Light headedness when changing position

Lately every time I stand up, bend down to pick something up or even if I move too quickly I get this weird feeling like the blood is rushing to my head, light headed/dizzy and feel flushed. It usually goes away within a few seconds but sometimes take longer than I would like to "adjust" back to normal. It started during my 3rd trimester and I figured it was pregnancy related, but now DS is 10 weeks old and it is still occuring often. It even happens sometimes just from walking up and down the stairs.

Should I see a cardiologist? I have been in the past and although I have a slight heart murmur and mitral valve, I have had no issues in the past. I also never had any blood pressure issues during pregnancy or before. I am afraid they are going to want to do a tilt table test which seems less than pleasant

Message edited 11/23/2009 3:45:04 PM.

Re: Light headedness when changing position

I had similar symptoms when I was in HS. At the time, I went to my pediatrician and told him my symptoms. He took my blood pressure while I was laying down and then immediately when I sat up. Turns out, I had orthostatic hypotension. I don't have it anymore- or if I do, I rarely notice it... but, it's when your blood pressure doesn't regulate fast enough when you quickly change positions (something like that) It wasn't a big deal, he didn't give me anything for it... just told me to get up more slowly. Sometimes if I got up too fast I would see little dots! I'm fine now though......


I should also mention, I have very slight mitral valve prolapse... maybe it's related.


If it's bothering you, see your general practioner. No reason to run right to the cardiologist! It could be something as simple as taking your blood pressure in a laying down and sitting up position!


Good luck!

ETA: Check out the link! orthostatic hypotension

Message edited 11/23/2009 6:57:20 PM.

Re: Light headedness when changing position

I had this during my pg. I was told it was normal.

After having DD, I STILL had this for a very very long time. I was getting worried, but it finally went away. Took almost 8 mths to fully go away.

I was tested for anemia since I was anemic after delivery and it was not that.

I am pretty sure it's just related to the pg. I also had a friend who had this for a long time after delivery also.

Message edited 11/23/2009 11:40:33 PM.

Re: Light headedness when changing position

I'd talk to your PCP first. Sounds like it could be some mild vertigo...

Re: Light headedness when changing position

I had this...turns out it was positional vertigo..I had to see an ENT because it is caused by crystal buildup in the ear. The ENT does exercises to remove the crystals. I havent had any problems since.

Re: Light headedness when changing position