Dizziness in late pregnancy: what to know

Lightheadedness may happen when you stand quickly, lie flat on your back, become overheated, miss food or drink, or remain still for a long time. A spinning sensation is different and may involve the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Pregnancy-related changes can also make faintness more noticeable. Anaemia, including iron deficiency anaemia, can contribute to tiredness and lightheadedness; only an assessment and blood tests can identify it.

Sit or lie on your side as soon as dizziness starts, loosen tight clothing and ask someone to stay nearby. Once steady, drink water and eat a small snack if you have not eaten. Rise slowly, avoid very hot places, and do not drive or climb while symptoms continue. Keep a note of timing, triggers, duration and associated symptoms for your midwife or doctor.

Contact your maternity team promptly for repeated episodes, fainting, severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain or reduced fetal movement. Seek emergency help for collapse, confusion, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking or ongoing severe dizziness.

Could my blood pressure, blood count or iron level explain this? Should I change how I eat, drink or rest? Which symptoms mean I should attend maternity triage?