Fainting at work!

[SophieSY]

Hello - this is my first Mumsnet post! I found out last week that I'm pregnant for the first time. I am five weeks three days today and am so very excited! However this morning I was in a meeting (a stand up meeting) and suddenly came over really lightheaded, I felt like I was floating. Next thing I know I'm on the floor with about 8 people looking down at me. I don't think I blacked out, but I was shaking white heavily, was very sweaty and felt so lightheaded. I recovered fine and was ok within 10 mins but it's shaken me up and I'm now worried this may turn into a regular thing. Has this happened to anyone else and is there anything I can do to keep it at bay??

Happened to me quite often - I fainted in wetherspoons and KFC! I could feel when it was going to happen so I had to sit down till it had passed - i think it was coz I got quite hot and didn't drink enough

Congratulations on your pregnancy!
I haven't suffered with fainting in pregnancy, but I have suffered with it previously, and I have had the feeling of about to faint quite a lot in both my pregnancies, especially early on. I spoke to the MW in my first pregnancy and she just said it was normal and that if I could feel it coming on, sit or lay down until it passed. It's just one of those things I think. I often feel like it in queues when it would be most embarrassing to pass out. I would speak to your MW about it though if you can.

I have felt faint quite often at different times during my pregnancy. Try to keep cool, even aside from the weather I find I’m much hotter than I normally would be. Take care to wear layers so you can remove as necessary. I’ve learned to carry a bottle of water too. As soon as you feel it coming on, try to find a seat, cold water and fresh air.

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate your messages. Frustratingly I don't have my first midwife appt for another four weeks (I'll be 9 weeks then). But maybe I'll call them and ask to be seen earlier if it happens again.

If it's your first pregnancy and are low risk then your GP should be doing some of your antenatal appointments, so if you faint again before you see your midwife make a GP appointment and see them.

Btw Try and see the same GP throughout pregnancy if possible. This means get the practice schedule to see who is rostered and make an appointment the appropriate weeks in advance to see that GP.

Congratulations @SophieSY! I also collapsed at work in early pregnancy, though I have a feeling mine was down to how badly morning (all day) sickness effected me! Now 18weeks I still get regular bouts of dizziness/lightheadedness & headaches. My doctor didn't seem too worried, just advised to try drink more and small regular meals/snacks. Since it's not gotten much better I will definitely mention to the midwife just incase.

My GP said this is common with young fit women in early pregnancy . Low blood pressure can be the cause. Get up from bed or sitting reeeally slowly. Congrats and take it easy!

Oh just read it was a stand up meeting. Don't do those. They make me feel faint even when not pg.

I have low blood pressure anyway, when I'm pregnant it gets much worse. I faint a lot! If you can feel it coming on, in my experience I get very hot and my hearing/vision starts to tunnel, sit down. Even if it's straight onto the floor. Once you are down you should start feeling better and can then explain to those around you why you're sat on the floor.

I have been known to sit on the floor in the middle of the office when there were no empty chairs nearby, much to the amusement of colleagues surrounding me.

In this heat it's more likely to happen to keep yourself hydrated, keep as cool as possible and increase your salt intake.

Thank you everyone! Pleased to hear I'm not alone. Have been drinking lots of water and have avoided being in a position where I can't sit down! Fingers crossed it won't happen again, but I'm feeling much more prepared if it does. Thank you!

I've also been feeling very light headed all day at work today! I am just 4 weeks pregnant yesterday though (got my BFP on friday) and thought this would be too early for any kind of symptoms?? I didn't get symptoms until around 7 weeks with DD!