You get up from the couch and the room starts to spin. Or you're standing in a store and your vision goes dark at the edges. Dizziness during pregnancy is uncomfortable, but it's almost always harmless.

Most pregnant women experience dizziness at some point. Your body is going through enormous changes, and some of them directly affect your blood pressure and circulation.

Here's what causes dizziness, what you can do about it yourself, and when it's worth calling your doctor.

Why do you get dizzy during pregnancy?

Your body works hard throughout pregnancy. Blood volume increases by up to 50 percent, your heart pumps faster, and hormones affect your blood vessels. All of this can cause dizziness.

Low blood pressure

The most common reason for dizziness in pregnancy is lower blood pressure. Blood pressure typically drops somewhat during a normal pregnancy. Hormones cause blood vessels to dilate, and blood also needs to supply the placenta.

Blood pressure is usually lowest in the second trimester, before normalizing toward the end of pregnancy.

Standing up too quickly

Orthostatic hypotension — when blood pressure drops sharply as you stand up — is very common in pregnancy. Blood pools in the legs, and the brain temporarily receives too little blood.

Always rise slowly, especially when going from lying down to standing. Sit up first, pause for a few seconds, then stand up gradually.

Low blood sugar

Your baby draws glucose from your blood. If you don't eat frequently enough, blood sugar can drop and trigger dizziness. This is especially common in the morning after a long overnight fast.

Iron deficiency and anemia

Iron deficiency is a common cause of dizziness in pregnancy. Your body needs more iron to produce extra blood for you and your baby. When iron stores are depleted, you develop anemia — too little hemoglobin in the blood.

Symptoms of iron deficiency include:

Dizziness and lightheadedness
Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath

Your midwife or doctor can run a simple blood test to check your iron levels. Read more about iron deficiency in pregnancy.

Vena cava syndrome in the third trimester

Toward the end of pregnancy, you may feel dizzy when lying on your back. The uterus has grown large enough to press on the vena cava — the large vein that returns blood to the heart.

When blood can't return to the heart efficiently, blood pressure drops and you may feel dizzy, nauseated, or break into a cold sweat.

Avoid lying flat on your back after week 28. Lie on your left side instead — this provides the best circulation for both you and your baby.

Dizziness trimester by trimester

Dizziness can occur throughout pregnancy, but the causes vary.

First trimester (weeks 1–12)

Early in pregnancy, hormonal changes are the main driver. Progesterone causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, lowering blood pressure. Many women experience dizziness alongside nausea in pregnancy.

Low blood sugar is also common in the first trimester, especially if you're struggling with nausea and can't eat enough.

Second trimester (weeks 13–27)

Blood pressure is at its lowest in the second trimester. Even though you may feel better than you did in the first trimester, dizziness can still occur. Your body is producing more blood, but blood vessels are dilated — it takes time for balance to be restored.

Third trimester (weeks 28–40)

The uterus grows and puts pressure on blood vessels. Vena cava syndrome can cause dizziness when lying on your back. Your growing belly also makes it harder to breathe deeply, which can contribute to lightheadedness.

Track your pregnancy week by week with our pregnancy calendar.

What you can do about dizziness in pregnancy

Fortunately, there are many simple strategies that help.

Stay well hydrated

Dehydration makes dizziness worse. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water daily. Keep a water bottle with you at all times.

Eat small, frequent meals

Keep blood sugar stable by eating small amounts often. Avoid long stretches without food. Keep nuts, fruit, or crackers on hand for snacks.

For tips on eating well during pregnancy, see our pregnancy nutrition guide.

Move gently

Moderate exercise improves circulation and can reduce dizziness over time. Walking, swimming, and yoga are all good options. Avoid sudden movements and quick changes in position.

Read more about safe exercise during pregnancy.

Avoid standing still for long periods

When you stand still, blood pools in your legs. Slightly bend your knees, shift your weight from foot to foot, or take a few steps. Compression stockings can also help.

Lie on your left side

Especially in the third trimester, lie on your left side when resting. This relieves pressure on the vena cava and improves blood flow.

Place a pillow between your knees and one under your belly when sleeping on your side. This provides better support and makes side-lying more comfortable.

Get up in stages

When getting out of bed in the morning:

Roll onto your side
Push yourself up to sitting with your arms
Sit on the edge of the bed for 30 seconds
Stand up slowly

Fresh air

Warm, stuffy rooms make dizziness worse. Ventilate regularly and dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes.

When should you call your doctor?

Dizziness in pregnancy is usually harmless. But sometimes it can be a sign of something that needs attention.

Contact your doctor or midwife if you:

Faint or lose consciousness
Have persistent dizziness that doesn't go away
Experience severe headache along with dizziness
Notice swelling in your face or hands combined with dizziness
Have visual disturbances (blurry vision, flashing lights)
Have heart palpitations that last a long time
Have vaginal bleeding

Dizziness combined with headache, swelling, and visual disturbances can be a sign of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension). This requires prompt medical evaluation. Read more about preeclampsia.

Mention dizziness to your midwife at your next prenatal appointment. They can check your blood pressure, review your blood work, and determine whether further evaluation is needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to feel dizzy when pregnant?

Yes, dizziness is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. Lower blood pressure, hormonal changes, and increased blood volume are the most common causes. It is almost always harmless.

Can dizziness harm the baby?

Dizziness itself does not harm your baby. But if you faint and fall, the fall can be dangerous. Sit down immediately when you feel dizzy, and ask for help if you need it.

What other symptoms are common in pregnancy?

Dizziness is just one of many common pregnancy symptoms. Others include nausea, fatigue, back pain, heartburn, and frequent urination. Get an overview of common pregnancy symptoms.

Can I take medication for dizziness during pregnancy?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe during pregnancy if dizziness is causing a headache. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs should be avoided. Speak with your doctor before taking any medication. The most important thing is to treat the underlying cause — such as iron deficiency or low blood sugar.

Dizziness During Pregnancy: Causes and What You Can Do