Feeling faint

[shekels1222]

The first time today was in a store with DS. I got weak and light headed and started seeing spots. Sat down for a bit. Drank some juice and it took awhile before I felt normal again. It Had only been 2-3 hours since breakfast.

Second time I was cleaning the tub and bent over. Stood up and got pretty lightheaded. This time wasn't nearly as bad and felt fine a few minutes later.

Normal pregnancy woe? Or what?

[flamingeaux]

It hasn't happened to me, but I believe it is mentioned on my what to expect when you're expecting app, and in the book too.

[awick14]

If it's happening when you shift your body certain ways, sitting-standing, bend over-standing up, etc, you are changing position to quickly.

Because of the baby your body has to make more blood to accommodate and this can put strain on some woman, particularly with lower blood pressure to begin with. When you stand up to quickly it lowers your blood pressure which causes the light headedness.

Try and move positions a little slower and see if that helps. If it is worrying you a lot you should mention it to your doctor next time you are in. Or if you pass out from it call right away. But for the most part it can be harmless.

*not a doctor*

[pennylane]

I have been dealing with this too. I have low pressure typically, so it's been worse with pregnancy. I always sit down and drink something cold until I feel better. I also crave salt A LOT, which raises your blood pressure. Definitely try to move a bit slower when switching positions, and try to keep from getting overheated (that's when I have issues).

[thatgirl2478]

Yep. I was at PetSmart the other day, I was fine until we got to the checkout lane when I started feeling like I was going to pass out/puke or need a pants person. I went back to the car, sat down in the a/c and felt better almost immediately. Same situation at Sams several months back and other random times through out the day. It sucks. I haven't been able to do my normal outside activities because I can't kneel or crouch to pull weeds.

For me, I know that I have really low blood pressure normally. But even now with the increased blood volume it's still low. Sitting somewhere cool usually helps a lot.

[nessness]

That happened to me a few times in late first and early second tri. The doctor said to eat frequent snacks with protein, lie down if I could, and call if I passed out or if it didn't go away after lying down for a few minutes.

[blushing]

I saw my doctor because it was happening to me a few times a day for over a week. I was also getting breathless. They found I had an UTI, some fluid in my ear and I was anaemic. This was around 20-21 weeks.

[linz]

I had this happen once at work. Blood pressure can be affected and I had to sit at my desk for a few seconds and then after drinking water I felt better.

[shekels1222]

Thanks ladies. I do have lower blood pressure normally. The thought never occurred to me to link the two. I blame pregnancy brain.

[ringstrue]

Yup. Move slow, have water with you always. Eat often.

My first pg was worse cuz I had a late breakfast more often and usually something too carby. This time I'm much more regimented.

[theatre4life]

I had it happen a fair amount, until my blood test came back anemic. As soon as I started taking iron supplements (on top of the prenatals) it pretty much went away. Now it only happens if I haven't eaten in a few hours, or if I am not drinking enough water.

[picksthemusic]

Might be a blood pressure drop. Chug water, sit down, put your feet up. If it happens again, I'd have your OB check your iron levels and just make sure you're okay.

[Poppy]

Yeah, check that your prenatals have iron. Personally I'd also check my BP at the grocery store pharmacy machine due to the spots you saw. I have hypertension and they warned me to be really cautious about changes in vision. (Although in my case I am concerned about getting a high reading due to pre-e.) But I have had noticeably more fatigue (not sleepiness) during 2nd tri.

[undecidedowl]

Normal, but worth mentioning at your next appointment. Nearly everything makes me dizzy these days- moving too quickly, standing too long, not eating often enough...

[toutsuite]

My goodness lady! Take it easy! I have had a few episodes of what you are describing probably due to low blood pressure. I just took it extra easy and felt fine later. Could maybe be low blood sugar too...Did you try eating or drinking something?

Regardless, bring it up to the doc so you have all bases with baby Sheks covered. Hope you feel better!!!!