Maternal Health

Dizziness and Fainting in Pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN

Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines

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Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with dizziness and fainting in pregnancy, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Dizziness is common during pregnancy, affecting many pregnant people at various stages. It can be caused by low blood pressure, blood pooling in the legs, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, or the growing uterus compressing major blood vessels. While usually benign, fainting should always be reported to your provider.

Key takeaways

  • Dizziness is common during pregnancy, affecting many pregnant people at various stages. It can be caused by low blood pressure, blood pooling in the legs, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, or the growing uterus compressing major blood vessels. While usually benign, fainting should always be reported to your provider.
  • Usually normal when: Brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds
  • Call your doctor if: Fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, dizziness is common during pregnancy, affecting many pregnant people at various stages. It can be caused by low blood pressure, blood pooling in the legs, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, or the growing uterus compressing major blood vessels. While usually benign, fainting should always be reported to your provider. At First trimester, dizziness in early pregnancy is often caused by rapidly expanding blood vessels and hormonal changes that lower blood pressure. Standing up slowly, staying hydrated, eating small frequent meals, and avoiding prolonged standing can help. If you feel faint, sit or lie down immediately. It is generally considered normal when brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds
Fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache
Feeling dizzy in hot environments, crowded spaces, or after standing too long
Dizziness with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or blurred vision
Dizziness that improves with sitting, lying down, eating, or drinking water
You fainted and hit your head or belly
Mild lightheadedness without loss of consciousness
Frequent episodes of dizziness or near-fainting

By Age

What to expect by age

First trimester

Dizziness in early pregnancy is often caused by rapidly expanding blood vessels and hormonal changes that lower blood pressure. Standing up slowly, staying hydrated, eating small frequent meals, and avoiding prolonged standing can help. If you feel faint, sit or lie down immediately.

Second trimester

As the uterus grows, it can press on blood vessels, particularly when lying flat on your back. This is called supine hypotensive syndrome. Try to sleep on your left side to improve blood flow. Dizziness when standing quickly (orthostatic hypotension) is also common. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.

Third trimester

Dizziness may worsen in the third trimester as the uterus is largest and blood volume demands are highest. Avoid lying flat on your back for extended periods. If dizziness is accompanied by headache, vision changes, or swelling, report it promptly as it could be related to blood pressure issues.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed dizziness and fainting in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if frequent episodes of dizziness or near-fainting.
  • Mention if dizziness is accompanied by persistent rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds
  • Feeling dizzy in hot environments, crowded spaces, or after standing too long
  • Dizziness that improves with sitting, lying down, eating, or drinking water
  • Mild lightheadedness without loss of consciousness
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Frequent episodes of dizziness or near-fainting
  • Dizziness is accompanied by persistent rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • You actually fainted, even if briefly
Act now when...
  • Fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache
  • Dizziness with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or blurred vision
  • You fainted and hit your head or belly

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice dizziness and fainting in pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache.

Low Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is common during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters. It is caused by hormonal changes that relax blood vessel walls and the expanding circulatory system. Most low blood pressure in pregnancy is harmless, though it can cause dizziness and fainting.

Anemia During Pregnancy

Anemia during pregnancy is very common, affecting up to 40% of pregnant people worldwide. It is most often caused by iron deficiency due to the increased blood volume and iron demands of pregnancy. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It is treatable with iron supplementation and dietary changes.

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When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is dizziness and fainting in pregnancy normal?
Dizziness is common during pregnancy, affecting many pregnant people at various stages. It can be caused by low blood pressure, blood pooling in the legs, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, or the growing uterus compressing major blood vessels. While usually benign, fainting should always be reported to your provider.
When should I call the doctor about dizziness and fainting in pregnancy?
Fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache Dizziness with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or blurred vision You fainted and hit your head or belly
When is dizziness and fainting in pregnancy normal?
Brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds Feeling dizzy in hot environments, crowded spaces, or after standing too long Dizziness that improves with sitting, lying down, eating, or drinking water
What causes dizziness and fainting in pregnancy?
Dizziness is common during pregnancy, affecting many pregnant people at various stages. It can be caused by low blood pressure, blood pooling in the legs, low blood sugar, anemia, dehydration, or the growing uterus compressing major blood vessels. While usually benign, fainting should always be reported to your provider. Common explanations include: Brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds. Feeling dizzy in hot environments, crowded spaces, or after standing too long.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about dizziness and fainting in pregnancy?
You should mention dizziness and fainting in pregnancy at your next visit if: Frequent episodes of dizziness or near-fainting. Dizziness is accompanied by persistent rapid heartbeat or palpitations. You actually fainted, even if briefly.
Is dizziness and fainting in pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Dizziness in early pregnancy is often caused by rapidly expanding blood vessels and hormonal changes that lower blood pressure. Standing up slowly, staying hydrated, eating small frequent meals, and avoiding prolonged standing can help. If you feel faint, sit or lie down immediately.
Is dizziness and fainting in pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
As the uterus grows, it can press on blood vessels, particularly when lying flat on your back. This is called supine hypotensive syndrome. Try to sleep on your left side to improve blood flow. Dizziness when standing quickly (orthostatic hypotension) is also common. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
Should I go to the ER for dizziness and fainting in pregnancy?
Seek emergency care if fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache, or if dizziness with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or blurred vision. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does dizziness and fainting in pregnancy go away on its own?
In many cases, dizziness and fainting in pregnancy resolves on its own, especially when brief lightheadedness when standing up quickly that resolves in seconds. By Third trimester, dizziness may worsen in the third trimester as the uterus is largest and blood volume demands are highest. Avoid lying flat on your back for extended periods. If dizziness is accompanied by headache, vision changes, or swelling, report it promptly as it could be related to blood pressure issues.
ACOGNIHMARCH OF DIMES

References

  1. [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dizziness During Pregnancy. ACOG, 2022. ACOG
  2. [2]National Library of Medicine. Syncope in Pregnancy. StatPearls, 2023. NIH
  3. [3]March of Dimes. Common Discomforts of Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Dizziness and Fainting in Pregnancy.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed dizziness and fainting in pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if frequent episodes of dizziness or near-fainting.
  • Mention if dizziness is accompanied by persistent rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Frequent episodes of dizziness or near-fainting
  • Dizziness is accompanied by persistent rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • You actually fainted, even if briefly

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache
  • Dizziness with chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or blurred vision
  • You fainted and hit your head or belly

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Feeding & Pumping GuidePregnancy TrackerEmergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of dizziness and fainting in pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if fainting or dizziness accompanied by vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or severe headache.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Low blood pressure (hypotension) is common during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters. It is caused by hormonal changes that relax blood vessel walls and the expanding circulatory system. Most low blood pressure in pregnancy is harmless, though it can cause dizziness and fainting.

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Anemia during pregnancy is very common, affecting up to 40% of pregnant people worldwide. It is most often caused by iron deficiency due to the increased blood volume and iron demands of pregnancy. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It is treatable with iron supplementation and dietary changes.

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