Dizziness During Pregnancy Third Trimester

Submitted by Nick on January 19, 2012

Dizziness during pregnancy is often due to various reasons. Low blood pressure and changes in the cardiovascular system are two of them. It is not uncommon to experience dizziness during pregnancy in the third trimester. The cardiovascular system undergoes a lot of changes when you are pregnant. Your heart rate goes up, your heart also pumps more blood more minute and the total amount of blood in your body expands by 40-50%. The capacity of your circulatory system also increases as the blood flows to your enlarging placenta and uterus.


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Dizziness during pregnancy in third trimester is due to the pressure the growing uterus puts on your major blood vessels, especially when you are lying on your back. The result of this growing pressure on the uterus is pressure on the vena cava and the pelvic veins. This leads to a slowing down of circulation of blood in the legs.

Dizziness during pregnancy in the third trimester causes several problems like feelings of nausea and dizziness, a drop in blood pressure and an increase in the heart rate. Dizziness during pregnancy in the third trimester may also occur in certain situations. For instance, if you are pregnant and stand up suddenly, you might feel dizzy. This is because while sitting the blood pools in the legs and the feet. Since pregnancy causes a drop in blood pressure, the body is not able to recover quickly enough when you stand up. A feeling of fainting during pregnancy, in the third trimester may also occur if you have not had enough food to eat or water to drink. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is often the result of inadequate food and water intake. Dehydration and a lack of bodily fluids can also be the reason behind dizziness. Ensure that you drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Eat small meals throughout the day. It is important to eat a well balanced, healthy and nutritious diet while you are pregnant. All this will help you to keep dizziness at bay. If you are suffering from anemia or thyroid problems, you may also feel dizzy during your pregnancy.

Here are some tips to help you manage the dizziness:

  • If you feel dizzy at night, try lying on your left side. The will help to maximize the amount of blood flowing through your body and your heart.
  • Get out of bed slowly.
  • Avoid standing up too quickly.
  • Avoid very hot environments, stuffy rooms, and hot showers.
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