This is the second morning this week where I've felt dizzy/lightheaded on the subway in the morning. (For NYers, I'm only going Grand Central to Fulton St too.) I've been able to get a seat en route and clearly need to make it more of a priority now. I just wish I knew what was causing it and how to try and prevent it. I haven't paid attention as to whether it happens on other times commuting (mid-day or afternoon) but have definitely noticed in the morning. The first time I ate an English muffin with peanut butter and greek yogurt not too long before. I had a cup of coffee but no water. So I figured I was getting dehydrated. This morning I had cottage cheese (was waiting to eat my bagel at my destination), coffee and some water. So now I don't now if it's dehydration? Anyone experience this? Any suggestions on how to prevent/avoid it?
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@LindsayInNY: Early in my pregnancy I carried OJ with me everywhere - sipping on that helped tremendously!!
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You may have low blood pressure. That happened to me on my morning commutes and I just about fainted on more than one occasion (and I was sitting every time).
My doctor told me if I felt faint, to try and put my head between my knees (lolz) or stand up and move my legs around.
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I couldn't ride our "speedline" (above ground subway basically) at all during my first entire pregnancy. I had to get rides to and from work. I'm pregnant again and getting rides again too
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The subway was my nemesis during pregnancy. Between the standing, the jerky motions and crowds, ugh. It was better during my second trimester and bad again during my third.
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@.twist.: I was wondering... My blood pressure is on the lower side of normal usually. When I went in last Friday morning, it was 100/60, I think? That was after breakfast but not much fluid. I try to move my legs around and not lock them but I think I just need to focus more on getting a seat each time. Too bad I'm not obviously pregnant and people don't care, LOL!
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@LindsayInNY: Yep. The metro, standing up too quickly, all make me feel the same way. My bp is usually 110/60. Just take it easy, and tell your doctor.
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Do you still have all your winter gear underground? You could be overheating if so.
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@raintreebee: Yes! I would get so hot and start peeling layers off while on the train. UGH. It was horrible. @LindsayInNY: I don't envy you right now!
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@LindsayInNY: I'm guessing it can be tough to get a seat on the 4/5/6 from Grand Central in the morning! I'm 35 weeks and quite obviously pregnant and have been offered a seat a grand total of ONE time throughout my pregnancy. People have suggested a sweet smile and asking a particular person for a seat, but I've never had the nerve to ask. I usually hang out near the handicapped/disabled passengers seats in hopes of grabbing one because we DEFINITELY count for those!
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@raintreebee: Yes... I take off gloves and sometimes hat. But otherwise leave coat buttoned. I started to undo it today because I thought that likely wasn't helping. @.twist.: It didn't occur to me about overheating!
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@loopedd: It's literally a 10-15 minute ride too so I feel like it's not critical to sit? But if I keep feeling this way...
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The only time this would happen to me on the el would be if I took my prenatal vitamin in the morning. Once I switched to taking it before bed, I was fine. But don't think this is your issue.
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I have naturally low blood pressure and I get this too. Crowds seem to set it off... it's like there's not enough fresh air or something. Oddly eating actually makes it worse. I've had to kind of sit on the floor a couple of times... ugh.
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@Mama Bird: I tend to get dehydrated in the summer months and had some instances where I had to squat on the floor so I wouldn't pass out. So awkward!
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@LindsayInNY: I have had this happen on our subway too. I have started unzipping my coat and taking my scarf off as soon as I get one because even though I don't feel hot that seems to be part of it. Also I cannot sit in the seats that face backwards/sideways, I need to sit in a seat that faces the same direction the train is moving. I make sure to keep a bottle of water with me at all times and just take small sips all the way. And I don't hesitate to ask for a seat. I will go over to the "blue" seats which are specifically designated for handicapped and pregnant women and ask the youngest and most able bodied person for a seat
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I lost my breakfast into a ziplock bag in my purse while sitting on a 8:30am 6 train heading down town from grand central in my first trimester.
Luckily I can walk to work and that was a trip to acupuncture and the last time I took a crowed train for a long time.
I would just ask nicely for a seat if I was feel badly. I really needed it to keep my lunch inside.
I also get offered seats all the time on the train. It's actually surprised me.
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@maddyz: Oh no!! My coworker takes NJT and the subway and has been SO sick so she carries two bags with her every day
So not envious of that! I'm hoping more food/drink and un-layering the winter clothes will help. I do spin class no problem so why can't I stand on the subway the same way?! Go figure...
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This happened to me on the subway a few times too and from then on I always carry water and a granola bar with me, which usually helps.
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With Liam, I would get dizzy and feel faint any time I stood without bending my legs for more that a few minutes. I was fine walking, but standing still with straight legs always made me almost pass out. It happened at work, in line at the mall, grocery store, etc, and in the shower. My doctor said to avoid standing for more than a few minutes and to bend my knees frequently if I had to wait in line for something. It happened a couple times this pregnancy, but not nearly as much, and I can catch it sooner if I bend my knees a lot and guzzle some water.
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There have been a couple of times during my first pregnancy it happened to me and I had to get off the train to get fresh air. One time it was so bad I was only seeing black by the time I got onto the platform and couldn't move until my head cleared and I could see again. I have really low blood pressure too - usually around 90/60.
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Could it be the crowds? I take NJT into Penn Station every day and I've noticed I get very lightheaded in the crush of people waiting to get on the escalator off the platform. It's the only place it really happens.
I lived on the east side for 8 years. I don't envy that subway ride pregnant:(
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@SeptMomma12: I don't think it's the crowds? They haven't been overly crowded trains (thank god).
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Has your Dr checked your blood for anemia? I started having dizziness around 28 weeks and that was the issue.hope people are giving up their seat to you!
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@magnolia: I don't think so? I know they take my blood pressure but I don't recall blood work being done for those levels? I don't go back for another 3-4 weeks so I guess I'll just keep an eye on things until then?
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I had low blood pressure and had those kind of spells often. They don't do anything for it. Other than say drink lots of water, eat frequently and don't stand up too quick.
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@Mrs. Champagne: Oh, lovely, that sounds helpful, LOL!
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