Some
Basic Pointers
(Week 19)
Feeling
Dizzy
Feeling dizzy
is a fairly common
concern often
caused by low
blood pressure
(hypotension).
It usually surfaces
in the second
trimester but
may appear earlier.
Hypotension is
caused by two
factors. It can
be caused by the
enlarging uterus
putting pressure
on your aorta
and vena cava.
This is termed
supine hypotension
and happens when
you are lying
down. You can
prevent it by
not sleeping or
lying on your
back. The second
cause of hypotension
is when you rise
quickly from a
sitting, kneeling
or squatting position.
This is called
postural hypotension.
Your blood pressure
drops when you
get up quickly
as blood leaves
your brain because
of gravity. You
can prevent this
by rising slowly.
If you are anemic
you may feel dizzy,
faint or tired
or you may fatigue
easily. Since
your blood is
checked routinely
during your checkups,
your doctor will
inform you accordingly.
Pregnancy also
affects your blood
sugar level; high
blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
or low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia)
can make you feel
dizzy or faint.
Many doctors check
blood sugar routinely
of pregnant women,
more so if they
have a history
of diabetes or
dizzy spells.
Problems can be
avoided or improved
by eating a balanced
diet, not skipping
meals and not
going a long time
without eating.
Carry a piece
of fruit or crackers
with you for a
good boost in
blood sugar when
the need arises.
Researchers have
found that pregnant
women who eat
frequent small
meals during the
day may provide
better nutrition
to themselves
and their baby
versus those who
eat three square
meals per day.
Though the calories
are the same,
there is a difference.
Keeping the blood
level constant
through small
frequent meals
is better for
fetal development
than eating a
large meal, then
not eating for
quite a while.
Three larger meals
means that nutrient
levels rise and
fall during the
day, which isn't
as beneficial
for the baby.
Eating smaller
portions frequently
can also help
avoid some other
discomforts such
as heartburn,
nausea and indigestion.
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Full Article
Warning
Signs during Pregnancy
Many women are
nervous because
they are not confident
about knowing
if something is
amiss with their
pregnancy. Most
women have few,
if any, problems
during pregnancy.
Call your doctor
if you experience
any of the following:
• Vaginal
bleeding
• Severe
swelling of the
face or fingers
• Severe
abdominal pain
• Loss of
fluid from the
vagina, usually
a gush, but sometimes
a trickle or continuous
wetness
• A big
change in the
baby's movements
or a lack of movement
• High fever
(more than 38.7C;
101.6F) or chills
• Severe
vomiting or an
inability to keep
your food down
or liquid down
• Blurring
of vision
• Painful
urination
• A headache
that just won't
go away or a severe
headache
• An injury
or accident such
as a fall or automobile
accident, that
leaves you anxious
about the well
being of your
baby
Don't be embarrassed
to address issues
with your doctor;
he or she has
probably heard
it before. And
they would rather
know about the
problem at the
onset rather than
later, to better
deal with the
issue.
Allergies
during Pregnancy
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