In this article:
What Does Vertigo During Pregnancy Actually Feel Like?
Vertigo is different from dizziness. Vertigo is specifically defined as experiencing a spinning sensation in which everything seems to be moving, even though nothing actually is. It may be accompanied by feelings of nausea, imbalance, or inability to focus. For pregnant women, there can be an overlap between the two sensations, with many women describing their vertigo as extreme dizziness. However, both symptoms are important to note. Vertigo is especially significant if it strikes suddenly and severely.Why Vertigo Happens During Pregnancy
There are multiple causes of vertigo in pregnant women, and more than one may be responsible at any given time.- Blood pressure and circulation alterations
- Alterations in inner ear fluids
- Hypoglycemia
- Anaemia
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Ways to Deal with Vertigo During Pregnancy
The vast majority of vertigo cases that occur due to pregnancy resolve quite simply. Some methods that actually work are described below.- Rise slowly while going from a sitting or lying position to a standing position, giving time to your body to adjust to the change in circulation.
- Eat several small meals during the day, maintain a steady level of glucose and never skip breakfast; always have some food close to you.
- Always be well hydrated. Dehydration only contributes to the drop in blood pressure and increased sensitivity of the inner ear.
- Do not stand still for prolonged periods. Change the position of the body, walk around, and if there is a possibility, sit down if vertigo attacks start to appear.
- If the attack of vertigo takes place, take a sitting or lying position and focus your gaze on a stationary object.
- Use slightly elevated pillows while sleeping.
- Call someone if alone, especially if the attack seems severe and persists for a few minutes.
When to Consult a Doctor
Pregnancy vertigo is usually not serious and often results from the factors mentioned previously. You should consult your doctor if any of the following apply to you.- If vertigo is intense, occurs frequently, or lasts more than a few minutes.
- If falls have occurred or nearly occurred as a result of vertigo.
- If vertigo occurs along with one-sided hearing loss and ringing in one ear (these are symptoms of Ménière's disease).
- If spinning sensations occur alongside intense headaches, vision problems, difficulty speaking, and weakness in one side of the body.
- If vertigo seriously interferes with your mobility and activities of daily living.
- If you think that anaemia might be a cause of your vertigo and have not had your iron levels checked recently.
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FAQs on Is Vertigo Normal During Pregnancy? Causes and When to Seek Help
- Can vertigo be harmful to a baby while pregnant?
Vertigo will not harm the baby. It can be dangerous only due to the risk of falls. That is why treatment should be aimed at the prevention of fall episodes and making certain changes in the environment to minimise the risk of falls. - Can the Epley manoeuvre be done when pregnant?
The Epley manoeuvre is completely safe for pregnancy. It involves a set of certain head positions which help to put dislodged inner ear crystals in their right places. The Epley manoeuvre is carried out by a physiotherapist or physician and usually cures BPPV after one or two procedures. - Does vertigo mean I have a high-risk pregnancy?
No. Vertigo is a common complaint caused by the normal physiological process of pregnancy and cannot be considered an indication of a high-risk pregnancy by itself. It becomes worrisome only in cases when it is associated with neurological complaints, happens very often and is very disturbing or indicates some other medical condition like severe anaemia.