One of the most common discomforts in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, although they can last longer -and even until the day of delivery-, is nausea that makes you vomit .
The intensity of nausea is variable according to each woman. There are women who do not suffer from them (although for your peace of mind they are the minority), others who suffer from moderate nausea at some time of the day -in the mornings they are more common-, and others who have a really terrible time and can hardly eat.
Why does nausea occur in pregnancy?
The cause of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is not defined, but it is related to the concentration of hormones typical of pregnancy with a sharp increase in the first trimester such as human chorionic gonadotropin, secreted by the placenta during the first months of pregnancy. pregnancy, estrogens and progesterone. The effect of hormones slows down peristaltic movements (those that help move food through the digestive tract), contributing to nausea and vomiting.
These are more frequent in the mornings, after the long fast of the night, and are usually accompanied by an aversion to certain smells and foods, such as strong perfumes, the smell of tobacco, raw meats or the simple act of brushing your teeth.
What to do to relieve nausea in pregnancy
There are some keys that can help you better cope with morning sickness, and at least avoid vomiting, which is the most annoying thing.
- Get out of bed slowly.
- Avoid drinking liquids as soon as you get up. Instead, prefer some crackers that you can always have next to bed.
- Eat small portions several times a day (5 or 6 small meals a day)
- Avoid copious meals.
- Don’t wait to be hungry. Eat before.
- Don’t lie down right after eating.
- Eat slowly and chew your food well.
- Drink carbonated beverages (sodas).
- Prefer foods that help relieve nausea such as bananas, apples, cookies, and cereals such as rice, which helps settle the stomach. Also carbohydrates such as pasta and potatoes, and fruits such as raisins and almonds, rich in vitamin B6, an ally to combat nausea. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties (which prevents or prevents vomiting).
- Cook foods simply and avoid fried foods and highly seasoned dishes.
- Avoid strong odors.
- Avoid stuffy or too hot environments.
- When natural remedies do not work, the doctor can prescribe antiemetic medications compatible with pregnancy.
warning signs
Suffering nausea and vomiting is a very annoying situation, which can affect not only physically but also psychologically. You may be feeling weak from vomiting and scared that your baby won’t get enough nutrients, but don’t worry; the baby will have everything it needs for its proper development.
But there are certain warning signs that it is better to watch out for, if not treated, it could trigger hyperemesis gravidarum, a disease characterized by intense and persistent nausea and vomiting that causes dehydration and may require hospital admission.
If you have the following symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
- Vomiting accompanied by abdominal pain.
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine volume, decreased sweating, excessive thirst, dry mouth, palpitations, and dizziness when standing up.
- Fever.
- Bloody, black (similar to coffee grounds) or green vomit.
- Absence of fetal movements when the fetus is more than 24 weeks
- Confusion, weakness, or numbness on one side of the body, speech or vision problems, or drowsiness.
- Vomiting that persists or worsens.
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