21+3 and feel awful. Help!

[Redrosebelle]

I’ve posted about this before but I have low blood pressure which goes even lower should I stand for any length of time. I’m just about ok walking, but then my legs start to burn (as though I’ve been running) and I get really breathless. But if I stand for more than a minute or so in one place I can literally feel the blood whooshing in my ears and start to see stars and lose my hearing. A few times I’ve had to sit down abruptly and get my head between my legs (usually at work ) I have spoken to the midwife who said to sit down regularly and drink loads which I’m trying to do.. but how much do I need to drink to have any effect? I feel constantly weak, exhausted, my head is pounding and I just feel utter shite. I don’t think I felt so bad with my first pregnancy. I’ve just restarted taking pregnacare and I try and rest for an hour or so a day but with a 3 year old it’s not easy! Any words of wisdom, guidance on how to feel better, anything? Thanks in advance!

What about something like lucozade sport? May help with energy levels? That's fine to have in pregnancy, I had 2 bouts of flu in the first tri and wouldn't have coped without it!!

I also have low blood pressure and have managed to break a bone this pregnancy fainting after a head rush, so I can empathise OP!

A tip my doctor gave me is when you stand, to try to keep your legs flexed and moving slightly (e.g. shifting your weight from side to side). This stops the blood from pooling and you pressure dropping (soldiers in ceremonial guards are taught not to lock their knees for this reason).

I have also been told to increase my salt intake, eat (little and) often, and stay hydrated. Anemia can make low blood pressure worse, I think, maybe get your levels checked. If your job involves lots of standing could you ask for a risk assessment and try and reduce the time spent on your feet?