Dizzy...

[jacquiemccloy]

Hi

So I'm just wondering if anybody else has experience sudden really dizzy spells during pregnancy?

I'm 16+3 week with first baby and DH's parents are coming over for dinner tomorrow so I just went to the local co-op (about 10 mins walk) to get some bits while DH is at work. I took a bit of time walking around as I usually like to see if something takes my fancy (I'm off a lot of food at the moment). But when I went to the till I suddenly felt really dizzy, it started getting quite bad, I was shaking and sweating on my forehead. I knew I couldn't possibly stand there any longer even though I was next in line at this point so I left the queue and looked desperately for somewhere to sit.

I happened to see a till open right by a bench so I put the basket down and asked if the guy could bag for me because I really had to sit down. It was really odd I couldn't hear myself talking properly it was really muffled and far away kind of. I've never felt anything like that before.

They were really nice and the guy brought me a bottle of water and by the time I left the shop I didn't feel dizzy anymore but I had pins and needles in both hands .

I had a sit outside until it went away and then managed to get home.

I've read being dizzy is common in pregnancy but it was actually quite scary and just so sudden, one minute I was fine, the next I wasn't.

DH is working late tonight so I thought I'd come here and see if anybody else has experienced the same rather than worry him.

I thought about calling the midwife but now that it's passed it seems silly to do so.

[monikar]

I had high blood pressure in pregnancy and felt very dizzy at times - it was really frightening.

I went to the doctor about it and was told to rest.

When is your next appointment? I would perhaps call the midwife tomorrow and get some advice, even if just to set your mind at ease.

Good luck, hope that helps a little.

[ChocolateCremeEggBag]

Could be your blood pressure, low blood sugar or the walk to the shop. You have a lot more blood swishing about so your heart has to work harder to pump it round you.

Definitely give your MW or GP a call tomorrow just to be on safe side.

[Jenjen85]

I've had those symptoms before I got pregnant and a couple if times while Iv been pregnant an its down to your blood pressure dropping, Iv only ever passed out once from it but its very scary when it happens. Talk to your midwife and let her know but blood pressure dropping suddenly is common in pregnancy Iv been told.

[TrudyW]

Hi there,

I have had the exact same thing twice during this pregnancy, once about 16weeks and then again about 19weeks! I'm in my 21st week now and haven't had it since. It is really unnerving and scary when it happens.

I have thought it may be blood pressure but I'm not sure, I've put it down to stress as I've been very worried during this pregnancy due to losing my last baby. I have felt much better since having my 20week scan and feel more comfortable that this baby is going to term.

I also had a very bad, 2 day headache following my dizzy spells, did u? I felt groggy for at least 2 days each time and then completely back to normal? Very strange.

I didn't call midwife either time but I will be if it does happen again as I want to know what is causing it.

[jessw25]

I had this a couple of times in my second trimester. It's horrible isn't it :-( Do tell your midwife - I texted mine about it and it turns out I was anaemic. She prescribed some iron tablets and once they kicked in, I had less light headed incidents x

[MuggledWoman]

I had this with first pregnancy. It was due to low iron as well and a daily supplement sorted it out completely with 24 hrs. You can get a blood test through your GP if midwife hard to cobtact.

[jacquiemccloy]

Thank you, I wasn't sure if it was a daft thing to call midwife about since I've heard it's so common, but next appointment isn't until 27th so I will give them a call in the morning.

Trudy, I don't have a headache today but I did have a really bad headache the last two days...up until feeling dizzy today was the first day I've felt well recently.

Very very tired a lot as well and low iron runs in my family but my last blood test at 12 weeks apparently said I was "normal". Think I'll ask for another though

[shellsocks]

Hi I had low blood pressure in my last PG and fainted, pins and needles in hands, lost vision etc. a lot...MW called it vasovagal (sp?!) attacks and when I googled it wiki said it felt like impending death which is kind of true i guess?!

Very scary the first couple of times but you get to know the signs and just lie down as soon as you feel it coming and it passes....was funny in work when I just lay on the floor

[weebarra]

I have vasovagal syncope when pregnant as well as when not pregnant (was particularly bad when I was a teenager). It's a good idea to see your midwife to make sure it isn't anything more serious, but otherwise shellsocks' advice is good.
It does feel horrible so you have my sympathy. I know now how to head it off, but remember having a very similar experience to you when I was shopping with DS1 while pregnant with DS2 - very scary.

[TrudyW]

Hmm..anemia runs in my family too, I think I may get myself checked over just to be sure.

The headaches are just awful! I've literally just been in bed or asleep on the couch until they pass.

I just feel like I'm being a nuisance in regards to calling midwife as because this isn't first baby apparently u don't get seen half as much, I saw her at 11weeks for booking in appt and next appt is not til 7th August!

[Smerlin]

I had this around the same time as you in a café- hot and cold all over, sweating, everything going black etc.

Went to Dr the next day who said it was due to low blood pressure in 2nd trimester. Same advice given as to others- eat frequently to keep sugar levels up, do not walk around too long, do not get too hot.

I was terrified too but it hasn't happened since touch wood...

[monniemae]

I've had this, the other day I had it very suddenly in the street and had to sit on the pavement; on that occasion I think I was dehydrated and when I got to friend's house and drank a pint of water, plus lay down, I felt better.

I have low blood pressure anyway and get hypoglycaemic even not pregnant - if you feel like this again, eat/drink something asap. Grab a juice or whatever if you're in a shop.

Also - I had the headaches nonstop for months and I can't remember when I last had one - but 27 weeks now and so they must have stopped a while ago! They will pass

hth