I know it is normal and really what isn't normal in pregnancy? Especially early pregnancy, but it is driving me crazy. My symptoms seem to rotate on which one is going to be worse each day. Today it is my breasts, yesterday it was naesua, etc... Thrown in is dizziness. Ok with my other pregnancies I never had dizziness. When do you get concerned with dizziness? I mean when I stand up is usually when it hits and usually passes within a few minutes, but still. I really don't want to pass out carrying my 2 year old or in a parking lot somewhere or heaven forbid at work. Wouldn't that be the way to break the news? So I guess I am asking what you did for dizziness and is there anything that can be done? I don't see the OB for 2 more weeks, so I can't ask him just yet.
Thanks for the great advice everyone and Dawn I love you : ) and your wonderful well thought out response. Thank you so much for that.
I live with a health nut, so eating unhealthy is never an option and when I am pregnant my "normal" husband almost become a nazi over my food. Even though I eat an almost always healthy meal (ok I did have not the best option at Bob Evans yesterday) he asks everyday what I have had. We have literally no junk food in our house as a rule. I can't remember the last time there was some in our house, we don't eat it. Once we broke ourselves of that sugar “addiction” neither of us feel drawn to sugary stuff. We eat lean white meats, lots and lots of veggies and fruits and I graze all day long (usually on fruits, veggies or nuts). We don’t salt anything, etc…
I can't possibly drink anymore water. I don't really think it is possible. I drank a good amount of water to begin with and have increased it substantially since getting that BFP. I too have had a preemie, my first was 6 weeks early and my second had me on bed rest for 4 weeks, coming at 38 weeks. I know the benefits of water and adhere to it. I have cut back (almost completely cut out, decreasing the amount everyday, down to about a 1/2 a cup a day) of other types of fluids (soda, coffee) so that I am mostly getting water and thus running to the bathroom. I really wish my desk was closer to the restroom, so I am getting exercise too : )
I am taking a prenatal vitamin, sublingual B 12 and vitamin D as I was before getting pregnant. (As a side note I am a mommy of a cleft baby).
I have been a nauseas off and on, but not actually sick. It is more of an irritation than a problem. I can for the most part ignore it, unlike with my first pregnancy where I was hugging the throne on a daily basis.
I really am not doing anything different in this pregnancy than in any of the others. The only difference is the B12 and the vitamin D. My blood pressure has been fine. I work with some nurses who do not mind taking it without an explanation.
I do realize now that most of the dizzy spells seem to come on after standing up after eating a larger meal than is normal for me. I wonder, even with snacking throughout the day if I could be getting up too soon and not letting some of the nutrients get into my system first? What do you guys think? Or could it just be an age related thing? I am mid 30’s this go around, next year I would have to say late 30’s : )
Call. Phone calls are free, and if it's concerning to THEM they'll have you come in :) No nervous waiting!
Let's work on your food, Ali. Get a pregnancy book if you don't have one already. Go by it. You need to get a lot of protein in your body in the morning. Eat little snacks in between so that you don't get empty. Getting empty will make you sick to your stomach. Space out fruit servings so that you don't spike up your blood sugar. The problem with spiking your blood sugar is that it comes down HARD and that's probably when you are feeling faint.
Also, drink lots of water. You need to stay hydrated all of the time during the day. Drink a few ounces at a time so that you don't "fill yourself" with water and end up feeling sick. Keeping hydrated will help your blood pressure stay up, so that you don't feel faint, and it helps your uterus. The uterus is a smooth muscle tissue and if it becomes dehydrated, it contracts, and can lead to pre-term labor (I went through that from 24 weeks on with my son). And just to add, make sure you void your bladder often, because a full bladder pressing on the uterus can also cause you to contract. So drink and pee, drink and pee!
Are you taking prenatal vitamins? That's very important. You need folic acid every single day as early as possible in your pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects (like spina bifida) and some cleft palates. Some happen in the first 8 weeks of gestation, so it is mega-important to get that folic acid inside of you! Find the time of day that suits you best stomach-wise to take that pill in order to give you the best chance of not throwing any of it up before it's in your system.
I have a feeling that you just really need to hydrate and eat plenty of protein and keep your blood sugar steady, by 'grazing' all day. Try this - I really think it will help.
And if it doesn't get better, start getting your blood pressure checked. You might need to get seen earlier than 2 weeks if eating and hydrating don't work.
Good luck!
Dawn
Getting dizzy during pregnancy is normal, to a certain extent, because your body is trying to make and distribute more blood to not one, but TWO people. Plus, it takes a lot of energy to make a baby (like while it's growing), so you really need to make sure you're eating properly and staying hydrated. Next time you get dizzy, sit down and eat an orange or a piece of candy, something with natural sugar (like fruit) is best. This should get your blood sugar back to where it needs to be. Your body is still adjusting, and while it is, you have to be kind to it :)
Well, this won't be a popular answer, especially considering you're healthy life style. I had the same problem, except I was completely passing out ( embarrasing). For me, it was happening the same time during the day. My OB suggesting drinking a coke around that time everyday. After, drinking that coke everyday, I didn't have anymore problems.
I got dizzy a few times with my first pregnancy (usually if tired or standing up fast). I had a 2 year old the second time around so I don't remember much of how I felt except exhausted! Call the doc if you are worried. But I think the advice to eat small snacks and extra protein can't hurt.
Are you staying well hydrated? Dehydration can cause dizziness. You can usually call the advice nurse at your doctor's office even if you haven't seen him yet.
I agree to be sure you are drinking enough fluids. Over the course of your pregnancy your blood volume increases about 20% (at least). If you aren't getting enough fluids to keep up, dehydration becomes an issue. Dehydration can make you feel faint. Most people don't drink enough fluids/water on a daily basis anyway... if you are one of those, then what you are normally able to "get by with" isn't enough during pregnancy.
Are you eating right? If you are sick to your stomach, you can just make yourself more sick by not eating. THen you would feel dizzy.
I got dizzy with my first. Just make sure you get up slow. For me, eating plenty of fresh fruit helped.
The dizziness could be a blood pressure issue. Please don't wait two weeks, at least call your doctor or advice nurse and let them make the call if you come in or not. Good luck.
I'm 20 weeks along and have dizzy spells mid morning everyday. I can't even put on my eye makeup without feeling like I'm going to pass out. It's the lifting of my arms that makes it really bad. I'm doing everything right (food, water etc.) but it's just my body and making so much extra blood. It was the same with my last pregnancy. The doctor recommended laying down on my left side whenever I feel dizzy. Try not to lift your daughter. I know it's hard, I have a 3 year old son, but it really can be hard on your body. Good luck. It all will pass with time.
