Kallah almost fainting from bedikah - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Kallah almost fainting from bedikah

March 1, 2005

Question

I am a kalla teacher and just encountered an unusual situation. A kalla tried to go in with her finger to try to practice doing a bedika; it didn't hurt but…she suddenly felt very sick, as if she was going to throw up, it became black before her eyes, and she thought she would faint. Have you ever heard of this and what could be done about it?

Answer

It may have been a vasovagal episode, a relatively common occurrence at times of stress. The vagus nerve sends a message to the vascular system that causes the blood vessels to dilate. The extra space for the blood in the blood vessels of the body leaves less blood to get to the brain. This leads to a feeling of lightheadedness, nausea and sometimes fainting. This is not at all uncommon for some people when they have blood drawn.

This kallah should try lying down the next time she tries to do a bedikah until she gets used to it. If the problem persists, then she should consult her physician.