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

Cleveland Clinic icon
Health Essentials logo
Subscription icon

Better health starts here

Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more.

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Pregnant woman sitting up in bed drinking a mug of coffee
March 23, 2026/Pregnancy & Childbirth

Caffeine and Pregnancy: How Much Is Safe?

Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams a day, including caffeinated food and drinks

Pregnant woman holding a cup of coffee,standing near window, with hand on her belly.
March 10, 2026/Women’s Health

Can You Drink Coffee While Pregnant?

A little caffeine is OK during pregnancy, but it’s best to limit consumption of coffee and other caffeinated items

Pregnant woman looking at sushi options floating over a plate, with a hand holding chopsticks
March 6, 2026/Women’s Health

Is It Safe To Eat Sushi While You’re Pregnant?

Sushi made with raw or undercooked fish should be avoided, but other types are OK

Pregnant woman sitting on couch, scratching her arm
November 5, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth

Pregnancy Rashes: Why They Happen and What To Do

Most rashes aren’t dangerous — but it’s worth talking to your pregnancy provider about them

Pregnant woman standing in kitchen, pouring medication into hand
October 6, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth

Is It Safe To Take Tylenol if You’re Pregnant?

The best available evidence indicates that, used correctly, acetaminophen is safe to take throughout a pregnancy

Pregnant woman receiving a prenatal massage
September 15, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth

Considering a Prenatal Massage? Here’s What To Know

Prenatal massage, done properly, is a safe and effective way to lower stress and relieve pregnancy discomforts

Pregnant woman, standing in kitchen eating, smiling down at her belly

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Avoid high-mercury fish and processed meat, and go easy on salt and caffeine

Happy man and pregnant woman lounging in bed together

Is It OK To Have Sex When You’re Pregnant?

Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, it’s typically considered safe to have sex during pregnancy

Trending Topics

Person getting a mammogram under direction of radiologist

How To Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer

While you can’t change risk factors, like age or genetics, lifestyle choices and regular screenings can help lower your overall risk

Cold hands clasped together and cold feet in socks

7 Reasons Why Your Hands and Feet Are Always Cold

While it may be no big deal, underlying conditions that need treatment can also cause cold extremities

Person running fast on outdoor track

How To Become a Faster Runner

Improve your speed with interval training, strength training and consistent, healthy habits

Ad