I haven't fainted or felt faint...until yesterday.
It was 86 degrees and humid...so humid it was like there was no air. I got really winded when walking underground to my subway transfer and didn't feel right. It's hotter than hot in the subway, and there's even less air.
My heart started racing so much I could feel my pulse everywhere and I started breathing heavy.
Then I felt faint. So I stopped, tried to calm my breathing, took a couple of sips of my juice, and just waited a few minutes.
Apparently overheating could cause you to feel lightheaded and faint. Thankfully I was OK and didn't faint.
Fit Pregnancy wrote that besides overheating, fainting during pregnancy can be caused by dehydration, having low blood sugar, or standing up too quickly. But it can also be a sign of anemia, so keep your doctor in the know.
To prevent being lightheaded or fainting, you can:
- Stay hydrated and carry snacks with you, like fruit or crackers, for a boost when needed.
- When resting or sleeping, lie on your left side to supply the most blood throughout your body.
- When that faint feeling does come on, if the situation allows, lay down and elevate feet higher than your head. You can also put your head between your knees.
Have you fainted or felt lightheaded? What have you done to prevent it from happening?
Written by Michele Zipp for
CafeMom's Pregnancy Buzz
