From the Guidelines
Dizziness during pregnancy is commonly caused by hormonal changes, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, and anemia, and can be managed by changing positions slowly, staying well-hydrated, eating regular small meals, resting frequently, and ensuring adequate iron intake through diet or supplements. The causes of dizziness in pregnancy can be multifactorial, including:
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased progesterone, which can relax blood vessel walls, reducing blood pressure and potentially causing lightheadedness 1
- Low blood pressure, which can lead to orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing up quickly)
- Low blood sugar, which can occur if pregnant women go too long without eating, as the body works harder to support the growing fetus
- Iron-deficiency anemia, which is common in pregnancy and can cause dizziness due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood Other potential causes include dehydration, overheating, and inner ear disturbances. To manage these symptoms, pregnant women should:
- Change positions slowly
- Stay well-hydrated
- Eat regular small meals
- Rest frequently
- Ensure adequate iron intake through diet or supplements (typically 27mg daily during pregnancy) 1. If dizziness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like visual changes or fainting, medical attention should be sought immediately as it could indicate more serious conditions, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension, which can have significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality 1.
From the Research
Causes of Dizziness in Pregnancy
- Anemia is a common condition in pregnancy that can cause dizziness, and it can result from various causes such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, hemolysis, or bleeding 2, 3, 4.
- Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of anemia in pregnancy, with a worldwide prevalence estimated to be between 20%-80% 3.
- Physiological changes during pregnancy, such as increased blood volume and cardiac output, can also contribute to dizziness 5, 6.
- Hormonal changes, including increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, can lead to vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, which can cause dizziness 5, 6.
- Other conditions, such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, can also increase the risk of dizziness and other neurological symptoms during pregnancy 5.