Is dizziness at 38 weeks of pregnancy due to hypoxia?

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am currently 38 weeks pregnant, and I have started experiencing some dizziness. May I ask, is dizziness at 38 weeks of pregnancy a sign of oxygen deficiency?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Dizziness at 38 weeks of pregnancy is not necessarily caused by hypoxia, although hypoxia may be one of the possible causes.

Dizziness in pregnant women during the late stages of pregnancy can be triggered by multiple factors, including insufficient cerebral blood supply, malnutrition caused by improper diet (such as anemia and hypoglycemia), hypotension, and cervical spine compression. Among these, as the fetus grows, the uterus may compress the vena cava, affecting venous return and thereby causing insufficient blood supply and hypoxia to the brain, leading to dizziness. Additionally, if a pregnant woman is in an enclosed, poorly ventilated environment, she may experience hypoxia due to external environmental factors, which can also cause dizziness. However, dizziness is not a specific symptom of hypoxia, and a comprehensive assessment should include other symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.

Therefore, if dizziness occurs at 38 weeks of pregnancy, prompt medical attention is recommended to determine the underlying cause through appropriate examinations. At the same time, pregnant women should maintain a balanced diet, ensure adequate nutrition, and avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods to reduce the occurrence of dizziness and other uncomfortable symptoms.