Should I be concerned?

Ya Never Know

Is fainting in early pregnancy fairly common? I'm 5 weeks pregnant and went to the grocery store for lunch and almost passed out at the cash. With my first pregnancy I had dizzy spells, and this was sort of like that except I really felt like if I hadn't quickly sat down, I really would have just dropped. Should I be concerned? Or just pass it off as a pregnancy symptom?

bsckgb7

Not a pregnancy symptom to just "deal with".  Please call your doctor.  Could be low sugar or BP, both of which can be serious (fainting will driving would be bad)

PrimRoseMama

It can be common, but it doesn't mean that its normal. I would tell your OB immediately. You don't want to keep having these spells.

Jyoung327

If its happened just the one time I'm not sure I would go to the doctor just yet.  My first inclination would be towards low blood sugar or low blood pressure, both of which I get all the time due to anemia and hypoglycemia, but which also increases during pregnancy due to demands of baby and increase in body making blood for baby.  Obviously if its concerning you, a phone call to the nurse wouldnt hurt. You could maybe get some bloodwork if they think its necessary to check your iron levels and other stuff.  

What I have to do is have regular snacks with protein to keep my blood sugar stable, and because I normally have very low blood pressure I cant stand up really quick or ill get light headed.  I've hit the floor before when I've totally blacked out, but very rarely- so i know what you mean when you say you felt you had to sit- so if you are able and it happens again- do sit! If even for a few minutes.  I also find when I'm standing for a long time, especially when I unconciously lock my knees (interferes w/ adequate blood flow to brain) I get light headed too.  Water intake also helps with both issues. It seems like minor stuff to change, but growing a human is hard! Not a doctor obviously but thats my take- hopefully you dont experience is again. 

MillieT09

I have had fainting spells previously, specifically on the day I would get my period. I always called my MW - and each time it had something to do with my blood sugar being low.
I would definitely call your OB or MW to make them aware and ease your worries!

crdo

Definitely call your OB as the dizziness could be an indicator of an issue that needs to be addressed.

Ya Never Know

Thanks ladies. I called my doctor's office and spoke with the nurse who assured me it was normal since it was only one bout of it. I had breakfast at 6am, then didn't have lunch until 11:30, which is usually fine when I'm not growing a human, but apparently not the case now. If it continues I'll go to the doctor for sure.

FiancB

It's common because your body is working on increasing your blood supply so vasculature has increased, but your blood volume hasn't yet, which can lead to drops in blood pressure and feeling lightheaded/faint/dizzy. Be careful, but while I'd mention it I probably wouldn't worry too much about it unless it's severe or frequent.