Is it normal to be shaky while pregnant?

Being slightly shaky while pregnant is common and results from lower blood sugar levels, hormonal changes, or increased blood volume. The problem usually gets better after resting or having something to eat or drink.

When should I be concerned about feeling shaky while pregnant?

You must see a doctor if you experience shakiness all the time, particularly if you experience dizziness, palpitations, blurring of vision, headaches, and disorientation, because you may suffer from conditions like gestational diabetes, thyroid problems or anaemia.

Does lack of iron or vitamin B12 cause shakiness while pregnant?

Lack of some nutrients such as iron or vitamin B12 causes shakiness while pregnant.

Feeling Shaky During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies & When to Worry

There are a lot of new feelings you experience in pregnancy, and one of the unexpected ones is a feeling of shakiness or trembling. Though it does not cause any concern most of the time, it's good to know the causes of this feeling and learn when it's time to contact your doctor.

What Causes Shakiness During Pregnancy?

According to Dr Tripti, shakes in pregnancy are caused by the physiological changes that take place within the body. The causes of the shaking sensation are as follows:

Reduced blood glucose levels: With your growing fetus absorbing nutrients from your body, your blood glucose level may decrease, especially when you have not eaten properly. It is one of the main causes of a person becoming weak or shaky.
Change in hormonal levels: A rise in progesterone levels leads to tremors or shakes in pregnancy, as it impacts the nervous and circulatory system of the body.
Anxiety and adrenaline: Pregnancy often causes anxiety in women. Due to this anxiety, the secretion of the adrenaline hormone in your body occurs, which causes shakiness.
Low blood pressure: As your body undergoes physiological changes during pregnancy, especially an increase in the volume of blood in your body and its shift to feed your growing fetus, you will have decreased blood pressure levels, leading to shakiness.
Physical strain and fatigue: Exercising to an extreme degree without sufficient rest and fluid consumption may result in your tremors, particularly when you are near to giving birth.
Body temperature: Your body’s temperature regulation ability will change due to your pregnancy status, thus making you prone to trembling or shaking due to heat or cold.

If you experience frequent shaking that is serious enough or accompanied by such symptoms as fainting, vision changes, and increased heartbeat, you should consult a doctor on this issue.

What Are Some Other Factors That May Trigger It?

Apart from blood sugar and hormonal fluctuations, there may be some other factors that may trigger tremors during pregnancy. As per Dr Tripti, an increase in the volume of blood and changes in blood pressure may sometimes cause you to feel dizzy or shaky, especially when you get up abruptly.

Some other factors may be:

Emotional stress and anxiety
Lack of sleep and fatigue
Dehydration
Lack of nutrition, specifically low levels of iron or vitamin B12

"While infrequent cases of shaking are generally nothing to worry about, regular or excessive shakiness, especially in association with fainting, palpitations, blurred vision, intense headaches or confusion, must not be neglected. These symptoms may signal gestational diabetes, thyroid disorders or severe anaemia."

Dr Tripti Raheja, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi

How Can You Manage Shakiness During Pregnancy?

Here are some tips recommended by Dr Tripti for reducing shakiness during pregnancy:

Have frequent small meals to maintain your blood sugar levels
Stay well-hydrated all through the day
Rest sufficiently
Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet

These simple and regular practices may have a significant effect on reducing mild shakiness in most pregnant women, and they should be considered an integral part of your daily practice as your pregnancy advances.

When to Consult a Doctor Right Away

Get medical assistance if you experience:

Persistent or excessive shaking that does not stop after taking some rest or having food
Feeling of fainting
Pounding or abnormal heartbeat
Blurred vision
Bad headaches
Disorientation and lack of clarity of mind
Shaking that interferes with normal functions of daily life

Shaking among pregnant women can be frightening; however, it is usually just an indication that your body needs more food, water, and rest. Pay attention to the times and the nature of shaking attacks and feel free to consult your obstetrician in case shakiness occurs regularly or in an unusual manner. With the help of qualified medical assistance, the causes of shakiness can be diagnosed and treated.

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FAQs on Why Do I Feel Shaky While Pregnant?

Is it normal to be shaky while pregnant?
Being slightly shaky while pregnant is common and results from lower blood sugar levels, hormonal changes, or increased blood volume. The problem usually gets better after resting or having something to eat or drink.
When should I be concerned about feeling shaky while pregnant?
You must see a doctor if you experience shakiness all the time, particularly if you experience dizziness, palpitations, blurring of vision, headaches, and disorientation, because you may suffer from conditions like gestational diabetes, thyroid problems or anaemia.
Does lack of iron or vitamin B12 cause shakiness while pregnant?
Lack of some nutrients such as iron or vitamin B12 causes shakiness while pregnant.