Why do you often faint during pregnancy? here are some of the reasons

Maybe you often see pregnant women fainting. Fainting during pregnancy may be caused by the pregnant woman's fatigue, heat, and so on. But, actually fainting during pregnancy is normal or not, huh? What causes pregnant women to faint? Want to know the answer? Check out the following explanation.

Is it normal to faint during pregnancy?

It is normal to faint during pregnancy. This is because various changes occur in pregnant women. Your cardiovascular system (heart) goes through many changes, such as a faster heart rate and 30-50% increase in the amount of blood in your body. Your blood vessels dilate, so your blood pressure will gradually decrease over time.

Your body can adapt to all of these changes. Thus, blood flow throughout the body (especially the brain) is maintained. However, sometimes the body cannot adjust quickly to certain conditions. As a result, you will feel dizzy and can make you pass out while pregnant.

What causes pregnant women to faint?

Fainting can occur when your brain doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen flow. Some of the conditions that can cause you to feel dizzy and want to pass out are:

• Stand up from sitting too quickly. When you sit down, a lot of your blood collects in your legs. So, if you get up right away, the blood flow from your legs back to your heart won't be able to be channeled as quickly as it changes too fast. At this time, your blood pressure may drop, so you may feel like passing out. It can also happen when you stand too long because of the blood pooling in your legs.
• Vasovagal syncope. This condition can occur when you cough frequently, urinate frequently, or have a bowel movement. This can cause a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, which can make you feel lightheaded and want to pass out.
• Lack of eating and drinking. When you eat less, your blood sugar drops and you can develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This situation makes you feel dizzy and want to pass out. Lack of drinking or dehydration can also cause this.
• Anemia. Anemia during pregnancy makes it easier for you to feel dizzy and faint. This is because anemia can prevent your cells from getting enough oxygen.
• It's hot. When you overheat, your blood vessels dilate, causing blood pressure to drop. This makes you feel dizzy and want to pass out. Hot showers can also cause this.
• Hyperventilation (excessive breathing). Hyperventilation can occur when you are overexerted and anxious. Although exercise is good for your health and pregnancy, excessive exercise can be dangerous. It's best to know your limits when exercising.

What to do if you think you might pass out while pregnant?

Although fainting during pregnancy is normal, you still have to be careful. Some of the ways you can do to prevent fainting during pregnancy are:

• Get out of your seat or bed slowly. If you sleep, it's best to sit down first, then stand up slowly. Avoid sudden movements.
• If you stand for too long and can't move or sit, it's a good idea to shake your legs to increase blood flow. Better yet, avoid standing for too long. Find a seat when you feel tired standing up.
• Adjust your diet properly to maintain your blood sugar levels. Lack of food intake can lead to hypoglycemia, which makes it easier for you to pass out during pregnancy. Take some snacks with you wherever you go, so you can eat them whenever you are hungry.
• Many consume foods high in iron sources.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid hot, crowded, and stuffy places so you don't feel too hot. Also limit the frequency of hot showers.
• Wear comfortable clothes that are not too tight.
• Avoid lying on your back. If you feel dizzy when you lie down, it's best to lie down to your side. Place a pillow high on your head.

When you want to feel faint, you can do the following to prevent it:

• Immediately sit or lie down and lower your head
• Take slow, deep breaths
• Loosen your clothes if they are too tight
• Open a window or find a quiet place to get plenty of air

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