Dizziness & Fainting During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?

Dizziness and lightheadedness are common during pregnancy, affecting up to 75% of pregnant people. They’re usually caused by hormonal changes that lower blood pressure, increased blood volume, low blood sugar, or your growing uterus compressing blood vessels. While usually normal, sudden severe dizziness, fainting, or dizziness with other symptoms (bleeding, abdominal pain, headache) requires immediate medical attention.¹

Why Pregnancy Causes Dizziness

Lower blood pressure: Pregnancy hormones dilate blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, especially in the first two trimesters. When you stand up quickly, blood pools in your legs, temporarily reducing blood flow to your brain.²

Increased blood volume: Your body produces 50% more blood, which takes time to circulate effectively.

Low blood sugar: Going too long without eating can cause blood sugar to drop.

Uterine compression: Your growing uterus can compress the vena cava (large vein) when you lie flat on your back, reducing blood return to your heart.

Anemia: Low iron levels reduce oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood.

Overheating: Pregnancy increases body temperature; overheating can cause dizziness.

Normal vs. Concerning Dizziness

Usually Normal

• Lightheaded when standing up quickly
• Dizzy when lying flat on back (supine hypotension)
• Lightheaded if you haven’t eaten in several hours
• Mild dizziness in hot environments
• Brief dizziness that resolves with rest

Call Your Provider Immediately If

Severe or persistent dizziness

Fainting or near-fainting

Dizziness with:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal pain
• Severe headache
• Vision changes
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Numbness or tingling³

Safe Relief Strategies

Position Changes

Stand up slowly: When getting up from lying or sitting, move gradually. Sit at the edge of the bed for a moment before standing.

Avoid lying flat on your back: After 20 weeks, lie on your left side or use pillows to tilt slightly to one side.⁴

Sit or lie down: When feeling dizzy, sit or lie down immediately to prevent fainting and falling.

Elevate feet: When sitting or lying, elevate feet above heart level.

Eating and Hydration

Eat small, frequent meals: Don’t let blood sugar drop. Aim for 5-6 small meals throughout the day.

Stay hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Protein and complex carbs: Combine protein with complex carbohydrates for stable blood sugar.

Carry snacks: Keep crackers, nuts, or fruit with you.

Movement and Environment

Move legs before standing: Before getting up, move your feet and legs to get blood circulating.

Avoid hot environments: Stay cool; use fans, cool drinks, and avoid overheating.

Don’t stand for long periods: Take frequent breaks if you must stand.

Exercise regularly: Gentle exercise improves circulation. Always get your provider’s approval.⁵

Iron and Nutrition

Iron-rich foods: Lean red meat, spinach, fortified cereals.

Vitamin C: Helps iron absorption (citrus, bell peppers, strawberries).

Prenatal vitamins: Continue taking daily.

Iron supplement if needed: If you’re anemic, your provider may recommend additional iron.

Prevention Strategies

Sleep on your left side: Improves circulation and prevents vena cava compression.

Stay cool: Dress in layers, use fans, avoid hot showers.

Avoid triggers: Identify what makes you dizzy and avoid those situations.

Compression stockings: May help improve circulation in your legs.

Stay active: Regular gentle exercise helps maintain cardiovascular fitness.

When Dizziness Requires Testing

Your provider may check for:⁶

• Anemia: Blood test for hemoglobin and iron levels
• Blood pressure: To rule out hypotension or hypertension
• Blood sugar: To check for gestational diabetes or hypoglycemia
• Heart function: If dizziness is severe or accompanied by palpitations

References

Footnotes

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). “Why Do You Get Vertigo When You’re Pregnant?” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-do-pregnant-women-get-vertigo ↩

2. American Heart Association. (2024). “Dizziness during pregnancy: When is it a concern?” https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/01/18/dizziness-during-pregnancy-when-is-it-a-concern ↩

3. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). “Why Do You Get Vertigo When You’re Pregnant?” https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-do-pregnant-women-get-vertigo ↩

4. Mayo Clinic. (2024). “Sleeping during pregnancy.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/sleeping-during-pregnancy/art-20043783 ↩

5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025). “Exercise During Pregnancy.” https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/exercise-during-pregnancy ↩

6. Mayo Clinic. (2024). “Dizziness during pregnancy.” ↩