What Causes Severe Dizziness During Pregnancy?

Posted on Fri, 20 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 Answered on

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm 30weeks pregnant I've been suffering from severe dizziness since week 20 I did a blood tests and everything came out normal I went to see an ENT specialist and he told me that I don't have infection in my ears. I'm really getting tired of this for that I don't know what's causing it sometimes I can't even sleep because of the dizziness and no matter what position I am I get it. So shall I have an MRI ??

Answered by Dr. Sree Gouri SR (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
I understand your concern.
Dizziness in pregnancy can be seen due to causes like:
-Anemia, hypoglycemia
-Changes in position like sudden getting up from sitting position.
-Continuous sleeping in supine position, which can lead to compression of major blood vessels in abdomen and dizziness.
-Pregnancy induced hypertension
-Rarely cardiac and neurological problems associated with pregnancy.
-Anxiety etc.
You didn't mention what are all the blood tests you underwent.
As you are having the problem since 10 weeks, you need detailed evaluation.
Better to go for blood investigations including complete blood picture, blood sugar levels and thyroid profile etc, ECG, EEG, blood pressure monitoring in different positions etc.
If any abnormality is noted in above investigations, you can go for further detailed investigations like MRI.
Steps like sleeping in left lateral position, gradually changing from one position to other position, taking small quantity of foods in more frequent intervals etc steps can help in decreasing the dizziness.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sree Gouri SR (34 minutes later)

I checked my thyroid and came back normal and i checked my bp and blood sugar and both are normal i have done an ECG because i have racing and high heart rate about 130 resting sometimes i never had any problems before pregnancy. i am not anemic and i checked my CRP which was 17.5

Answered by Dr. Sree Gouri SR (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needed further evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
According to your history and previous investigations, now you better to go for ECHO, EEG and regular antenatal ultrasound examination.
Possibly with this workup the cause of your problem can be identified and treated.
Though MRI is considered somewhat safe in pregnancy, better to choose the option only when needed.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj