OmmyCare

🩺 Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

Disease Overview

First Trimester

Vomiting during pregnancy is a common occurrence, with as many as 60–70% of pregnant women experiencing it as an unpleasant symptom of morning sickness.

Causes

1 . Hormonal changes (especially increased levels of HCG and progesterone)
2 . Increased sensitivity to smells or certain foods
3 . Low blood sugar levels in some cases
4 . Stress or anxiety
5 . In rare cases: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, which requires medical attention

Risk Factors

1 . First pregnancy
2 . History of motion sickness or migraines
3 . Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
4 . High levels of stress or anxiety
5 . Female fetus (some studies suggest a higher likelihood)
6 . History of nausea/vomiting in prior pregnancies

Prevention

1 . Start prenatal vitamins before conception or early in pregnancy to help reduce symptoms
2 . Avoid known triggers (strong smells, spicy/fatty foods)
3 . Maintain stable blood sugar by eating small frequent meals
4 . Stay hydrated
5 . Get enough rest

Symptoms

1 . Nausea, especially in the morning.
2 . Frequent vomiting (once or twice daily in normal cases).
3 . Loss of appetite.
4 . Dizziness or general weakness.

Complications

Complications can arise during pregnancy and may affect both the mother and the baby.

Mother's Complications

Complications that may affect the mother during pregnancy.

1 . Dehydration
2 . Electrolyte imbalance
3 . Malnutrition
4 . Weight loss
5 . Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Baby's Complications

Complications that may affect the baby during pregnancy.

1 . Low birth weight (in severe untreated cases)
2 . Preterm birth (in severe cases)

Treatment Options

Evidence-based approaches for management

Treatment Options

1 . Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones
2 . Avoid fatty or spicy foods
3 . Eat a dry biscuit or toast before getting out of bed in the morning
4 . Drink fluids between meals not during
5 . Rest and avoid stress
6 . Vitamin B6 supplements

Medical Treatment

1 . Antiemetic medications (e.g., doxylamine-pyridoxine, metoclopramide, ondansetron)
2 . IV fluids and hospitalization in severe cases

OmmyCare

🩺 Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

Disease Overview

First Trimester

Causes

Risk Factors

Prevention

Symptoms

Complications

Mother's Complications

Baby's Complications

Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Medical Treatment

Nutritional Treatment

Videos

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy