Nausea is very common in most pregnancies and it mostly exists in the first trimester. In some cases, it vanishes by the completion of three months but for some, it may last for the entire pregnancy. Some pregnant women do not experience it at all.

During pregnancy, your sense of smell is heightened due to which there are chances of developing strong aversions to certain smells or tastes. It is most commonly experienced when you wake up in the morning, hence the name ‘morning sickness’ but it can be present at any time of the day.

Causes for nausea or vomiting during pregnancy

• The rising levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG and progesterone are associated with cause for nausea.
• Pregnant with twins or multiples as the HCG levels in these cases will be higher.
• If you have had a sensitive stomach before pregnancy.
• If you are prone to migraines.

Treatment or remedies for morning sickness

• If possible, try to avoid factors that trigger nausea.
• Eat small meals frequently (around six meals) rather than having three big meals. Avoid having an empty stomach which can cause acidity which can trigger nausea.
• Try meditation and visualization.
• In the morning get up slowly and not in a rush, try to have a small snack like a salty biscuit or cracker even before you brush your teeth.
• Include food or drinks that have ginger. Ginger tablets and syrup are helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting.
• Increase your fluid intake, sip on water or can suck on ice.
• You may check with the doctor for any medication to reduce nausea.
• Medication to reduce acid reflux.
• Exercise moderately or go walking. Try getting some fresh air.
• Avoid or reduce food that is spicy or fatty.
• Have Vitamin B6 supplements and multivitamins but never on empty stomach (after consulting with your doctor).
• For some, the acupressure wrist bands help to give slight relief from nausea.

Hyperemesis gravidarum

If the sickness and vomiting occurs excessively and you are losing your body weight, then it is known as ‘hyperemesis gravidarum’. The symptoms are:

• if are losing more than 5% of your body weight
• not able to drink any form of fluid or have any food.
• when blood is present in your vomit.
• passing dark urine or lesser frequency in urinating due to dehydration
• high body temperature
• feeling dizzy
• low blood pressure

The chances of having it is more if you have had it in your previous pregnancy or if it runs in your family. Hyperemesis gravidarum can also be a sign of Molar pregnancy. Hence if you are experiencing these symptoms it is very important to consult your doctor to avoid complications. You may be admitted to the hospital so the doctors can access and try to help manage it. You may be given IV fluid to keep yourself rehydrated. Certain blood tests may also be taken to check if you are anemic or malnourished.

Mild morning sickness is not much to worry about and will not have any side effects on fetal growth. But if you continue to experience nausea or vomiting after mid-pregnancy it can be a sign of preeclampsia, you will need to speak to your doctor. To know more kindly contact us.