almost fainting and patchy vision

[moonandstars99]

i was out shopping today and all of a sudden i started to feel like i was going to faint, i felt like i was sweating but i wasn’t. after about 10 minutes it started to get worse then my vision went patchy and after a few seconds i could barely see at all. my boyfriend took me outside and sat me down then i had something to drink and my vision came back quite quickly, i feel fine now but i’m still worrying. i’m 13 weeks and 6 days and i’m just wondering what it could of been or if it would affect the baby? the doctor said low blood pressure but just looking for some advice, thank you

Low blood sugars? I had this a few times hd to eat and drink and then was fine.

The patchy vision is absolutely classic pre-fainting symptom. Actually, everything you describe are pre-fainting things - it’s called “pre-syncope” (“syncope” being the medical term for fainting). Also pretty common to feel faint in pregancy.

If you feel like that again, ideal lie down immediately and raise your legs if you can (eg prop up on a chair/sofa/on cushions). If you are somewhere where you really can’t lie down, sit down and put your head between your knees (hopefully possible at only 13 weeks pregnant!). Don’t just sit upright - you might still faint.

If the blurry vision gets bad, you really do need to immediately lie down, where ever you happen to be, as you are probably about to actually faint.

In terms of preventative things - drink loads of water, which will keep your blood pressure up, and also make sure you are eating enough.

I know it feels alarming but once you know the warning signs you’ll be able to stop the feeling quicker next time, if there even is a next time.

I had similar a few times in pregnancy - I think my patchy vision was an ocular migraine...no headache pain, just blind spots, blurred and wiggly lines, very disconcerting. Closed eyes or wore eye mask for about 20 minutes and always cleared up in that time. Had a few in pregnancy and none since. Hope you're OK!

When I was pregnant with my first I felt hot and weak then my vision started just going so bright until all I could see was white!! I thought I had gone blind! I couldn't even see my hand infront of my face for a good 5 minutes, my boyfriend walked me back to the house as I couldn't see a thing it was so scary luckily we were only in the garden and I'm so glad I wasn't alone! But I still don't no why that happened or what it was.. scary though isn't it. I think maybe low blood pressure.. anemia.. diabetes? Xx

Yeah it sounds like you were either close to fainting or like @Lnix mentioned, having an ocular migraine. I'm 7 and a half weeks and have had 2 ocular migraines this week. I'm prone to migraines outside of pregnancy (usually only once or twice a year max) so it wasn't a shock to me but I totally get it would be unnerving if you've not experienced it before especially when your vision is impacted. Whichever it is I wouldn't worry, just take it easy.

If anyone else is suffering, you're not alone - I've had my third ocular migraine this week 😔 I'm only 8 weeks pregnant too so it's unlikely to stop anytime soon. Highly recommend keeping sunglasses handy! I'm keeping them in my bag right now as they are a life safer when you suddenly get the vision changes. Thankfully after about 20 mins I'm able to function again although still don't feel 100% for the rest of the day.

Hopefully these ease off in the second trimester!