One of the most worrisome medical conditions that affects pregnant women is vasovagal syncope, a medical condition that causes frequent episodes of dizziness and fainting. People suffering from vasovagal syncope experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain. Vasovagal syncope is usually harmless, but during pregnancy, it can harm the baby and affect labour. Immediate medical attention and continuous medical care are required for pregnant women who show the signs and symptoms of vasovagal syncope.
Let’s take a quick look at vasovagal syncope pregnancy symptoms, its triggers and treatment.
Pregnant women may suffer from fainting during pregnancy due to vasovagal syncope, a condition where the blood pressure levels suddenly drop, usually due to stress and anxiety. There is reduced or absent blood flow to the brain, resulting in dizzy spells and periods of unconsciousness.
Vasovagal syncope is a medical condition caused by several factors. It is mainly caused by a malfunction of the nervous system, which is responsible for regulating the heart and blood pressure rate. If blood pressure drops too low, it can trigger a vasovagal syncope attack, leading to fainting due to insufficient blood flow to the brain.
Vasovagal syncope attacks may be triggered by the following:
Sight of blood: Vasovagal syncope attacks may occur when pregnant women see blood. This might even occur during blood tests when the blood is being drawn out for testing.
Emotional distress: Pregnant women with anxiety and stress may faint.
Dehydration: Dehydration can trigger dizziness.
Pain: When a pregnant woman experiences pain, she may faint.
Lying on the back: You may feel dizzy when lying on your back for a long time.
Standing for prolonged time: Standing for long hours can cause dizziness.
Strain: Too much of strain on your body can result in vasovagal syncope.
Heat exposure: Constant heat exposure in pregnant women can result in dizziness.
Pregnancy dizziness and fainting are not the only evident symptoms of vasovagal syncope in pregnant women. They may experience any of the following before fainting:
● Blurred vision
● Light headedness
● Nausea
● Pale skin
● Tunnel vision
You must consult your doctor immediately when you notice the following signs:
● Chest pain
● Blurred vision
● Tingling sensation
● Numbness
● Severe headache
● Impaired speech
● Difficulty in breathing
● Vaginal bleeding
Vasovagal syncope in pregnant women is associated with various risks and complications during pregnancy and labour. At times, vasovagal syncope can lead to life-threatening complications.
● Vasovagal syncope episodes can increase the risk of preterm birth or early labour.
● Sudden fainting due to vasovagal syncope can result in head injury.
● There is a greater risk of maternal cardiac arrhythmia due to vasovagal syncope. It can also lead to pulmonary aspiration and cardiac arrest.
● Vasovagal syncope can result in low birth weight in babies and stillbirth.
● Vasovagal syncope also increases the chance of neurological damage to your baby, along with congenital conditions.
● It can also lead to fetal hypoxia.
It is absolutely vital to seek proper medical treatment to avoid the above complications and risks of vasovagal syncope during pregnancy. Consult your doctor when you notice symptoms of vasovagal syncope during pregnancy. Although vasovagal syncope is harmless, at times, it can impact the health of the mother and the baby. Your doctor will ask about the events that preceded the episodes of vasovagal syncope. Let your doctor know about the events that triggered the dizziness or fainting.
Vasovagal syncope can be effectively managed with therapy and by following a few simple strategies:
● Lifestyle changes can help pregnant women manage the symptoms of vasovagal syncope.
● Your doctor may suggest drugs to treat nausea and avoid dizziness during pregnancy.
● Your doctor may prescribe fludrocortisone acetate to regulate your blood pressure.
● Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also recommended to treat syncope during pregnancy.
● Therapies, including foot exercises and tensing the leg muscles, can help treat vasovagal syncope.
● Pregnant women can also use compression stockings to avoid episodes of syncope.
● Tadasana Yoga posture helps achieve orthostatic balance, which reduces the episodes of vasovagal syncope during pregnancy.
Preventing the fainting episodes can avoid complications for both the baby and the mother. You can prevent vasovagal syncope attacks by doing any of the following:
● Lie down with your legs slightly elevated.
● Exercise regularly for better heart health.
● Eat food in small proportions.
● Stay well hydrated.
● Reduce stress and anxiety.
● Pregnant women must lie on the left side for better blood flow and nutrients to the baby.
● Avoid staying out in the sun or being exposed to extreme heat.
● Avoid hard exercise routines.
Vasovagal syncope is quite common in pregnant women, but if the symptoms are severe, it may lead to severe complications. Identify the triggers of syncope during pregnancy to avoid the fainting episodes. A change in lifestyle and eating habits can also help reduce fainting episodes during pregnancy. Consult your doctor immediately when you experience episodes of vasovagal syncope. Your doctor will be able to help identify potential triggers and recommend the proper treatment or therapy based on your overall health condition. Timely and proper medical treatment can help prevent any complications from such attacks.
Yes, vasovagal syncope may harm the baby in the womb. It increases the risk of preterm birth, and the baby could suffer from congenital conditions and neurological disorders. It also leads to a reduction in birth weight and increases the chance of stillbirth.
Vasovagal syncope attacks occur suddenly and without any sort of warning. Here are a few things that can be done to mitigate the effects:
● When you feel like fainting, immediately inform someone about it.
● Try to remain as calm as possible.
● Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy.
● Avoid eating or drinking.
● Take deep, calming breaths.
● Loosen your clothing.
Yes, there are chances for vasovagal syncope to adversely affect labour and delivery. Your blood pressure levels may suddenly drop, leading to cardiac arrhythmia or fetal hypoxia. Vasovagal syncope can also induce early labour, leading to premature births and babies with low birth weights.
