Pregnancy

Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

One of the most common pregnancy discomforts that a pregnant woman faces is nausea and vomiting, affecting between 60 and 70% of all pregnant women particularly during the first trimester. First signs of this condition can be seen during the second week after the missing period, and ending around week 12 to 14, when the second trimester of pregnancy begins.

A research conducted in the early 90s, determined that near 35% of all pregnant women, experience severe nausea and vomiting in the early days after conceiving, diminishing over time until completely disappearing. However, there is a condition called Hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of induced nausea characterized by persistent vomiting and ketonuria, accompanied by dehydration and severe weight loss.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a rare condition affecting only approximately 0.5 to 2% of pregnant women, leading to coma, convulsions and miscarriage when it is left untreated. It is estimated that up to 60% of pregnant women who suffer from this condition develop a sort of secondary clinical depression. Hyperemesis gravidarum is treated with IV fluids, integral nutrition, acupressure and medication.

Any other nausea and vomiting symptom is usually treated with the intake of Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine. This is a popular natural treatment among many pregnant women who are prescribed with multivitamin containing pyridoxine. During the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, Vitamin B6 significantly decreases nausea and its use has been associated with a lower risk for congenital heart defects and the reduction in neural tube defects in the baby.

However, morning sickness is still the main source of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Characterized by upset stomach and throwing up, morning sickness may happen during the first trimester of pregnancy, as a mild or severe morning discomfort, but symptoms can occur at any other hour of night or day. This condition is unpleasant but harmless, and usually gone during the second half of pregnancy.

Unless severe vomiting occurs, morning sickness only has one risk for women: dehydration. If you are vomiting too much, your body loses too many fluids, presenting secondary symptoms, such as less urination, dry mouth, cracked lips and dizziness. This condition will not harm the baby, but you will need to be medical care.

In some cases, you may need to go into the hospital for intravenous fluid (IV), but if you drink plenty of water every day, the risk of dehydration disappears. Like any other condition, ask you doctor if nausea and vomiting is causing you pain in the abdomen, changes in your vision or if you are having frequent headaches and fever associated with morning sickness.