Why is dizziness common in early pregnancy?

Question

I am approximately 8 1/2 - 9 weeks, and for the last two days I have been experiencing dizziness. Not just when I get up from sitting but when I am already sitting and/ or laying.

Answer 1

What causes dizziness during pregnancy?
The main cause of dizziness in pregnancy is due to the rising hormones that cause your blood vessels to relax and widen. This helps increase the blood flow to your baby, but it slows the return of the blood in the veins to you. This causes your blood pressure to be lower than usual, which can reduce the blood flow to your brain, temporarily causing dizziness.

Dizziness is also caused by low blood sugar levels that may occur as your body adapts to changes in your metabolism. Women who are anemic or who have varicose veins may be more susceptible to dizziness than others.

During the second trimester, diziness may be caused because your growing uterus puts pressure on blood vessels.

Dizziness may also occur later in your pregnancy if you lie on your back, allowing the weight of the baby to press on your vena cava (a large vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart).

What remedies exist to prevent dizziness during pregnancy?
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the amount of dizziness you may experience. Here are some helpful suggestions to reduce dizziness during pregnancy:

Avoid standing for long periods. If you must stand, make sure that you keep your feet moving to help increase circulation
Get up slowly from either sitting or lying down (This is very important when you are getting out of the bath)
Eat regularly. Avoid long periods between meals; it is better to snack throughout the day
Avoid hot baths or showers
Avoid lying on your back once you reach the middle of your second trimester
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid restricting circulation
What do I do if I feel faint during pregnancy?
There are a few things you can do to help relieve the feeling that you are going to faint. It is common to faint during pregnancy, so be cautious. Here are some helpful suggestions:

Avoid getting up quickly from sitting or lying down positions. This is a common reason for dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting.
If you feel faint, try the following things:
sit or lie down and lower your head
take deep breaths
loosen any tight clothing
open windows and move towards circulating air
eat foods rich in iron

Answer 2

I agree with what has been said. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids so that your body is able to increase the blood in you and your baby.

Get used to eating 5 or 6 smaller meals instead of 3 big ones. It's good for you and baby and keeps your blood sugar level instead crashing in between meals. You are burning more calories and sugar in order to grow that baby. If your blood sugar starts crashing, you'll feel dizzy before anything else.

Answer 3

It could be a couple of different things, but from what I have learned, your body produces a lot more blood when pregnant and this will make you dizzy.

Answer 4

I think it is b/c of your blood flow and a combo of blood pressure. Eat crackers and sip on fluids. Don't stand up or sit down fast. Also avoid bending over. These always worked for me. Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 5

Your hormones are out of whack while you body is creating another whole human being. It takes a lot and kinda shocks the body and sometimes sets your equalibrium off.

Answer 6

Because your heart rate increases a lot when you're pregnant, youre gaining blood volume, and your hormones are imbalanced.

Answer 7

It is from you not being used to the baby inside of you and you get dizzy from the sudden extra weight that you get.