HEDI - Dizziness and Circulatory Problems

Many people struggle with dizziness early in pregnancy. Dizziness is usually a sign that your blood pressure is lower than usual. This is completely normal, because the cardiovascular system must first adapt to the new situation. During the second and third trimesters, the uterus presses on blood vessels and blood cannot flow freely. Again, dizziness can be a result. Dizziness is an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy. As a rule, however, there is no particular cause for concern. If you feel dizzy, first try lying down and putting your legs up a little higher. In most cases, the dizziness then goes away. To be on the safe side, you should contact your gynaecologist or midwife if you experience this discomfort for the first time or if it does not go away after lying down. Iron deficiency, pregnancy anemia or a thyroid disorder can also cause dizziness.

Physical changes trigger dizziness

Your body is adjusting during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your body produces hormones that have a dilating effect on your blood vessels. This causes blood to pool in your legs when you stand or sit for long periods of time. In addition, the growing uterus presents an obstacle later in pregnancy when the heart needs to pump blood back up from the feet. This causes a lack of blood in your head, which you then notice as dizziness. It may also manifest as sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath or seeing auras, lights or shapes in your field of vision. This can of course be worrying, but should improve quickly by lying down and elevating your legs. It may also help if you roll onto your left side while lying down, thus relieving the blood flow on your right side. However, if the dizziness does not subside after a few minutes, you should contact your doctor or midwife. Basically, you should address such complaints in the course of your examinations. This is especially true when they first appear. The people who provide you with medical care can then clarify whether there are causes for the dizziness that need to be treated.

What helps with dizziness in the morning

You should take your time when standing up because the blood needs a moment to reach all parts of your body. It's best to lie there for a moment after you wake up. You can lift your legs and move them slowly. You might get dizzy as soon as you stand, despite all your precautions. Then you should sit right back down and put your feet up. Schedule enough time for your new morning rituals.

Drinking plenty of fluids and eating regularly can help

During the day you should drink about two litres of water, fruit juice diluted with water or herbal tea. The fluid increases your blood volume helping your blood pressure to rise again. Coffee and black tea are allowed if you drink these beverages in smaller quantities. You should now eat solid meals more often and in smaller portions. This will prevent your blood sugar levels from fluctuating too much.

Keep moving

Exercise and sport get your circulation going. Yoga, swimming and walks are good for you. If you like to ride your bike, you should stick with it. However, it is important that you feel really safe and do not get on the bike if you feel dizzy.

Sleep on your left side

You should get used to a side sleeping position early on, especially if you like to sleep on your back. It's best if you sleep on your left side. This way you relieve both the main artery that leads from the heart to the abdomen on the right side of the body as well as the right ovarian vein. You also prevent your internal organs from being constricted. Sometimes, however, the position of the baby is such that lying on your right side is more comfortable for you and does not cause any discomfort. Then you should go with your gut.