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When Fainting Spells Don't Feel Normal
After giving birth, most women expect a range of challenges—sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, maybe even the “baby blues.” But for some, like the woman in a popular Reddit post, there are alarming symptoms that no one seems to take seriously.
Imagine going about your day, caring for your baby, when suddenly the room darkens, your hearing muffles, and you feel like you’re about to collapse. It happens often, sometimes several times a day. You tell your doctor. They tell you it happens to most women. But what if it doesn’t have to?
As women, we’re often told to accept discomfort, to explain away our symptoms as stress, anxiety, or hormones. But if you’re experiencing near-fainting episodes postpartum, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. These symptoms may be common, but they are not necessarily normal.
Understanding Postpartum Dizziness and Fainting
Postpartum fainting-like episodes can be caused by a range of physiological shifts. After childbirth, a woman’s cardiovascular system undergoes significant changes as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Blood volume and hormone levels fluctuate, which can impact blood pressure and heart rate.
According to a 2022 study in the International Journal of Women’s Health, the early postpartum period is particularly susceptible to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, potentially contributing to symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and fainting sensations (Al Khalaf et al., 2022).
However, when these episodes are frequent and persistent, they may point to an underlying condition that deserves more attention than a dismissive shrug.
One possibility that surfaced from many shared experiences is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a form of dysautonomia that affects blood flow and heart rate, especially upon standing. According to a 2023 paper from Frontiers in Physiology, POTS is increasingly recognized in young women and can emerge or worsen during hormonal transitions, including pregnancy and postpartum recovery (Jahngir et al., 2023).
Common signs of POTS include:
- Lightheadedness or fainting when standing
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Nausea
These symptoms often appear similar to “stress” or “dehydration,” which can lead to misdiagnosis or dismissal—especially in women.
Why Your Symptoms Might Be Dismissed
Stories shared in women’s health communities highlight a painful reality: many women have been told that their symptoms are “normal” or “anxiety-related.” This isn’t just frustrating—it can delay important diagnoses.
A 2022 case study in Inquiries Journal on postpartum women emphasized that medical providers often underestimate or overlook physical symptoms, especially when they overlap with common psychological challenges like postpartum depression or anxiety (Hennessy, 2022).
The good news? Self-advocacy works. When one woman insisted on further testing, she was eventually diagnosed with POTS. Another found that her symptoms were due to anemia and low blood pressure. These conditions are manageable once identified, but they require attention.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you’re experiencing episodes of dizziness, blurred vision, or near-fainting postpartum, here are some practical steps you can take while seeking medical guidance:
- Track Your Symptoms: Record when the episodes happen, what you were doing, how you felt before and after. This information is invaluable when advocating for tests like an EKG, tilt table test, or blood panels.
- Hydration and Electrolytes: Some women find relief by increasing fluid and electrolyte intake. While water is crucial, don’t forget sodium and potassium. Look for hydration powders or electrolyte tablets with minimal sugar.
- Ask About Iron Levels: Anemia is common postpartum and can contribute to faintness. Ask your doctor about testing ferritin and hemoglobin levels.
- Bring Up POTS or Vasovagal Syncope: These are medical terms that can help guide your provider to take your symptoms seriously.
Supplements That May Support Your Recovery
While no supplement can replace a diagnosis or medical treatment, certain nutrients may support blood volume, cardiovascular health, and energy levels during postpartum recovery.
- Magnesium: Known to support healthy muscle and nerve function, magnesium may help with dizziness and irregular heart rhythms. A gentle magnesium glycinate or citrate is often better tolerated.
- Electrolyte Blends: Products that combine magnesium, potassium, and sodium can help maintain proper hydration and reduce episodes of lightheadedness. Choose blends with transparent ingredient lists and without added sugars.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, especially if you’re breastfeeding or taking medications.
Read: Pregnancy Hydration
A Word From Vitamins For Woman
You know your body best. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s not “just part of being a woman.” Near-fainting spells postpartum deserve attention, compassion, and proper care. Whether the cause is POTS, low blood pressure, anemia, or something else entirely, the first step is refusing to be dismissed.
Stay curious, stay persistent, and stay kind to yourself. You are your own best advocate—and you are not alone.
Al Khalaf, A. M., Ashour, R. H., AlDhafery, B. F., & Al-Harbi, M. A. (2022). Cardiovascular changes in postpartum women: Understanding orthostatic intolerance. International Journal of Women’s Health, 14, 985–996. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2147/IJWH.S366667
Hennessy, E. (2022). Case study examining postpartum depression symptoms and treatment. Inquiries Journal, 14(1). http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/558/case-study-examining-postpartum-depression-symptoms-and-treatment
Jahngir, M., Khan, M. S., & Verma, S. (2023). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in women: Emerging insights. Frontiers in Physiology, 14, 1287–1299. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10363219/pdf/nihms-1877221.pdf
U.S. National Institutes of Health. (2022). Postpartum cardiovascular adaptation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9012474/pdf/nihms-1792030.pdf
