis of the thoracic and cervicalspine, benign and malignant tumors, cardiovascular pathologies, vegetative dystonia, migraines, serotonin deficiency). Also, vertigo may be tormented after craniocerebral injuries or surgeries performed in this area.
3. A sharp drop in pressure, which may be due to weather or other conditions.
4. Developing anemia. As a rule, dizziness disappears after the replenishment of iron, vitamin B, etc.
5. Allergic reaction (dizziness occurs with respiratory, less food allergens).
6. Faintness. In this case, the future mother may feel dizzy, darken in the eyes, show off cold sweat, numbness of the limbs.
7. A sharp decrease in glucose also leads to dizziness (often in the afternoon, when activity increases).
8. Overheating. Long stay in a hot room, sunbathing or just a hot bath (by the way, is contraindicated during pregnancy) can cause severe dizziness in the expectant mother.
9. Change in body position (as a rule, with a sharp rise from a prone / sitting position).This situation is typical not only for women "in position", but also for an ordinary person, because with a quick change of position, the blood simply does not have time to flow to the brain and deliver the oxygen it needs.
10. Diseases of the thyroid gland. Against the background of an increase in the organ and diffuse changes, the head can periodically spin.
11. Pathology of the inner ear, the vestibular nerve. They may interfere with coordination and the vestibular apparatus, with the result that the head is spinning and the balance is temporarily lost.
12. Medication. Some medications have a side effect - dizziness. A symptom can also occur if you take a certain type of medicine on an empty stomach.
13. Changes in the degree of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying component) in blood plasma.

Why dizzy in the early and late periods

In the first weeks of pregnancy, internal systems and glands are rebuilt, producing hormones and enzymes necessary for vital activity. An additional network of blood vessels is also growing, which pump more blood into the pelvic area.In order to move the new blood cells, the heart intensifies the work, which can lead to a general indisposition.

In the early stages, these new mechanisms are not yet optimized, so some areas of the body may temporarily receive less oxygen and nutrients from the blood. If oxygen starvation has arisen in the brain area, then the expectant mother feels severe dizziness up to fainting, as well as frequent headaches, migraines.

Vomiting in toxicosis also leads to the loss of nutrients and fluids, which means that the total blood volume decreases and the brain goes hungry.

Already by the beginning of the second trimester the body adapts to the changes, but why does not the dizziness pass? The fact is that during this period the uterus actively grows and presses the vessels located nearby. This affects the functioning of the circulatory system and leads to stagnant processes. Also in the second trimester, dizzy with a sharp change in body position, prolonged absence of fresh air, fasting.

In women with hypotonia, as well as with a history of vegetative dystonia, dizziness often increases in the second trimester.

In later periods (the end of the second, third trimester), the uterus greatly increases and overwhelms the main veins (for example, the vena cava), especially in the sitting and lying position. That is often the head of a pregnant woman is spinning during the period of rest and rest. Therefore, doctors do not recommend late sleeping on their backs and working at the computer for a long time without relaxing gymnastics.

Also in the later periods, anemia can develop and the concentration of hemoglobin decreases, and with oxygen starvation, dizzy. Causes of anemia in the later periods: insufficient production of red blood cells - red blood cells, living in a region with low atmospheric pressure, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, impaired blood clotting and blood flow.

Surprisingly, the usual overeating of sweets can be the cause of dizziness at 3 trimester. Simple carbohydrates (sweets, cakes, biscuits, confectionery) dramatically increase the plasma glucose index. In response, the body produces a release of insulin, which also quickly reduces sugar, which is accompanied by general malaise, weakness and dizziness.

After 38 weeks, the body begins to actively prepare for childbirth, as a result of which blood flows abundantly to the uterus and pelvic organs, while other organs and systems, including the brain, are starving.

Diagnosis and treatment

If the future mother is dizzy regularly, it is necessary to exclude serious pathologies by making an appointment with a highly specialized doctor: a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, and a neuropathologist. Doctors also prescribe urine and blood tests, brain MRI, an electrocardiogram, etc.

Before receiving a doctor, the expectant mother and relatives should learn to provide first aid for dizziness.

1. The pregnant woman is placed on a horizontal surface and asked to cover her eyes. A pillow is placed under the head, and the legs are raised up (providing a rush of blood to the brain). If it is not possible to lay down a woman, then it is necessary to seat her, supporting her under her arms, and tilt her head down.
2. A cool bandage is applied to the forehead. You can also massage the temples.
3. It is necessary to measure the pulse and blood pressure of the future mother.With the permission of the doctor on duty trying to stabilize the pressure.
4. Pregnant women are not allowed to faint and revive.
5. Open a window for fresh air. Also include air conditioning (fan), but not sent directly to the woman.
6. The pregnant woman who has come to her senses is watered with warm and sweet tea.
7. If dizziness is accompanied by vaginal discharge, vomiting, sharp abdominal pain, visual impairment, fainting, or hot flashes, the pregnant woman should be urgently hospitalized.

If you are very dizzy in late periods, then the development of preeclampsia (late toxicosis) is possible, which poses a threat to the health of the mother and baby.

As a rule, dizziness does not require a pregnant woman to stay in the hospital. Therapy is prescribed depending on the cause of this symptom.

1. For the relief of signs of toxicity prescribe a complex drug Reglan.
2. If dizziness occurs on the background of anemia or low hemoglobin, then iron-containing drugs are prescribed and a special diet, including dogrose, green apples and pomegranates, meat and by-products (especially the liver).
3. When the cause of the disease is the fluctuation of the sugar level in the plasma, consultation of the endocrinologist and individual selection of diet and natural products, including for the treatment of gestational diabetes, is required. Also, the expectant mother should eat regularly in small portions to avoid fluctuations in glucose levels. Diets, fasting and fasting are contraindicated! Consumption of sweet, simple carbohydrates is reduced to a minimum.
4. If the cause of dizziness is vascular dystonia, then sedatives and sedatives are prescribed on a plant-based basis (motherwort, valerian, mint).
5. With chronically reduced pressure and associated dizziness, drugs are prescribed that stimulate the nervous system (tincture of Eleutherococcus, pink radioli, ginseng), as well as natural green and ginger tea, coffee (the amount is controlled).

Treatment of vertigo can be found in the recipes of traditional medicine. For example, to calm the nervous system and reduce headaches helps decoction of lemon balm or peppermint. You can also inhale these herbs or smoke essential oils.

Prevention of vertigo

To prevent dizziness, the following recommendations will help:

1. Regularly walk in the fresh air (it is beneficial to stay in seaside resorts, in forest sanatoriums, etc.).
2. To rise from a sitting and lying position slowly, and in the later periods it is necessary to look for support in the form of objects.
3. Engage in special gymnastics and yoga.
4. Do not stay in one position of the body for too long, while avoiding resting on your back.
5. For a long time not to be in a stuffy unventilated room.
6. Do not take hot baths, refuse to visit the sauna and bath, avoid daytime sun to get a tan.
7. Properly and regularly eat, additionally take complex vitamins for pregnant women.
8. Drink enough fluid, which is important for cell metabolism and sufficient plasma volume.
9. Monitor blood pressure with a tonometer.

Expectant mothers should be careful and monitor their health every day. It is important to listen to your body and notice even a slight discomfort. If dizziness is not an isolated case and is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being,It is necessary to consult with your doctor.

Video: low blood pressure and dizziness during pregnancy