Are you pregnant and suffering from nausea or vomiting? You are not alone. Many women feel “bludgeoned” during the first trimester of pregnancy. Almost 75% of future mothers have nausea, and 50% suffer from vomiting. What are the causes? Is there a treatment to overcome it? Here are all the answers to the questions that future mothers ask themselves.
When does nausea come and go?
Nausea begins, most of the time, between the third and eighth week of pregnancy. “They are sometimes intense as soon as you get up,” says Darcie Jones, naturopath, “and can be accompanied by vomiting in some future mothers.” It is for this reason that we speak of “morning sickness”. But it is also possible that the expectant mother will feel nauseous throughout the day. “Nausea can also intensify until the evening with fatigue.” They disappear, in most cases, towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Some women, however, suffer from nausea and vomiting until delivery.
When can nausea and vomiting be severe?
Rest assured, nausea and vomiting are generally safe for the health of the baby and the mother. However, between 0.1% and 2% of pregnant women suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting, which can be accompanied by other symptoms such as stomach pain. “In hyperemesis gravidarum, symptoms persist beyond the third month. Women vomit all day. This leads to fatigue, but also sometimes weight loss. Expectant mothers should be particularly monitored by their doctors because they risk dehydration. Some of them also need to be followed emotionally.”
What causes nausea?
Nausea and vomiting are multifactorial. Among the researchers’ hypotheses, hormonal changes occur during pregnancy. During the first trimester, the level of beta-HCG, also known as the “pregnancy hormone”, increases significantly in the blood. This hormone would stimulate the part of the brain responsible for nausea and vomiting. Digestion is also slowed down by hormones, which explains why women feel “smeared” and “nauseous”. Vitamin B6 deficiencies, the fatigue of the mother-to-be, and her emotional state are also to be taken into consideration.
How to Relieve Nausea and Vomiting?
“It is important to know what is the origin of nausea or vomiting to act on it,” says Darcie Jones. “When it is not pathological, and you are accompanied by your midwife, there are lots of little things to do and test.”
To fight hypoglycemia
It is not uncommon for women who are expecting a child to be hypoglycemic in the morning when they wake up or, on the contrary when they make the slightest effort. This phenomenon is due to an increase in sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that regulates the level of glucose in the blood. “Generally, when moms-to-be start eating, they feel much better. Small tip, remember to leave a little something to eat on your bedside table. During the day, remember to put a compote or almonds in your purse.”
To aid digestion:
Split your meals
“I propose to pregnant women to split their diet. This involves eating more often, but in smaller amounts during the day. Remember that you eat twice as well when you’re pregnant, and not twice as much,” says Darcie Jones. You can have three lighter meals than usual, supplemented by one or two snacks, preferably at snack time and in the evening before sleeping so as not to fast too long during the night.
Try ginger
“Ginger is known to relieve nausea during pregnancy. It has the power to bring yang to the stomach, that is, heat, which helps in better digestion, “says the naturopath. “But it doesn’t work with all women. According to Chinese medicine, indeed, future mothers who are very fast, and who already have too much yang in them are not necessarily sensitive to ginger. “
Trust lemon balm
“This plant has soothing virtues. It has the power to soothe the upper digestive system, that is to say, the stomach, but also to act on the state of nervousness of the future mother whose emotions are at the surface of the skin. ” To relieve heartburn and nausea, you can take a teaspoon of lemon balm hydrosol in a glass of water.
Drink lemon
“Lemon aids digestion. At breakfast, squeeze a quarter of a lemon into warm water. You could add a little honey to sweeten the taste, but watch out for its high glycemic index.”
To combat vitamin B6 deficiency:
“You can act on this deficiency by adapting your diet. Avocado, banana, potato, brown rice, and brewer’s yeast are all foods rich in vitamin B6.”
Try acupuncture:
According to Chinese medicine, pregnancy can lead to energy excesses or slowdowns, which can cause digestive disorders. By stimulating strategic points, the acupuncturist can relieve the various symptoms of pregnancy, especially nausea, and vomiting.
Can I take medication during pregnancy?
Self-medication should be banned during pregnancy. It is recommended to consult your doctor or midwife if your health does not improve at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy or if nausea and vomiting:
- Prevent you from doing any activity
- Lead to weight loss
- You notice signs of dehydration such as a dry mouth
- You show a sign of fatigue
Only a professional can prescribe medication or refer you to another specialist.
What are the mistakes not to make when you feel nauseous?
- Avoid eating foods that are too fatty or spicy they can worsen symptoms
- Avoid going too long without eating
- Do not go to bed after eating, let a few hours pass
- Remember to rest and avoid any source of stress, which can exacerbate nausea
- Stay away from smells that bother you and be patient
