Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Do You Get Vertigo When You're Pregnant?

The short answer from a balance disorders specialist

Pregnant woman suffering from a dizzy spell

Oh hormones. Those feisty, relentless and crucial little substances in our body that influence how we function. Sometimes our hormones run smoothly without us even noticing and other times they seem to take over control.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This is especially true of pregnancy hormones and why they sometimes get a bad rep – causing mood swings, changes to your metabolism and feeling dizzy or like the room is spinning around you.

During pregnancy, your blood flow increases to your baby and is slower to return to you in your veins. Add this with changes in position – like standing for too long, lying down or quick movements – and you may be more susceptible to feeling dizzy or lightheaded during pregnancy.

Sometimes, also with hormonal changes, one of the other culprits for causing vertigo is an underlying history of migraines. If you’re more susceptible to migraines, the change in pregnancy hormones could trigger one, and vertigo could be a secondary symptom of it.

The biggest reason for vertigo or dizziness in pregnancy? Hormonal changes.

– Audiologist Julie Honaker, PhD.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Pregnant woman discusses medications with her physician
April 14, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Are Antidepressants Safe During Pregnancy?

SSRIs are the safest antidepressants to take in pregnancy — and pose less risk than unmanaged depression

Pregnant woman sitting on sofa, looking on her phone
April 11, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pregnancy Discharge: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Progesterone during pregnancy can cause clear, white or pale yellow discharge

Pregnant woman and friends at her baby shower
The Best Age To Get Pregnant

Your peak reproductive years tend to fall between your late teens and your late 20s

Pregnant woman standing in kitchen, pouring medication into hand
March 17, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Can You Take Acetaminophen While Pregnant?

Yes, you can — new research shows the popular over-the-counter pain reliever is safe

Pregnant woman exercising in living room
March 11, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
What To Know About How Obesity Can Affect Pregnancy

Having obesity can lead to pregnancy complications — be sure to eat more whole foods and try pregnancy-safe exercise

Happy pregnant woman eating fresh veggies in kitchen
February 10, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Is It Safe To Lose Weight While Pregnant?

Don’t diet while pregnant, but do eat lots of healthy foods

Female sitting on bathroom floor looking worried
February 10, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Can You Be Pregnant but Still Get Your Period?

You can’t be pregnant and have a menstrual period, but there are other reasons you could experience bleeding during pregnancy

Healthcare provider sitting at office desk, talking to pregnant woman across from them
January 20, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Botox and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Botox isn’t your best choice during pregnancy — try topical vitamin C and moisturizers in the meantime

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad