Nausea and vomiting are two most common symptoms in early pregnancy. Almost 80% of women suffer from these two symptoms although the severity can vary.
Nausea i.e. “upset stomach” and vomiting i.e. “throwing up” is commonly known as morning sickness as they mostly occur during the morning but actually they can occur any time in the day and night.
When does nausea and vomiting mostly occur?
Nausea and vomiting are more common in the first trimester. They appear around fifth or sixth week of pregnancy and get worst in ninth week. By 16th to 18th week they improve and disappear by week 20.
Some women still get the symptoms in their 3rd trimester in mild forms.
What causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?
The exact causes behind nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are still not known to doctors.
- Studies show that rapid changes in hormone levels cause changes in muscle contraction and relaxations of the stomach and intestine which lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Rise of a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) during early pregnancy is more responsible in making women feel sick.
- It has been found that women who are prone to have nausea from birth control pills, motion sickness and migraines are more at risk of getting nausea during early pregnancy.
- Inadequacy of certain vitamins like B-6 may cause nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
What is risk to the baby from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?
Although nausea and vomiting can make a pregnant woman feel very sick or uncomfortable yet it poses no risk for the baby in the long run.
But if nausea and vomiting are accompanied by fever, abdominal pain and headaches then you should call your doctor immediately.
If you vomit more than 3 to 4 times and also urinate less than usual and feel thirsty, dizzy or confused then maybe you are dehydrated. Dehydration is bad for the mother and baby too as it could lead to complications in the baby in later life.
It has been noticed that certain things act as triggers that make women feel nauseated and lead to vomiting.
Some common triggers are
- Smell of certain foods like cooked meat or fish, spicy meals.
- Perfume odor or smell of coffee, petrol and cigarette.
- Feeling tired and anxious.
How to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?
Eliminating nausea and vomiting totally may not be possible but after undergoing treatment you will feel better and also able to eat and drink properly so not to lose weight.
- Try to eat whenever you feel hungry to avoid empty stomach.
- Eat in small portions and have six smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day.
- Avoid greasy, fatty and spicy food during pregnancy.
- Consume snacks frequently and your meals should have more of proteins and carbohydrates and less of fat.
- Drink water in small amounts in between meals.
- You can also drink lemonade and fresh fruit juices.
- Some women feel better by smelling lemon, orange or mint. You can also try these out.
Avoiding the cause of nausea & vomiting during pregnancy.
The most important treatment is to avoid those substances that act as triggers.
- Avoid stuffy rooms, too much of tiredness and do not quickly change your position.
- Having ginger provides respite from nausea and vomiting. You can have foods with ginger.
- Prenatal vitamin with iron often induces nausea and vomiting. Try to have them at bedtime.
- Have snacks like yogurt, crackers with cheese or peanut butter before hitting the bed.
- Go for walks in natural surroundings.
- You can ask your doctor for alternatives and also medications to reduce nausea and vomiting.
If you cannot hold down fluids or liquids then you will be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids.
Nausea and vomiting are unfortunate side effects of pregnancy that really make women feel sick when they have to handle emotional upheavals also. The best way to tackle them is to think positively and consider nausea and vomiting as nature’s way to let the body adapt with the forthcoming changes.
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