15/07/2025
Why You Feel Giddy When Standing for Long During Pregnancy
1. Blood Pooling in the Legs
As your pregnancy progresses, your growing uterus presses on major blood vessels, especially the inferior vena cava. This makes it harder for blood to return from your legs to your heart, leading to blood pooling in the legs. As a result, less blood (and oxygen) reaches the brain, causing dizziness.
2. Lower Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Pregnancy hormones cause your blood vessels to relax and widen, which can lower your blood pressure—especially in the second trimester. Standing for long periods can worsen this, making you feel faint.
3. Postural (Orthostatic) Hypotension
When you change positions (e.g., from sitting to standing), your blood pressure might drop suddenly. In pregnancy, this response is more exaggerated, leading to lightheadedness.
4. Dehydration or Low Blood Sugar
If you’re not drinking enough water or skipping meals, it can lead to low blood volume or low sugar levels, increasing the chance of feeling giddy when standing.
5. Anemia (Low Hemoglobin)
Common in pregnancy, anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Less oxygen to the brain can lead to dizziness, especially on prolonged standing.
How to Prevent It
• Avoid standing for long periods; sit and take breaks often.
• Stay well hydrated throughout the day.
• Eat small, frequent meals to avoid blood sugar dips.
• Wear compression stockings if recommended.
• Change positions slowly (especially from lying or sitting to standing).
• Check your hemoglobin levels and treat anemia if present.
