FAINTNESS

Causes
Pregnant women often feel faint. This happens when not enough blood is getting to the brain. If the oxygen level gets too low you may actually faint. It's more common in pregnancy because of hormonal changes taking place in your body. You are most likely to feel faint if you stand still for too longer get up too quickly from a chair or any still position. The demand for energy in pregnancy may also cause a drop in blood sugar level and this too can make you feel faint. It often happens when you are lying still on your back.

Remedies

• Try to get up slowly after sitting or lying down.
  
• If you feel faint when you are standing still, find a seat quickly and the faintness will pass. If it doesn't, lie down on your side.
  
• If you feel faint while lying on your back, turn on your side. Ifs better not to lie flat on your back in later pregnancy or during labour.
  
• Don't go for long periods without food.
  
• Avoid sugary foods and sweets as these can make the problem worse. This is because a sudden rise in blood sugar stimulates the release of extra insulin, which, in turn, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar causing faintness.