Is Nausea And Vomiting Normal During Early Pregnancy?

 

nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is a commonly encountered symptom typically starting around 5^th to 7^th week and resolving by the 5^th month of pregnancy in 90% patients. It’s seen in (50 – 80) % of pregnant women.

A special clinical form of this is HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM. Characterized by continual symptoms even on medication causing dehydration and significant weight loss in patients.

Sisters and daughters of patients with this condition have a higher chance of developing this condition in pregnancy.

 

Certain health conditions also have the same symptoms of –

• Diabetic complications, Thyroid disease.
• Migraine, Brain tumors, Ear diseases.
• Hepatitis, Appendicitis, Pancreatic problems, Excessive acidity.
• Psychiatric disorders, Drug side effects.
• High BP in pregnancy, Liver disease in pregnancy.
• Ovarian cyst complications, Uterine fibroid complications.
• Urinary tract infection, Kidney stone.

 

Some patients are more at risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy—

• Family history.
• Previous personal history in earlier pregnancy.
• Pregnancy with more than one fetus.
• Abnormal pregnancy like Molar pregnancy.
• History of migraine, motion sickness.
• Low BMI.
• Female baby.

 

Non-pharmacological methods to get some relief from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy—

• Lifestyle changes –

1. Small & frequent meals (6 meals a day)
2. Meals should be high in carbohydrates & protein and low in fat content.
3. Bland diet.
4. Avoid keeping empty stomach. Eat whenever hungry.
5. Avoid smells or foods that cause vomiting.
6. Avoid stuffy rooms, hot places, noisy surroundings, driving on rough & undulating roads, excessive exercise.
7. Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
8. Drink adequate amounts of water. 2.5 lits/day should be the aim.

 

• Ginger containing foods-

Small amounts of cold, clear ginger ale in between meals might help. Ginger lollipops can be useful

 

• ACCUPRESSURE can be helpful in some.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK MEDICAL HELP—

• Incurable vomiting not responding to oral medications.
• Loss of weight (2-3) kgs.
• Dark colored urine.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Depressed mental state/ Thoughts of Terminating pregnancy/ Suicidal thoughts.

 

To know more about nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and seek help you can book an appointment with me by calling on 9830047058/8017815356 OR you can go to the appointments section on www.deborjyotipal.com

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