|
Our discussion forum is open for business. Come say hello. |
Monday, May 01, 2006
Fainting and Headaches
Emma, 37, from Devon asks:
I'm 35 weeks pregnant and I feel faint and have headaches. Is it anything to worry about???
Stacy Says:
Fainting or "feeling faint" is very common during pregancy. In early pregnancy, the extra hormones running wild in your body (particularly progesterone) cause the blood vessels to relax, dilating the blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure--especially when you stand up. (It's called postural hypotension, or orthostatic hypotension). Just be careful not to stand up or change positions too quickly--not that you could move quick at 35 weeks, but you know what I mean. Also, late in pregnancy the sheer volume of the baby and the uterus can press against the vessels when you lay on your back. This can make you feel weak, dizzy or nauseous. Just remember to lay on your side to prevent this (preferrably the left side).
You can feel faint if your blood sugar is low, too. During pregnancy your metabolism speeds up making your body need more food (hence the constant hunger). Always keep small snacks with you like peanut butter crackers or granola bars, just in case.
Headaches are also common in pregnancy. I had lots and lots. Especially if you have a tendency towards tension headaches or migraines before the pregnancy. Once again, the infamous hormones can be blamed. Also, since there is an increase in blood volume there can be more pressure in the head and even against the eyes causing headaches and eye strain. Plus just the stress of the pregnancy itself is enough to give you headaches.
HOWEVER, if your headaches have vision changes associated with them, like blurry vision or seeing spots and the headache is constant--please call your health care provider. Your blood presure could be rising and it would need to be taken care of immediately!
I'm 35 weeks pregnant and I feel faint and have headaches. Is it anything to worry about???
Stacy Says:
Fainting or "feeling faint" is very common during pregancy. In early pregnancy, the extra hormones running wild in your body (particularly progesterone) cause the blood vessels to relax, dilating the blood vessels and lowering your blood pressure--especially when you stand up. (It's called postural hypotension, or orthostatic hypotension). Just be careful not to stand up or change positions too quickly--not that you could move quick at 35 weeks, but you know what I mean. Also, late in pregnancy the sheer volume of the baby and the uterus can press against the vessels when you lay on your back. This can make you feel weak, dizzy or nauseous. Just remember to lay on your side to prevent this (preferrably the left side).
You can feel faint if your blood sugar is low, too. During pregnancy your metabolism speeds up making your body need more food (hence the constant hunger). Always keep small snacks with you like peanut butter crackers or granola bars, just in case.
Headaches are also common in pregnancy. I had lots and lots. Especially if you have a tendency towards tension headaches or migraines before the pregnancy. Once again, the infamous hormones can be blamed. Also, since there is an increase in blood volume there can be more pressure in the head and even against the eyes causing headaches and eye strain. Plus just the stress of the pregnancy itself is enough to give you headaches.
HOWEVER, if your headaches have vision changes associated with them, like blurry vision or seeing spots and the headache is constant--please call your health care provider. Your blood presure could be rising and it would need to be taken care of immediately!
