Not feeling ... right?

Firemanswife11 · July 2014

Not looking for medical advice! Just wanted to say that first.

I'm just curious to know if anyone has experienced something similar so I can ask my doctor. TL;DR below --

Two times this pregnancy I have had days where I woke up feeling a little "meh" which turned into a full-blown sweat-fest, dizzy spell, headache-y, heart pounding, shaking, craptastic "episode" by about 9 a.m. I have NOT had my GD testing yet (that's Aug. 1) and my last blood check was at 7 weeks when we first went to the doctor. If I could explain what it feels like ... it feels like when I've just given blood and try to stand up too quickly.

Today I had the "episode" pretty severely, enough to scare me. I almost fainted in the hallway at work. My sister works at my office so I had her drive me to the nearby fire station to have my vitals checked. My blood pressure was fine (120/82 and then 137/88 when I started to feel embarrassed, haha). My sugars were 105, about an hour after my normal breakfast of greek yogurt and granola. I also had a cappuccino from QT, which I have several times a week with no adverse effects to speak of. And I've had about 48 oz of water already.

The chief told me absolutely no driving today and to let my doctor know what was going on. I was very clammy and a little wobbly when walking which concerned him but, again, my vitals were fine. He said it may be an iron issue? I had issues with my iron YEARS ago but they had since resolved to the point of my iron being exceptionally high -- especially for a vegetarian.

TL;DR - Almost fainted at work. Vitals are fine, checked out at fire department. Not feeling too great.

Anyway, have any of you ladies experienced something similar? What did you tell your doctor about it?

ADH0906 · July 2014

I'm so sorry you're feeling crappy. I've been having episodes like this too...I called the nurse's line because I was having vision problems and google told me I was dying, but everything checked out. I've had my GD testing but my midwife still suspects low blood sugar. I've been more careful with what I eat (every two hours, protein to offset carbs), upped my protein (I was way under the recommended amount), and she did recommend adding an iron supplant since I'm slightly anemic.

All that has helped some, but I still have episodes. My midwife said unfortunately it can just be a pregnancy thing as blood is redirected, etc. and to take it easy. I know that it's super scary, so I hope you get some relief!

AmandaJean12 · July 2014

I called my doctor after two almost fainting spells in a week... One I lost my vision and could only hear white noise for a few minutes. Neither time did they even have me come in... Just told me to rest because baby was still kicking. But I felt off for days, and kinda wish I would have pushed harder to be checked out.

I'd just tell them exactly what happened, but definitely that you still feel off.

BreandMikewedding · July 2014

I had some dizzy spells a few months ago and my dr told me to eat more protein and to eat every two hours. My other guess would be blood pressure, but you said that was normal.

@ADH0906‌ your comment that google told you you were dying made me laugh!

ADH0906 · July 2014

@AmandaJean12‌ I'm surprised they didn't have you come in...vision problems can be a sign of preeclampsia. I'd keep pushing if you're still having vision problems.

lrobi13 · July 2014

I am so sorry that sounds awful...slinks back and will try not complain about my little issues! Hope you feel better soon and that you get it all figured out.

Klavanga74 · July 2014

Ugh, that sounds terrible! I'd let the Dr. know just in case. I hope you feel better!

Eastie156 · July 2014

I've had some dizzy spells and noticed the days that I don't drink as much water as I should that I feel this way. OP, make sure you are getting enough fluids.

Jbunny100 · July 2014

I had a couple faint-feeling days and my OB said it was normal and just to reposition.

Heads up on the coffee - I drank a cup (probably closer to 12 oz) of decaf almost every morning when I was pregnant with DS. I was drinking well over 80oz of water a day too. I fell during 3rd trimester walking my dog and had to go to the hospital to get checked out. Baby was fine, but I was having contractions and did not realize it. Turned out I was dehydrated which caused the mild contractions. That's when I figured out that decaf or not, coffee was totally dehydrating me. Dehydration could cause you to feel dizzy too. Anyway, just thought I would share that tid bit in case you end up just being dehydrated.

