Circulatory problems during pregnancy

P regnant women are often worried when they suddenly feel dizzy upon standing up. Dizziness during pregnancy is usually no cause for concern, because the cardiovascular system has to adapt to the increased blood volume. Find out here what the causes are and what can help you with dizziness.

Circulatory problems during pregnancy occur more frequently and are usually normal. Many pregnant women experience them especially in the first and second trimester, as the body still has to adapt to the new conditions. In most cases, these complaints are harmless and can be attributed to the increased blood volume and/or hormonal changes.

• Low blood pressure: During pregnancy, the body produces up to 50% more blood. At the same time, the blood vessels dilate due to the influence of the hormone progesterone, which can cause blood pressure to drop.

• Blood sugar fluctuations: If pregnant women have not eaten for a longer period of time, blood sugar can drop and cause dizziness.

• Reduced fluid intake: If the body is not supplied with enough fluids, this can manifest as dizziness.

• Standing up quickly: Due to the increased blood volume and simultaneously lower blood pressure, it takes longer for the blood to be distributed throughout the body. Therefore, standing up too quickly can cause dizziness.

• Overheating: An environment that is too warm or clothing that is too warm can put additional strain on the circulatory system.

• Vena cava compression syndrome: From about the 20th week of pregnancy, the uterus can put so much pressure on the inferior vena cava (vena cava) when lying on your back that the blood supply to the heart is reduced. The resulting decrease in cardiac output leads to a drop in blood pressure, which in turn can cause temporary dizziness, nausea, restlessness, and paleness.

• Iron deficiency: A low iron level in the blood can also cause dizziness, as oxygen uptake is impaired.

• Preeclampsia: Dizziness can occur as an accompanying symptom of preeclampsia. This hypertensive pregnancy disorder tends to occur from the 20th week of pregnancy onwards and requires medical clarification.

As an immediate measure, it is best to sit down and put your legs up, whether lying down or sitting. Make sure to get up slowly. Sleeping on your back can also lead to dizziness or nausea if the baby in your belly presses on the large vena cava and thus impairs the blood supply to your heart. Most pregnant women therefore intuitively prefer to sleep on their side, possibly with a pillow between their legs. Make sure you are lying comfortably.

What else can help:

• Drink enough: Pregnant women should make sure to drink enough water.
• Eat regularly: Small, regular meals help keep blood sugar stable.
• Fresh air: Regularly airing out rooms and avoiding overheated spaces is helpful.
• Exercise: A walk can support circulation.
• Hemoglobin level: Regularly checking blood iron levels as part of prenatal check-ups to detect a deficiency.
• Contrast showers: Mild contrast showers can stimulate microcirculation in the legs.
• Compression stockings: To support circulation in the legs, compression stockings can be helpful. Ask your midwife, gynecologist, or doctor about this.

A nursing pillow is great as support for the belly and as padding between the legs.

In most cases, dizziness during pregnancy is no cause for concern. However, if the symptom occurs frequently, you are unsure, or you are worried, consult a professional. If blood pressure is consistently low, affected pregnant women should seek advice from a doctor or midwife to ensure that the placenta is being adequately supplied with blood.