Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy? What to do.

Vomiting and nausea are among the main symptoms commonly associated with early pregnancy. A common and apparently normal condition, but one that has significant effects on women's quality of life.

It is also a sign of malaise which, although most often prevalent in the first trimester, can worsen, persist and be a symptom of a more serious condition.

Why do you vomit during pregnancy?

First of all, it is good to distinguish between the so-called emesis gravidarum and hyperemesis gravidarum. In the first case it is an almost physiological condition, an inevitable symptom linked to the start of the pregnancy itself. In the second case, instead, of a more serious condition that we will deepen below.

But why does early pregnancy cause this effect in pregnant women? There is no single and certain explanation for this condition and there are several researches attempting to pinpoint the origin of this disorder. One of the most accredited theses is that which identifies hormonal changes as responsible for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The increase in estrogen and the beta hCG hormone may explain why you vomit during pregnancy.

A hypothesis, this time more conceptual than scientific, is that it is a sort of "defense mechanism" assumed by the woman's body for the current novelty and that the nausea is of "help" to the future mother in prevent her from taking foods and substances that are potentially dangerous for the baby (such as alcohol, smoking and coffee).

Vomiting in pregnancy: what to do to alleviate it?

As this is a very personal condition that can vary in intensity, it is important to understand when you feel more nausea and what are the most effective remedies. Among the tips to alleviate this discomfort there is sipping water (in some cases the carbonated one is more effective), avoiding drinking liquids on an empty stomach and getting more rest. From the food point of view, it may be useful to increase the number of meals by reducing their quantity. Not only, therefore, breakfast, lunch and dinner, but also add small snacks based on light foods in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. It is also good to stay in cool places where there is no strong and annoying odors.

Vomiting in pregnancy, the remedies

There is no real solution therapy and what is important to do, as seen, is to be able to reduce the annoyances as much as possible. It may be useful to evaluate a change in diet and lifestyle, reducing stress (especially for those in their first pregnancy) and changing their daily habits that can favor the manifestation of this condition.

In some cases it is possible to resort to the use of prenatal vitamins or pharmacological treatments, but it is always necessary to consult your doctor before taking any type of medicine.

Vomiting in pregnancy, when to worry?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a much more severe form of the classic vomiting and nausea during pregnancy. This condition is serious because it persists throughout the course of pregnancy and can lead to dehydration and weight loss. At the same time, it causes constant fatigue and an imbalance in the energy balance that can be dangerous for both the health of the woman and that of the child, so much so that in rare cases hospitalization may be necessary.

It is very important not to underestimate vomiting during pregnancy, even if it is considered common and normal. This is especially true when other symptoms such as:

• fever;

• abdominal pain;

• rapid heartbeat;

• dizziness;

• significant weight loss;

• reduced sweating;

• excessive weakness.

These symptoms can be those of hyperemesis gravidarum, but also warning signs of malnutrition, dehydration or urinary tract infections.

In these cases it is necessary to contact your doctor to investigate the causes and the state of health of the woman and to intervene in an effective and positive way.