Often called “Morning Sickness, “nausea and vomiting are frequently noticed during pregnancy. It generally starts around the sixth week of pregnancy and eases by the fourteenth to sixteenth week. However, morning sickness can occur at any time and persists for a long time. It can peak around the ninth week. Nausea and vomiting are caused mainly by the riding hormones such as HCG. Generally, morning sickness is mild during pregnancy, but in some cases, nausea and vomiting can impact the pregnancy by becoming a serious issue. It is called hyperemesis gravidarum, which is the cause of significant weight loss as well as dehydration. This condition needs treatment such as IV fluids and antiemetics. The management of the issue involves using bland foods, that is, the BRAT diet and rest, ginger, small, frequent meals, staying hydrated and avoiding triggers and consulting with a gynaecologist if the symptoms still persist.
Symptoms and timings of morning sickness
- Timings: Morning sickness usually begins around the sixth week and peaks around the ninth week, and it generally goes away by the fourteenth to eighteenth weeks, but it can sometimes last longer too.
- Identifying the triggers: Certain triggers, such as certain smells, large portions of meals, fatigue, and hormonal changes, can impact morning sickness.
- Favourable sign: Nausea and vomiting are often linked to reduced risk of miscarriage, thereby suggesting the levels of healthy hormones.
Serious form of morning sickness — Hyperemesis Gravidarum
- The persistent symptoms are dehydration, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance.
- Various risk factors involved are motion sickness and previous hyperemesis.
- The severe form of morning sickness is caused by twins in your womb.
Management plans for mild nausea and vomiting
- Diet: You should take frequent meals in small portions. Moreover, you should prefer bland foods over salty and spicy ones. You must incorporate rice, bananas, yoghurt, and toasts in your diet. Always opt for snacks which are rich in protein and avoid mixing liquid foods with solid ones.
- Stay hydrated: keep sipping water, lemon water or electrolyte drinks and clear broths.
- Lifestyle changes: You must avoid triggers and take proper rest. It would be beneficial for you to try ginger tea or candies, or you can also try mouthwash and mints.
- Supplements: You must consult with your doctor about whether you can take folic acid or other supplements temporarily or not.
- Ginger: It is an anti-nausea agent. Hence, it is advised to have ginger tea or candies, or you can also take fresh ginger diffused in warm water.
- Peppermint and mint: Sipping on peppermint tea or sniffing mint oil can be beneficial for morning sickness. You can also try peppermint candies for relief.
When can you consult a doctor?
- If you are not able to keep your fluids down, then you need to consult the doctor soon.
- If the symptoms of morning sickness are impacting your daily routine or your hydration, you should consult a doctor immediately.
- If nausea and vomiting become severe and the symptoms are persistent, even after the twentieth week, it could be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum.
Medical treatment in cases of severe NVP
- First line of NVP: It is advised to take Vitamin B6, which is pyridoxine, in combination with doxylamine, or you can also take ginger.
- Second line of NVP: It makes use of antiemetics such as metoclopramide, cyclizine or ondansetron.
- Severe case: When nausea and vomiting keep getting severe, it is recommended for the person to get hospitalised for nutrients and IV fluids.
Conclusion
It is advised to talk to your healthcare provider always before starting any new treatment or supplement regarding pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Good Health Clinic for Women works for the betterment of the condition of women, especially those who are pregnant. Dr N.S. Sai Anusha is a committed doctor who works tirelessly for the benefit of a lot of women. You can also be a part of availing the benefits at very affordable prices. Must visit the clinic and get your doubts solved with the expertise, care and empathy of the experts.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most obvious cause of NVP in pregnancy?
A: NVP is mainly caused by the hormonal effects produced by the placenta.
Q2: Does NVP denote that the baby is healthy?
A: Yes, morning sickness is a big positive sign that your baby is healthy.
