Vertigo in pregnancy third trimester

Vertigo is a false feeling that you or the room is moving. Pregnancy can make light-headedness more noticeable through changes in circulation, hydration, meals, sleep, or posture, while an inner-ear problem can cause a distinct spinning sensation. A breast or head movement may trigger benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, whereas hearing changes or ear pressure can point toward another ear condition. Migraine can also cause dizziness, sometimes without a strong headache.

The symptom itself does not identify one diagnosis. A clinician may ask when attacks start, how long they last, whether turning in bed triggers them, and whether you have headache, ringing, hearing loss, weakness, or visual changes.

Sit or lie on your side as soon as spinning begins, keep your phone nearby, and avoid stairs, driving, bathing alone, or carrying the baby until your balance returns. Rise slowly from bed and use a stable surface for support. Sip fluids and eat regular, nourishing meals unless your maternity team has advised a restriction. Ask your obstetric clinician before taking any medicine for dizziness; pregnancy changes which options are suitable. Do not perform an Epley manoeuvre without guidance, because your stage of pregnancy and neck or back comfort should be considered.

Seek urgent medical help for vertigo with fainting, a severe or unusual headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, vision loss, inability to walk, repeated vomiting, vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or markedly reduced fetal movement. Contact your maternity team promptly if episodes keep returning, interfere with eating or walking, follow a fall, or come with high blood pressure symptoms such as facial swelling or upper abdominal pain.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an inner-ear disorder, migraine, anaemia, dehydration, or a blood-pressure concern; which checks are appropriate; and which medicines or positional exercises are suitable in late pregnancy. Bring a record of triggers, duration, associated symptoms, fluid intake, and any falls.