Head spinning in pregnancy: at the beginning and as a symptom, what else does it mean?

Head spinning in pregnancy opens up some questions, such as:
Can it be a sign of pregnancy in the beginning?
What other causes are behind it?
How can this symptom put the baby at risk?
What to do if you get dizzy?

During pregnancy, a huge number of new sensations and changes occur in a woman's body. Pregnant women have to contend with the effects of hormones in particular, but also with increased demands on oxygen, nutrients and vitamins.

Not only the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, but also the whole organism adapts to this. Certain natural and physiological changes are typical for each period of pregnancy.

What happens to a woman's body during pregnancy

Waiting for the arrival of the desired baby is associated with a large number of changes in the body. These cause many new sensations, but also unpleasant troubles.

At first due to hormones, later due to the growing baby, the uterus stretches and increases its volume. Hormones are also responsible for the expansion of blood vessels.

The increased metabolism of both mother and baby causes an increased demand for oxygen. There is a faster pulse and an increase in cardiac output.

Blood pressure values change throughout pregnancy. During the second trimester, it sometimes drops. This can often cause a feeling of weakness and dizziness. Usually in the last trimester, the values get back to normal, but sometimes they are high.

In a pregnant woman, the blood volume increases by 1000 to 1500 ml.

Hormones are also responsible for the increased blood supply to the mucous membranes in the airways. This can result in frequent blockage of the nose with mucus, more frequent bleeding. Difficulty breathing is, of course, also caused by the pressure of the uterus on the diaphragm and rib cage.

It's just a fraction of what a woman's body goes through during pregnancy. These changes put a certain strain on it. The consequence is often exhaustion, weakness and even dizziness.

Pregnancy throws you off balance

During pregnancy, the shape of the body visibly changes. It is not only the growing tummy. As a result of the physical changes, the location of the centre of balance in the body changes. This moves lower down to the lower limbs. The posture, gait and balance change. This is also something that the mother-to-be has to get used to.

Head spinning in early pregnancy

Slight dizziness is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. You may not even know it yet, and new life is growing in your body. The circulatory system is expanding. However, the body may not initially be able to generate enough blood to accommodate the growing volume. The consequence may be weakness and slight dizziness.

You can avoid the head spinning if you don't get up too quickly and avoid standing for too long. The blood can move to lower parts of the body, blood pressure drops and the exposed brain causes dizziness. Of course, plenty of rest is also essential.

In pregnancy, do not underestimate the importance of a proper lifestyle, a varied diet and plenty of rest.

Are you pregnant? Don't lie on your right side

They tell you that you can't lie on your right side during pregnancy?

Especially in the second half of pregnancy, there can be a sudden drop in blood pressure in the lying position. This is caused by the pressure that the uterus exerts on the inferior vena cava.

The inferior vena cava is a blood vessel that brings deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart. The pressure exerted on it by the fetus aggravates this so-called venous return. The consequence can be weakness, dizziness and even a feeling of fainting. The solution, but also a preventive measure, is to prefer the position on the left side.

Do you drink enough fluids during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, there are increased demands also in terms of fluid intake. During pregnancy, blood volume increases, breasts enlarge and of course the fetus + placenta grow. All this also causes an increased need for fluids.

Although you may be bothered by frequent visits to the toilet, plenty of fluids is a must for a smooth pregnancy. This will avoid many unpleasant problems.

The recommended fluid intake in pregnancy is approximately 30-45 ml per 1 kg of body weight.

If you feel weak, tired and faint, you may be lacking iron.

Hot water and pregnancy

You may have come across opinions that a hot bath is not suitable in pregnancy. Of course, this is very individual. Anyway, hot water causes blood vessels to dilate and pressure to drop.

In pregnancy, the blood vessels dilate due to hormones. The reason is to provide more flow, for a greater volume of blood. Therefore, pregnant women are much more sensitive to the influence of hot water, which can cause a sudden drop in pressure and fainting. The same applies when exposed to hot environments or warm weather.

In pregnancy, do not underestimate sufficient food intake

During pregnancy, the body reacts very sensitively to food and energy intake. It is common for pregnant women who have not eaten for a long time to feel weak, nauseous and dizzy. The cause is a drop in blood sugar.

Therefore, it is recommended to take smaller portions of food during pregnancy, but more often. Pregnant women should always have on hand, for example, a piece of biscuit or a bar for a little satiation and to replenish energy.

You may also be interested in the article.

High blood pressure in pregnancy

High blood pressure in pregnancy is common. It affects approximately one in five women. It also occurs in women who have never had any problems with blood pressure before. It is important to be alert, especially if headaches or blurred vision occur at the same time. It may be related to a relatively dangerous disorder called pre-eclampsia.

Read more about this disease in the article.

How you can avoid vertigo in pregnancy:

• Get out of bed or out of a chair slowly
• don't stay in one place for long
• Avoid stuffy areas
• avoid too hot showers and baths
• eat regularly in small amounts
• drink plenty of fluids
• avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and unventilated areas

Can dizziness put the baby in the tummy at risk?

Weakness, faintness or a feeling of fainting will certainly worry any mum-to-be. However, in most cases it is not a serious condition and does not pose a threat to the growing baby in your tummy. However, if you experience dizziness too often or have any doubts, contact your doctor.

Be sure to see a doctor if the dizziness is associated with blurred vision, headache or disturbances in consciousness.

Overview of the problem and possible solutions

What to do if you feel dizzy?

If you feel weak and faint, lie down. Ideally, you should prop your feet up, for example on a chair or pillow. This will help blood flow to the brain, which is the most common cause of vertigo.

If you are in your sixth month or more of pregnancy, it is advisable to lie on your left side. This will relax the blood flow through the inferior vena cava and the dizziness will usually subside.

The most common cause of vertigo is reduced blood flow to the brain. This condition usually corrects itself quickly and poses no serious risk to the baby. It is important to sit or lie down when you feel uncomfortable.