PREGNANCY AND DIZZINESS

      Occasional feelings of lightheadedness or being about to faint without actually fainting is fairly common in pregnancy, most often related to the pooling of blood in the lower body from circulatory changes, as well as from the pressure of the enlarging uterus on maternal blood vessels; it can also be caused by low blood sugar, not enough fluids, anemia, warm or overcrowded environments, especially if one is overdressed, hyperventilation, sunstroke, eye strain, exposure to toxic agents including some medications, and anxiety.

      Pregnancy related dizziness most commonly occurs after eating a large meal, after a long interval without food, drink, or rest, feeling overheated, and upon quickly rising from a sitting or lying position.  Here are some suggestions in how to deal with this condition, but please remember to consult with your provider before following any advice or using any treatments:

-                     Take note of situations that provoke your dizziness sensations and avoid them

-                     Avoid sudden position changes by always getting up gradually

-                     In later pregnancy, if you feel lightheaded while flat on your back, stick to side lying positions

-                     Avoid prolonged periods of standing by taking periodic rest breaks; avoid prolonged periods of sitting (for example at work or during travel) by getting up every few hours to stretch and do some moderate form of exercise like marching in place; wearing support stockings may also help

-                     Avoid warm, stuffy or crowded places if these are the culprit; in such situations loosen or remove a layer of clothing and/or get some fresh air by going outside or sitting near an open window

-                     Avoid going too long without food or drink, but don’t overstuff yourself either; eat smaller, more frequent meals and light snacks with protein and complex carbohydrates like nuts, beans, seeds, whole grains and low fat dairy or poultry or fish; remember to drink lots of fluids – at least 8-10 glasses per day – ideally of water, naturally flavored seltzer or herbal tea

-                     Avoid caffeine and heavily processed foods, especially those with lots of sugar and/or refined white flour, for although they can give you a quick “fix,” a quick drop in blood sugar usually follows, resulting in more dizziness; also processed foods that contain certain additives and chemicals, like MSG,  can also cause dizziness in sensitive individuals

-                     Avoid medicating yourself without first consulting your provider, as many medications – even those sold over-the-counter – have a side effect of dizziness

-                     If you feel lightheaded, try to increase circulation to your head by lying down with your feet elevated, sitting or kneeling down with your head between your knees until the dizziness passes; splash some cold water on your face and, if available, rub some oil of peppermint or lavender under your nose so you can breath in the strong refreshing smell; cup your hands over your nose and mouth for a few minutes as you take some slow deep breaths

-                     Please call your provider if you actually pass out, if your dizziness is severe, frequent, or not responsive to these suggestions, or if you feel like the room is spinning or moving; after other more serious conditions are ruled out, consider consulting a professional homeopath for a safe natural remedy