Locations:
SearchThe short answer from a balance disorders specialist
Image content: This image is available to view online.
View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/4ff27c12-416a-4b65-b7e4-a673421dcd41/dizzyPregnancy-1129150323-770x553_jpg)
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
Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
This antiviral treatment can help you avoid flu complications
Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams a day, including caffeinated food and drinks
A little caffeine is OK during pregnancy, but it’s best to limit consumption of coffee and other caffeinated items
Sushi made with raw or undercooked fish should be avoided, but other types are OK
Most rashes aren’t dangerous — but it’s worth talking to your pregnancy provider about them
The best available evidence indicates that, used correctly, acetaminophen is safe to take throughout a pregnancy
Prenatal massage, done properly, is a safe and effective way to lower stress and relieve pregnancy discomforts
Avoid high-mercury fish and processed meat, and go easy on salt and caffeine
Skin cancer can sometimes itch, but it’s not usually the most common symptom — a persistent itch still warrants a visit to a healthcare provider
The first symptoms of schizophrenia can be subtle, but recognizing them may help you get treatment sooner
Toe separators can help create space between crowded toes, but they’re not a permanent fix
