Tips to Tackle Pregnancy Vomiting and Nausea

Nausea and vomiting are a part of most pregnancies that women try to avoid. While some women do not experience it at all, some suffer with it till the very end of pregnancy. Although it may not be possible to stop nausea and vomiting entirely, there are effective ways to keep these symptoms under control.

Morning Sickness in Pregnancy

Morning sickness in pregnancy refers to the nausea and vomiting a pregnant woman experiences, most often in her first trimester. In most cases, morning sickness gradually decreases and stops completely in the middle of the second trimester. However, some women can struggle with vomiting or nausea throughout pregnancy.

Contrary to the name, morning sickness does not happen just in the mornings. Vomiting and nausea tend to be more common in the mornings for most women. This could be due to a long gap after a meal, a morning surge in hormones after a night of rest, etc. Many women experience vomiting and nausea throughout the day, and for some, it is more severe at night.

Causes of Vomiting in Pregnancy

There is no single cause of nausea or vomiting during pregnancy. The reasons can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. The most common reasons are -

A spike in pregnancy hormones, especially hCG.
Low blood sugar
Changes in blood pressure
Changes in metabolism and digestion

The hormonal changes can make women more sensitive to certain tastes and smells, thus triggering nausea when they are exposed to them. While some women successfully control the vomiting triggered by their sensitivities, for most, it’s best to stay away from such triggers altogether. Tiredness, lack of sleep, anxiety, and stress can worsen the nausea caused by the changes in the body.

Controlling Nausea in Pregnancy

Pregnant women struggling with morning sickness are ready to try almost anything to make their nausea stop. However, not all methods are pregnancy safe, especially if there are complications in the pregnancy.

Here are a few ways to control pregnancy nausea and vomiting –

Eat smaller meals, more frequently. Staying hungry for too long or eating too much at one go can increase your nausea and vomiting.
Keep light snacks like unsweetened crackers or dry toast handy to satiate those hunger pangs.
Try cool foods like a cold smoothie, cold fruits, or popsicles, if warm foods make you nauseous.
Sour candies can help control retching and vomiting, especially when stepping outside.
Ginger tea can effectively control vomiting and nausea.
Smelling mint in any form can quickly control nausea.
Ensure you consume enough protein in every meal. This will keep you fuller for longer and won’t feel too heavy like foods rich in carbs.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day rather than large amounts at once.
Coconut water can help with nausea and also replenish the electrolytes lost due to vomiting.
Citric fruits, cucumber, and watermelon, consumed in moderation, can help reduce nausea, improve hydration, and also provide essential nutrients for fetal development.
Don’t eat too late at night. Try to give yourself a good two hours after dinner, before you go to bed.

When to See a Doctor

It is essential to keep your gynaecologist or midwife informed about your nausea and vomiting when you meet them during your prenatal visits. It is advisable to contact your doctor without much delay in the following circumstances –

You are vomiting more than 3 times a day.
Your urine output decreases or becomes dark yellow, indicating severe dehydration.
You lose too much weight too quickly and keep losing it.
Your nausea prevents you from eating or drinking much all day.
You feel faint or dizzy, and confusion sets in as your tiredness increases.
Your heart rate increases.
You exert too much pressure on your abdomen every time you feel vomiting.
You are unable to retain any foods or liquids for even a little while.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Julie Thomas for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

Conclusion

Nausea and vomiting are common phenomena in most pregnancies. The intensity and duration of this nausea can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy. As long as you can manage the vomiting or nausea with simple remedies and can maintain a nutritious diet, there is nothing much to worry about. However, if you continue to lose weight and are unable to eat nutritious foods, you need to seek help before it can affect the baby’s development.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do nausea and vomiting occur during pregnancy?

When a woman conceives, her hormones surge to support the developing life within her. This hormonal surge and changes in hormonal balance can affect digestion and sensitivity. When digestion slows down and sensitivities increase, most pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting.

2. When does morning sickness usually start and end?

Morning sickness in pregnancy can start as early as the 4th week of pregnancy or even before you can confirm pregnancy with a test. In many pregnancies, morning sickness settles by the end of the first trimester and at the beginning of the second trimester, as hormone levels reach a more balanced state. However, some women experience morning sickness throughout their pregnancy until the delivery.

3. Is nausea during pregnancy harmful to the baby?

No, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy will not harm the baby directly. However, the loss of essential nutrients through vomiting, dehydration, and the lack of sufficient nutrition due to the nausea can impact the baby’s growth and development in the womb. Severe vomiting can lead to excess weight loss, dehydration and weakness in the expecting mother, requiring immediate hospitalisation to prevent any adverse impact.

4. What foods help reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

Opt for bland foods over flavourful ones to reduce nausea. Smelling mint or lemon can help reduce nausea. Ginger tea, popsicles, and cold foods like cold shakes and fruit can also help. For snacking between meals, opt for rice crackers or plain toasts, as they can be crunchy and do not cause weight gain.