Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience a disorienting feeling of unsteadiness or vertigo that can make you feel as if you're about to fall or faint. But don't worry, it's a normal and fairly common symptom of pregnancy that you can, for the most part, avoid by taking a few smart steps.

summary icon
Key Takeaways
  • Dizziness is common and usually totally normal. That lightheaded, head-spinning sensation often kicks in around week 12 and into the second trimester, thanks to all the major circulation changes happening in your body. 
  • Most dizzy spells have simple triggers and simple fixes. Low blood sugar, dehydration, overheating, lying on your back, or getting up too fast can all bring on that faint feeling.
  • The good news? Eating small, frequent meals, drinking plenty of fluids, moving slowly when you stand, and getting fresh air can go a long way toward keeping the spins at bay.
  • Don’t ignore it, but don’t panic either. If you feel dizzy, lie down right away and elevate your feet to boost blood flow to your brain. Call your healthcare provider if you actually faint or if dizziness keeps happening despite your best prevention efforts. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check in.

When does dizziness generally start during pregnancy?

Most often, women begin to experience dizziness around week 12 and into the early weeks of the second trimester.

What to Expect Community mom Gabiincalifornia says, "The first time, I was at the grocery store — I had just chatted with some people I knew, then suddenly felt like the whole building was spinning. It lasted about 5 minutes, and I had to hold onto the wall to steady myself."

Is dizziness an early sign of pregnancy?

While dizziness isn't usually one of the very first signs of pregnancy, it can show up in the first trimester, thanks to changes in hormone levels.

Dizziness early in pregnancy might also happen if you're dealing with low blood sugar due to morning sickness.[1] You may even feel dizzy before a missed period if nausea is keeping you from eating much, which can sometimes (though not always) occur within days of conception.

Keep track of your pregnancy symptoms, get expert advice and daily tips, and connect with other moms experiencing the same symptoms in the What to Expect app.

What causes dizziness during pregnancy?

Early in pregnancy, your body is gearing up to meet the needs of two bodies instead of one. Dizziness can stem from several factors:

  • Your blood supply is still catching up. Your body isn't yet producing enough blood to fill your rapidly expanding circulatory system.
  • Hormonal shifts. Higher levels of progesterone relax and widen your blood vessels. That increases blood flow to your baby but can slow circulation back to you, lowering your blood pressure and temporarily reducing blood flow to your brain, which can make your head spin.
  • Pressure from your growing uterus. As your uterus expands, it can press on major blood vessels, especially when you're lying on your back.
  • Overheating. It's not called a bun in the oven for nothing: Your body is generating more heat than usual, so spending too much time in a hot or stuffy room may leave you feeling lightheaded. "I live in California, so the heat makes my dizziness worse," says What to Expect Community mom axmendoza95.
  • Low blood sugar or dehydration. If you're not eating regularly or drinking enough fluids, you're more likely to feel dizzy. "I've been experiencing this too and it's a blood sugar issue for me," says What to Expect Community member tmamabear92. "I always start my day with a glass of orange juice and a snack, and that's really helped!"

What can I do about dizziness when I'm pregnant?

Keep in mind that no matter how common dizziness is, you shouldn't ignore it. Use common sense: If you're feeling lightheaded, don't drive, work out, or handle anything that could potentially cause you harm. If you need help, don't be shy about asking.

To stop a dizzy spell, lie down as soon as you start to feel lightheaded so you don't fall or pass out, then elevate your feet to increase blood flow to your brain.

If that's not possible, sit down and bend forward, putting your head between your knees if you can. Breathe slowly and deeply. If there's no place to lie down or sit, kneel on one knee and bend forward as if you were tying your shoe until the spell passes.

"I've had a few bigger dizzy spells where I've had to sit for 15 to 30 minutes," says What to Expect Community member madbg.

Can I prevent dizziness during pregnancy?

You may not be able to eliminate dizziness entirely, but these steps can help reduce your risk:

  • Go slowly. Stand up gradually from sitting or lying down to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure.
  • Make the most of the munchies. Make sure you're eating a healthy, well-rounded diet during pregnancy, with a mix of protein and complex carbs (like whole grain bread or pasta) at every meal to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • Feast frequently. Chow down on several small meals throughout the day to prevent dips in your blood sugar. Keep healthy pregnancy snacks on hand for a quick blood sugar boost. Good options: raisins, fruit, and whole-wheat crackers. "I had this with my first," says What to Expect Community mom LittlestLoveBug. "Eating grapes helped me a lot! I would just carry a bag of them around and pop a few every hour or so."
  • Stay hydrated. Make sure you're drinking enough water, since dizziness can be a sign of dehydration.[2] Aim for around 12 to 13 glasses of fluids a day, and more if it's hot or you're working out.
  • Dress in layers. Wear breathable, easy-to-shed clothing in case you start feeling overheated, and avoid tight-fitting or restrictive clothes.
  • Get fresh air. If you're in a stuffy or overheated space, step outside for a few minutes when you can. A short walk can help ease dizziness and may also relieve other pregnancy symptoms like constipation and swelling.
  • Avoid lying on your back. In your second and third trimesters, sleeping on your back can compress the vena cava (the main vein that carries blood back to your heart), which can interfere with optimum circulation and cause dizziness. "I also have dizziness and nausea if I lay on my back or even lean back in a chair for more than 5 minutes," says What to Expect Community member countdownkim. "My posture has improved significantly!"

When does dizziness during pregnancy usually end?

Once they start, dizzy spells can come and go throughout pregnancy. But they should subside after your baby is born.

When should I call the doctor about dizziness during pregnancy?

In some cases, dizziness can be linked to iron-deficiency anemia, which reduces the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. So if you do pass out, call your provider right away. Also talk with your provider if you think your dizziness is extreme or debilitating — or even if you just find it worrisome.

You might wonder whether dizziness is a symptom of miscarriage. Not to worry, lightheadedness is not a common sign of miscarriage.

Nor is it typically a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia involves a sudden rise in blood pressure, while pregnancy-related dizziness is often caused by the opposite problem: low blood pressure.[3]

Bottom line: If dizziness persists despite preventative steps, becomes severe, or causes you to faint, let your provider know. It's always better to mention it at your next visit — or sooner if you're concerned.