Locations:

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 holding bottle of medication while researching it on her phone
April 24, 2026/Pregnancy & Childbirth

Yes, Tamiflu Is Safe While You’re Pregnant

This antiviral treatment can help you avoid flu complications

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

Trending Topics

Two women briskly walking in a park

Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Managing your weight through physical activity may lower your chances of getting this common cancer

Person wrapped in blanket on couch, blowing their nose, box of tissues and mug of warm drink nearby

Flu Season: A Timeline for the Start, Peak and End

It typically starts in October and winds down in early spring, with cases at their highest in the middle of winter

Person sitting in driver’s seat of car, with eyes closed and head back

Driving Anxiety: Why It Happens and How To Cope

Anxiety disorders, health conditions and past trauma can make driving nerve-wracking — help is available

Ad