Dizziness/Fainting

[marieg76]

I'm 18 weeks pg and when I was on the train on the way to work this morning, I fainted. I'm not normally one for fainting (have done so twice giving blood but that's it). I'm currently lying down at home (talented typist!) which is relieving the symptoms. Has anyone else experienced fainting or dizziness at this stage?

Yes, I had it a couple of time at exactly the same stage on the DART into Dublin. Wiggling your toes helps, and also maybe get your iron levels checked.

give your midwife a quick call... it's probably something and nothing, but to be on the safe side - your blood pressure might be a bit off the wall.

And stay lying down till she tells you otherwise.

I had a habit of fainting on trains in 2nd trimester. On one memorable journey into London from Watford the whole carriage watched as I sank to the floor. Not one offer of a seat!Maybe they thought I was just comfortable down there.

I am assuming yoiu were standing up? Sounds pretty normal to me but call your MW in case she wants to check you out. Hope it was a one off.

It's probably just a change in your blood pressure, rest as much as possible. Also try to up your water intake. Whenever I have those feelings it usually from not getting enough fluids.

Oh yes, remember this well. From about 16-21 weeks I fainted a lot on public transport- never did it pre-pregnancy. It came completely out of the blue, got hot and dizzy and I then hit the deck. I managed to crack my head open, sprain my knee and cut myself pretty badly on separate occasions. And oh yes, people just stepped over me. My main problem was slight anaemia coupled with over-heating and the motion from the bus. Second trimester is the worst time for fainting, usually because of blood pressure fluctuations. Ask for a seat, always carry a drink with you and don't wear too many layers.

If you were standing up, try buying a shooting stick (one of those small collapsible stools) and carry it around with you. I just used to sit on the floor, anywhere and everywhere - buses, shop queues, parks... my inner student was given free reign. It was either that or keeling over all the time.

thanks for the tips ladies. I am seeing the midwife on Thursday anyway so will mention it. I also called South West Trains to ask about when I can sit in first class without a first class ticket as there are never any seats in the morning (it says on the website that 20 weeks is the minimum). They said that I should certainly sit in first class from now on if there are no seats available and to just let the guard know that I had spoken with them should he query it.