Pregnancy is a time for celebration and rejoicing. Some women, however, find their joy of pregnancy somewhat overshadowed by the onset of pregnancy-related nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting should not tarnish the joy of being pregnant. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to all expectant mothers!
What causes nausea during pregnancy?
Pregnancy nausea, sometimes called morning sickness, is often caused by the hormonal changes that all pregnant women experience. A rapid rise in levels of hormone chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), produced by the placenta shortly after the embryo implants in the uterus, is often to blame. Other hormones, such as oestrogen, also increase and can contribute to the intensity of nausea.
The hormonal changes characteristic of pregnancy can also lead to digestive upset and hypersensitivity to odours that can cause nausea or vomiting. Certain psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety, can also come to exacerbate nausea during pregnancy.
When does nausea start to affect a pregnant woman?
Nausea affects more than 75% of pregnant women, especially in early pregnancy. It generally begins around the fifth or sixth week, when levels of hormones such as hCG increase.
Pregnancy-induced nausea normally occurs upon waking, which is why it's often referred to as “morning sickness.” However, they can occur at different times of the day. Some women even experience continuous nausea.
When does pregnancy nausea subside?
Nausea usually disappears before the 20th week of pregnancy. In around 20% of cases, it may extend beyond the first trimester. In very rare cases, nausea may persist right up to delivery.
Is it possible to be nauseous within one week of pregnancy?
Nausea is unlikely to occur this early in pregnancy, as the embryo has generally not yet implanted. However, everyone is different and may experience symptoms at different times. If in doubt, consult your physician for an assessment.
Is nausea during pregnancy a good sign?
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are perfectly normal. So there's nothing to worry about, unless these symptoms significantly affect your normal activities or quality of life, or result in problems with eating or dehydration.
For the health of both mother and foetus, it is essential to control pregnancy-related nausea if it compromises adequate food and fluid intake. Weight loss is undesirable and can be a cause for concern, as it can represent a danger for both mother and unborn child. Watch out for signs of dehydration too, as this is another serious health problem that needs to be taken seriously, especially during pregnancy.
If you experience significant nausea and vomiting, you should seek prompt medical attention to ensure that these symptoms are not related to other conditions, such as anaemia during pregnancy.
A minority of women (1-3%) will experience very severe symptoms. This is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition that can threaten the health of both mother and baby. Consult your doctor if you lose weight, if your nausea/vomiting persists and interferes with your activities, or if you show signs of dehydration (fatigue, weakness and/or dark urine). In these rare cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
How to relieve nausea in pregnant women?
Although nausea is often a normal part of pregnancy, it doesn't mean you have to endure the discomfort. Here are some ways and means of alleviating or relieving it.
What to eat: some foods to combat nausea during pregnancy
Nausea can be associated with hunger. Sometimes, eating provides almost instant relief. For other women, nausea appears at any time and is difficult to predict. Finally, it is sometimes linked to triggers such as smells, for example.
In any case, it's important to keep eating! Here are a few easy-to-digest, stomach-soothing foods to help prevent and alleviate nausea:
- Ginger: Renowned for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can notably be consumed in tea form or added fresh to food.
- Dry toast and soda crackers: Eating saltine crackers or toast can help stabilize the stomach, especially before getting out of bed to prevent morning sickness (consider placing some on your bedside table before bed).
- Bananas: In addition to being easy to digest, bananas can help replenish potassium levels, which are often affected by nausea.
- Rice and potatoes: Starchy foods like rice and potatoes can help absorb stomach acids and calm the stomach.
- Water and hydrating drinks: As we mentioned earlier, it is vital to stay well hydrated during pregnancy. Water, herbal teas or sports drinks can be beneficial in this respect.
- Yogurt: Soothing for the stomach, yogurt is also a good source of calcium.
- Applesauce: Applesauce is easy to digest and can help soothe the stomach.
Other non-medicinal measures to alleviate nausea and vomiting
- Identify the foods, smells or other elements that trigger your nausea, and avoid them.
- Identify the foods that reduce nausea when you eat them, and give them priority.
- Keep soda crackers handy throughout the day in case you feel nauseous.
- Eat smaller meals than usual, and eat more often, preferably healthy snacks like cheese or crackers with peanut butter.
- Don't wait until you're hungry! Don't hesitate to eat when you can, and don't skip meals unnecessarily.
- Eat slowly, chewing your food thoroughly.
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating, and stand up slowly when moving from a lying to a standing position.
- Take enough fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Drink small amounts at a time and do it frequently.
- Plan your rest periods to combat fatigue, which can exacerbate nausea.
- Smell lemon or ginger.
- Avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods.
- Avoid preparing and eating fried, spicy or strong-smelling foods.
- Choose cold dishes, which tend to give off fewer odours than hot foods.
Prescription and over-the-counter remedies for nausea during pregnancy
In some cases, the intensity of nausea or vomiting requires medication. Diclectin® (doxylamine/pyridoxine) is the drug most often given to pregnant women to relieve these symptoms. Used for many years, this antihistamine and vitamin B6 compound is effective and safe for both mother and foetus. However, it does not begin to take effect until 4 to 6 hours after consumption, so the relief is not instantaneous.
Depending on your situation, other prescription and over-the-counter medications and treatments can help; talk to a health professional!
What about multivitamins?
Prenatal multivitamins in capsule form may be beneficial during pregnancy to provide essential nutrients needed for healthy foetal development. However, these multivitamins generally contain iron, which can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of nausea.
If you experience nausea when taking your pregnancy multivitamin, it's best to consult a health care professional about the best option for you. What's more, during the first trimester, some women will have to stop taking multivitamins and replace them with folic acid.
Your pharmacist can also help relieve nausea
Pharmacists can now prescribe anti-nausea drugs to pregnant women if they meet certain criteria. Your pharmacist will assess your situation, determine whether you meet the criteria for prescribing, and advise you on the safe and optimal use of your medication. They will also determine whether or not a medical consultation is necessary.
If you experience nausea and vomiting, consult your pharmacist without delay!
