Fainting

[InNeedOfCoffee]

I am currently 16 weeks pregant with my second baby and the last few weeks have been fainting (didn't with first pregnancy). Has anyone else had this? any advice to prevent it happening?
I believe it is due to my low blood pressure but getting worried about going out on my own with my nine month old.
I phoned midwife on first occasion but she didnt seem to be concerned about it.

I faint as well when pregnant! I too have low blood pressure, but the midwives I've seen have also told me to eat and drink VERY regularly, and that does seem to help.

And - perhaps obviously - never stand up for too long if at all possible!

yep unfortunetly im a fainter, this is my 3rd with my 1st fainted, 2nd didnt this time yes, i too worry about going out its horrible.

When I feel it coming on I lie on the ground with my legs up on a chair while eating a banana. It happens a lot at work so I lie on the floor and send a pupil for a banana! A midwive recommended the banana, I think maybe it's the potassium in it?

I lie on the floor too - glad I'm not the only one!

The midwives told me it could be my blood sugar levels were falling too low, hence the instruction to eat regularly. In which case I think bananas would work very well?

I'm now feeling guilty because I find that chocolate works, but obviously bananas would be a far healthier option!

I think i like the chocolate option!

Seems to happen when im waiting in shops most of the time but i'm fine when im walking round, its just when i'm standing still.

I think the banana recommendation is for the sugar in it sarah, rather than the potassium. I 2nd what others have said about eating regularly and keeping hydrated and I would also check your iron levels as dizziness and fainting can be linked to anaemia too. What you eat matters too. stick to slow release crabs and avoid anything that will make your blood sugar peak.

I havn't actually fainted but I do get dizzy and I am 24 weeks. It is quite common to feel dizzy but it can be quite dangerous if you are fainting regularly, especially when you are caring for a child or driving. I would try the above suggestions and if nothing helps then I would go back to see the midwife.

sarahscot, please tell me you either work in a primary school or a sixth form college? I can't imagine that being a good idea at my school.

I meant carbs not crabs. He he!

Midwife says my booking bloods have came back fine for iron, got next apointment friday so will mention it again.

will try to be more aware of carb intake to.

I carry an emergency oat and seed bar in my bag and my mw told me to get on the floor as soon as i felt a faint coming on. A nurse told me to eat more salt to raise my bp (you don't hear that very often!). My GP said that I'm just a fainter (I faint after my AF quite regularly and twice since falling pregnant, only 23 weeks at the mo). It's really scary and I think medical professionals should take it more seriously. I wish I had some more practical advice for you but I will be watching this thread with interest for ideas!

I faint too. Midwives also seemed unconcerned and told me to eat more often and not rush to stand up especially in morning. Impossible though looking after a toddler IMO! I lie on the floor if I feel a faint coming on and also make sure I've got loads of snacks on me. I let DD have those fruit smoothy pouches (Ella's Kitchen ones) and have started having them myslef if I suspect my BP is dropping. They seem to work for me and they're yummy.

i had this around 25 - 28 weeks.
As my bloods were ok and so was my blood pressure, the MW said to make sure I had breakfast first thing and that it had to be carb heavy with some sugar. So toast and honey would be ideal.

Also, careful in the shower. I used to get overheated and this made me want to faint. In fact I did faint in the shower once. Often when I got out of the shower, I could barely stand up and had to quickly find a chair. So have cool showers or baths!

1catherine1 Yes, I'm a primary teacher, but in a rather tough area. I've found that the pupils most likely to fuss over me and fetch me things are the 'hardnut' boys. Weird, but nice to know they have a human side!