What is Inferior Vena Cava syndrome?
In the latter stages of their pregnancy, some women may feel dizzy when lying on their back. This is caused when the weight of the growing uterus compresses the large vein called the inferior vena cava. The woman may experience light-headedness, which often eases quickly if she lies on her left side.
1 min read
Verified by Ingela Ågren
Certified Midwife
The inferior vena cava runs along the right side of the spine and carries blood back to the heart. In the latter stages of the pregnancy, the growing uterus may compress the vein when the pregnant woman lays on her back. If the compression is high, this may cause the return of blood to the heart to be reduced to a point where it causes a drop in blood pressure. The most common symptoms are nausea, light-headedness, and sweating. The heart rate commonly increases as the body tries to compensate for the lowered blood pressure. By lying on the left side, the pressure on the vena cava is relieved and the blood pressure usually returns to normal and light-headedness ceases.
If a pregnant woman experiences inferior vena cava syndrome, it is often best for her to avoid lying on her back and instead lie on the side.
Verified by Ingela Ågren
Certified Midwife
Hundreds of related articles, podcasts & more waiting for you in the Preggers app.
Download Preggers today.
More from Preggers
Read popular and relevant articles.
Childbirth tips!
Giving birth is hard work and it requires mental training and a lot of energy. Remember the following tips or make a checklist – it’s not far now!
Bumpies - Capturing Your Pregnancy Memories
Bumpies are a unique way of capturing your pregnancy journey - by photographing your growing belly instead of your face. With the Bump Booth tool, you can upload, edit, and add effects to your bumpies to create lasting memories of your pregnancy.
Hospital bag checklist – here you get tips
Planning and preparing the hospital bag well in advance is a common recommendation - and a good idea. Maybe you can hardly think of anything other than what is now in front of you, childbirth! Then it's nice to know that the bag is ready in the hall. Here you get the best tips for the perfect hospital bag.
Not ready to tell anyone yet?
There are of course many reasons as to why you don’t want to tell anyone that you just got pregnant. And of course, it’s up to you to decide how and when you want to tell. Want some advice on how to hide the big news just a bit longer? Here are some great excuses for when you want to keep your secret to yourself just a little bit longer.
%202018-09-20T14_30_55-481Z-1623654390878.png?alt=media&token=f3efa408-1683-4ffc-a31d-0fb581e1cbf5)