Lightheaded and feeling faint in early pregnancy

[amymb86]

Hi all

This is my first pregnancy and am around 7/8 weeks pregnant.

Is it normal to feel lightheaded and faint during early pregnancy? I've been hungry, tired and occasionally feeling sick since around 5 weeks. But only in the last 2 days have I started to feel dizzy and lightheaded.

[violetwellies]

Get your blood pressure tested.
Mine was really low when pregnant, I had other issues, but I don't think that they were related.

[madsaz76]

Yes it can be. Your circulation changes and postural changes in blood pressure become common. Compression socks help (like flight socks), drink plenty and if you think you are going to faint go to ground before you fall. You will feel a prat but you won't get injured

[rainbowdashpony710]

In both pregnancies with me the first trimester brought really bad lightheaded periods. I was alright as long as I sat down on the floor outside usually and it soon went. Just make sure you're not overdoing it and sit if you need to. If you're worried though give your midwife or docs a call and they'll check you over :)

[Saltedcaramel2014]

I'm having this too. Had my blood pressure checked yesterday and it was fine. So thinking/hoping it's a normal symptom

[crazypuglady]

I had this, was one of my first symptoms. Take it easy. Difficult when it's so early and you might not want people to know yet so come up with a cover story if possible.

[Runningupthathill82]

Totally normal, i've been the same in both pregnancies due to low blood pressure in the first trimester. It's sorted itself out by 13/14 weeks both times.

Not easy though, especially when running round after a toddler.

[Hopefulnewbie]

I had this from about 6weeks -
I felt constantly lightheaded and dizzy then had the occasional nausea.. I spoke to the midwife, had my blood pressure taken (more than once now) and all totally fine.
I'm just gone 14weeks now and touch wood it's gone completly.
I think it's just another symptom for some woman, just like being sick for others.
That being said its best to have your blood pressure taken just to be cautious - don't want you actually fainting

[mygreeneyedboy]

I have this - and in last pregnancy. For me it's a combination of low blood pressure (as in 40/80 is fairly common for me) and low blood sugars (I get the shakes, but I'm not diabetic )
Eat salty crisps! (Actually recommended by my GP!) drink lots - avoid driving if you are get black spots.

[Hopefulnewbie]

I second the salty crisps- I think I lived on them for about 2weeks .. Not the most healthy but hey ho

[Trinpy]

I had this in my last pregnancy - hope it doesn't return this time round, I remember how rubbish it is .

It could be low blood pressure or blood sugar levels but as pp said it can also just be another side effect of pregnancy (it was for me).

I used to sit down with a glass of water and a biscuit as soon as I felt a little light headed, but if you feel very faint you need to sit on the floor if possible.

[amymb86]

Thanks everybody, makes me feel a lot better to hear that I'm not the only one! I've had a packet of salty crisps everyday anyway as it's the only quick snack I fancy eating, I'll just carry on!