Fainting whilst standing still

[CleverQuacks]

In my last pregnancy I fainted several times. It always seemed to follow a period of standing still (eg in a queue) for a period time. I am now 17 weeks pregnant and I fainted yesterday whilst queuing in the co op. This was a very traumatic experience because my 5 year old son (with SEN) became very distressed. An ambulance was called and I was taken to a and e but they couldn’t find a reason for the fainting. They said it’s quite common in pregnancy. Has this happened to anyone else? Any tips on how to avoid it happening again?

Yeah me. Don’t wear a coat, thick jumper or anything that make you too hot, I find been too hot makes things a million times worse.

Always have a drink on you sugary one I find best And sweets too just as an emergency.

Try to move around in the queue, and if you feel yourself going funny just sit down on the floor it will soon pass.

Sounds like a vasovagal (simple faint). You stand up for too long and your BP drops low enough that your body makes you hit the deck to normalise your BP again. Drink plenty of fluids and try to avoid standing for long periods. Is there anyone who can help you with the shopping? You are pregnant and your son has SEN so you are both in the vulnerable category.

Thank you for your replies! Glad to hear I am
not the only one. When I came round in the co op the lovely manager said they are offering a delivery service to vulnerable customers so I should ring and they will bring my shopping which is great! Atleast it will avoid me having to queue in shops.

The same thing happened to me yesterday, was very scary and I hit my head on the floor and now have a black eye. The same thing happened this morning and I made sure I was sat down and breathing through it, so didn't fall again. Maybe keep moving on the spot and sit straight down if you feel faint. I was thinking mine might be related to a panic attack though, did you feel anything before you fainted? Hope you're ok, I know how scary it is x

Same here! I'm 15 weeks and I hit the deck last week. Thankfully I was at home but I'd been sitting down curled up for a while and then I went upstairs to bed and I was a gone! The next thing I knew I was staring at my ceiling with DH hovering over me! It's all quite 'normal' apparently and I was fortunate I was at home.
I hope you are feeling a little better now. I would say when you are standing still, try not to. Just shuffle from side to side a little and see if that helps and make sure you're holding onto something whilst you are queuing x

Thank you for your replies. Sorry to hear it’s happened to all of you. I knew it was coming because I felt really faint. I knelt down to try to get it to pass but I think it was to late cos I just passed out. Thankfully the staff in the co op were really kind. I will definitely be avoiding queuing though! I don’t want a repeat.

@CleverQuacks low blood pressure sucks, I've been there and about to take a turn again as I'm on my third pregnancy. Just remember to get all your bloods taken laying down so you don't faint sitting on a chair, much safer on the trolly thing they have.

Funnily enough I've just posted about this on another thread where everyone was telling the op it was her iron levels 🙄

I mean that occasionally is the case but more often then not it's a blood pressure thing. And definitely not getting to hot, especially when going into anywhere that is still heating their stores/hospitals to the max.

All the best to you, and remember to never stand up too quickly!

I’ve had this in my pregnancy, I find I need to stay really hydrated and avoid getting too hot. If I feel thirsty it’s nearly too late so make sure you’re drinking loads and always carrying a drink if you’re out! And if I started to feel even a little bit wobbly I would sit down (wherever I was!) to avoid it. Mine has seemed to get better in the last few weeks (I’m 27 weeks now) so hopefully yours will improves over time as well!

Yep fainted many times (all whilst standing in a queue) whilst pregnant. Can you carry a fizzy drink whilst your out or suck on a sugary sweet. Keeps your legs moving my midwife told me even if your saving them around in a circle on the spot to keep blood flowing and don’t get too warm no coats etc.