Pregnancy Week 39: Is Dizziness a Sign of Labor?

Experiencing dizziness at 39 weeks pregnant is generally not considered a sign of labor. However, it's important for expectant mothers to identify the cause of the dizziness. If a blood pressure monitor is available, checking blood pressure can provide valuable insight. A systolic reading of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic reading above 90 mmHg, is typically considered abnormal. It's also crucial to compare these numbers to the mother's usual baseline. If the systolic pressure has increased by 30 mmHg or the diastolic by 15 mmHg, it may indicate a potential complication such as gestational hypertension or even preeclampsia, and prompt medical attention is advised.

Other Possible Causes of Dizziness During Late Pregnancy

In addition to hypertension, other factors like cervical spine issues or conditions such as Ménière's disease could contribute to dizziness. If all other potential causes are ruled out, it is usually safe for the mother to continue waiting for labor at home. Monitoring for actual signs of labor is key during this time.

Recognizing True Labor Contractions

Real labor is primarily identified by the presence of regular and strong contractions. These can be observed at home. A true contraction often causes the entire abdomen to feel hard and tight for about a minute before the uterus fully relaxes again. If contractions occur at a regular interval—typically around every 4 to 5 minutes—and are accompanied by an increase in vaginal discharge or the appearance of the mucus plug, this is usually a clear sign that labor has begun.