Slapdashalice · July 2014

Sorry you are feeling rough! Definitely get it checked out. I have had two fainting spells where I have been standing and suddenly started pouring sweat, vision blurred, gone kind of deaf and have had to find somewhere to sit VERY FAST. Both times sitting down and drinking cold water have cured me completely. My blood pressure is always very low and I think that combined with mild dehydration and standing too long is what gets me.

cshade07 · July 2014

No advice as a ftm & this being my first pregnancy. Just wanted to say I hope you feel better!!

vrj0522 · July 2014

I'm sorry you had a rough start to your day! I do get off days every once in a while where I feel really dizzy, and like I'm going to faint. I also feel like somehow I'm not getting enough oxygen or something. However, I've never gotten clammy hands and all sweaty.

I would definitely discuss it with your doctor to see what you can do to avoid these episodes... it does sound like it could be anemia based on symptoms but your doctor might know of other things it could be.

MuffinMom14 · July 2014

I've been experiencing exactly what you describe, and it seems to happen right after I eat. It happened a few times in 1st tri, then not again until maybe 3 weeks ago, two days in a row, then the following week, once. And not again since then.

I brought it up in passing with my doctor, but she didn't seem to care. AND I passed my GD test (that was my non-scientific guess as to why).

I've just been eating smaller meals. *shrugs*

atraveller · July 2014

So sorry you are dealing with this - no experience but if your iron levels haven't been checked, it could be iron deficiency and/or anemia - I have heard that can cause faintness and other symptoms.

JessAnnJ · July 2014

I'm not sure it's been quite that bad but I had a similair episode last pregnancy and noticed similar symptoms starting a couple weeks ago. Things change during the end of pregnancy so what you were eating and when you were eating might not work the same now. I eat something before I leave home and when I get to work. Getting lots of protein is good. I've also found that keeping myself cool is key to not getting worse than the meh stage. I bought a fan and brought it into work. Keeping the cool air blowing directly on me seems to help.

I hope you feel better!

Firemanswife11 · July 2014

carriedaway19 said:

As a non-pregnancy related possibly, have you ever had issues with anxiety? I had a panic attack once and those were the symptoms I experienced (dizziness, shortness of breath, heart racing, etc.). Hope you start feeling better soon!

Yes I have anxiety issues, but I am 99 percent sure this wasn't an anxiety attack. I wouldn't say it was to the "level" of anxiety attacks I've had.

tnts11505 · July 2014

I have been having them myself, especially today while at the dentist office w the kiddos. I have felt crappy all day! Doc said it's from a drop in blood pressure. Idk.. It's scary and hits you out of no where.

Firemanswife11 · July 2014

Jbunny100 said:

I had a couple faint-feeling days and my OB said it was normal and just to reposition.
Heads up on the coffee - I drank a cup (probably closer to 12 oz) of decaf almost every morning when I was pregnant with DS. I was drinking well over 80oz of water a day too. I fell during 3rd trimester walking my dog and had to go to the hospital to get checked out. Baby was fine, but I was having contractions and did not realize it. Turned out I was dehydrated which caused the mild contractions. That's when I figured out that decaf or not, coffee was totally dehydrating me. Dehydration could cause you to feel dizzy too. Anyway, just thought I would share that tid bit in case you end up just being dehydrated.

I think I am going to give up on the coffee. I have started having some concerns about it, and I'm not sure why, as my doctor simply told me when I got pregnant to "cut back." Prior to my BFP, I'd been drinking like a whole pot of coffee by myself! Lol! Anyway, yes, decaf is definitely a diuretic, too. I'm scared DS will be born with a caffeine dependency if I don't quit the coffee before too long.

But yeah as far as the water goes, I've drank probably, oh, 150-some-odd oz of water at this point today. And I've been in the bathroom now 13 times. Haha.

CynthiaVRey · July 2014

I would be concerned as well but yes stay off google ! Maybe ask your doctor to check your fluid levels I know you said you've been drinking plenty of water but have you always or just recently ? Maybe your a bit dehydrated . Ask him to check your afis

slsl509 · July 2014

I've had this too - with my last pregnancy and with this one. Eating every couple of hours helps but if I go too long between breakfast and lunch or don't have a snack in there, I will get the shakes, sweats, etc. Yesterday I was trying to eat lunch and my hands were shaking without even realizing I was that hungry. I don't have GD but for some reason my blood sugar really drops when pregnant.

Decaf coffee is not a diuretic any more than water makes you pee.

MrsL2B · July 2014

That sounds like quite a scare! I hope your doc checks you out and determines that it's nothing serious.

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