Fainting

Ask for CAT scan. You never know. Not to scare you but it's always a good test to have. Good luck and be careful!

Dear Trish,
I fainted with my pregnancies before I even knew I was pregnant. It's really scary. Check with your OB, get your blood levels checked, eat well, drink plenty of fluids and take cooler showers. If the fainting is bad, make sure you have someone with you when you shower so you don't injure yourself. My fainting spells went away as my body adjusted and I have two healthy children. But definitely make sure there isn't something more serious going on. With my daughter, I didn't feel well or have an appetite and I was really tiny so when I started fainting, that's how I actually found out I was pregnant. Ten years later, same thing with my son. You just have to be very conscious of your fluid intake and your blood sugar/iron levels.

I wish you the very best. Please let us know how you're doing, okay?

It sounds like you could have low blood pressure, anemia, or both. I get dizzy when I'm pregnant because of low blood pressure (100/50) but I've never fainted. They will check your bp at your next appointment but you can get it checked at the pharmacy too. I'm pretty sure they check for anemia in your first round of blood work but ask to make sure. I really hope you feel better soon. This can't be fun with a 3 year old! Congratulations on your pregnancy.

anemia - iron supplements? also when you're at the grocery store or pharmacy check your BP. you could also stop in a clinic & have it checked - maybe it's super low

When you eat foods high in iron, or take a supplement, it's important to not have calcium-rich foods, as it slows the absorption of iron. I would have your blood checked for everything. Then I would eat a steak, as bloody as you can stand it. I also look for any excuse to eat a steak... But still, red meat will give you protein, iron, and even help regulate your blood sugar. Try to get grass-fed, if you can, and it will nourish yours and your baby's bodies.

Fainting is NOT normal, and is dangerous besides. When I was pregnant, after feeling extremely weak and having dizzy spells, I fainted and my OB took it very seriously. It turned out that I was anemic and had a dangerously low blood count. The doctor recommended that I take supplements and eat iron rich foods and if after a month my blood count didn't go up he was going to give me blood transfusions. Luckily for me I found Floradix plus iron - a really good iron supplement - and got my red blood cell count rise to decent levels. I strongly suggest that you tell your OB to check your red blood cell count soon.

I also fainted in the shower very early on in my pregnancy. I went to the emergency room and they gave me fluids and I was fine that night. My fainting was most likely due to the heat in the shower. They told me to turn down the heat, drink plenty of fluids and make sure to take my pre-natal vitamin. However, they tested me for things like anemia and a few others things to make sure because the nurse told me some causes of fainting are serious. I would go to the doctor ASAP if you are still very weak. Its probably nothing but I personally wouldnt wait until your appt next week.

I hope you feel better soon!

Hi Trish,

This is just something to ask the OB...

I fainted early on in my pregnancy with my first son. It turns out I was diabetic. They don't usually give you the glucola test until you are about 27 weeks pregnant, but because there was a history of diabetes in my family, they tested me early. I was diabetic and my uncontrolled blood sugar made me faint.

Good luck in finding a solution!

Trish,
I have not passed out while preganant, but have heard of women who do. I did however pass out two months ago while I had severe pain and very high blood pressure. I can say that the office staff may need more information from you. When I was having regular cycles I would call the OB office to ask questions about them, as it turns out, there advice nurse was totally wrong to tell me what she did. I had a disorder that led to a hystorectomy when I changed doctors.
If something doesn't feel right, get it checked out and find out what or why it's happening.
W. M.

Emilee is correct. If you do have anemia, SLOWFE, an over the counter slow release iron supplement, is what doctors recommend.

If you have low blood pressure, increase your water supply and increase your salt (not table salt) but IODIZED sea salt. Put a pinch in your drinking water. Your water needs and Iron needs are going to increase a lot now because you will have to make extra blood.

Dear Trish,

If you're concerned, don't let your doctor brush you off. You are your own best advocate. Be pushy, be a pest, be what you have to be to get the attention of your doc, or find a new one. You know your body better than anyone. My daughter's second pregnancy was totally different than the first one. Again, if you're concerned, don't let your doctor just make you feel like it's all in your head.

Blessings,
B.

While I was pregnant and for a few weeks after I delivered my children, I felt faint in the shower every time I showered. My doctor advised me to turn down the hot water and drink plenty of water. I had low blood pressure and was very anemic. Do you have to wear compression pantyhose? I wore those while I was pregnant and it helped me a lot. I hope this helps you!

Could be anemia, low blood iron, try an iron supplement and maybe try a new doctor, I would be mad if my doctor dismissed my fainting and weakness and did not want to check out my fears

I don't think fainting is normal at any time, pregnant or not. There has to be a reason for it...dehydration, anemia, low blood pressure. I'd definitely check with your OB again.

I agree with the other person about the doctor, he/she should take that seriously. You might want to either get a new doctor or be very insistent for them to run tests and get you in earlier than your scheduled appt. Are you taking pre-natal vitamins? I have had 8 pregnancies and 6 live births, so I understand. Maybe try snacks more often also,something healthy. Not trying to scare you but this is your body and your baby, be assertive!! Good Luck

I never fainted, but I did sometimes feel dizzy and light headed when getting up quickly or moving suddenly. My doctor explained that when pregnant your blood is thicker with all the things it is carrying to and from the baby that you do have to move a bit more slowly than you would normally.

I do not know why the shower would make a difference, but that does seem like a very dangerous place to pass out...Take care and best of luck...Blessings on your family!! N.

i bet your anemic. please eat foods high in iron and take a pre-natal vitamin every day. also, go get your iron levels tested. i've never heard it's normal to " just faint" because you're pregnant. see another ob if necessary and make sure they're on top of things so you and your child are protected.