Pregnancy Sickness

Early signs of pregnancy

Top 10 early signs of pregnancy

Pregnancy sickness

Tips to prevent morning sickness

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness

Nausea and vomiting is a symptom of pregnancy and affects most women to some degree. It begins early in pregnancy, most commonly between the 4th and 7th week. It usually settles by 12–14 weeks, although in some women it may last longer. It is often called ‘morning sickness’ but it can occur at any time of the day or night.
The cause is thought to be pregnancy hormones but it is unclear why some women get it worse than others. However.
It is more likely if:
- You have had it before.
- You are having more than one baby (twins or triplets).
- You have a molar pregnancy (a rare condition where the placenta overgrows and the baby does not form correctly , which can be diagnosed with the help of USG.
- It is important that other causes of vomiting are considered and looked into, particularly if you are unwell, have pain in your tummy. Possible other causes include gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), a kidney infection, appendicitis or gastroenteritis.

If the nausea and vomiting becomes so severe that it leads to dehydration and significant weight loss, it is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It may affect 1 to 3 in 100 pregnant women. Signs of dehydration include feeling ‘dry’ or very thirsty, becoming drowsy or unwell, or your urine changing from a light yellow to a dark yellow or brown colour. Women with this condition may need to be admitted to hospital.
In severe cases, vomiting can last up to 20 weeks. Occasionally, it can last until the end of pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy can be a difficult problem to cope with. It can affect your mood, your work, your home situation and your ability to care for your family. Support from family and friends can help. In some women, the symptoms can be so severe that they become depressed and need extra support such as counselling. If you find that you persistently feel down then you should speak to your doctor.

There is no evidence that nausea and vomiting has a harmful effect on your baby. In fact, you have a slightly lower risk of miscarriage.
Women with severe nausea and vomiting or with hyperemesis gravidarum for long duraction ( more then 12 -14 wks of pregnancy ) may, however, have a baby with a lower than expected birthweight. You may be offered USG / Sonography to monitor the growth of your baby which is part of routing protocol at our SAAVI women’s hospital.

Most women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy will be able to manage their symptoms themselves.
You should try ,
- Frequent small meals :
- Meals that are high in carbohydrate and low in fat, as they are easier to tolerate. Try plain biscuits or crackers or toasts.
- To avoid any foods or smells that trigger symptoms.
Some women find eating or drinking ginger products helps.
If your symptoms do not settle or if they prevent you from doing your day-to-day activities, see your doctor, who will prescribe anti-sickness medication. This is safe to take in pregnancy.

Your doctor will change the medicine, may increase the dose and if required you may need IV injections / IV fluids.

You will have a check-up that may include:
A discussion about how long you have had your symptoms for and whether:
- You are keeping fluids and food down.
- You have tried any medication.
- You have lost weight.
- You have any other symptoms.
- You have had this in a previous pregnancy.
A check of your general health including your pulse, and blood pressure; you will have your weight measured and an assessment of whether you are dehydrated.
Urine tests.
Blood tests.
An ultrasound scan. This is to check how many weeks pregnant you are. It will also check for twins and rule out a molar pregnancy. ( This scan is routinely done at SAAVI women’s hospital. )

You will be given the fluids you need through a drip in your arm. This will be continued until you are able to drink fluids without vomiting.
You would be offered:
- Anti-sickness medication and anti-emetic injection; both of these can be given through the drip in your arm if you are unable to keep tablets down.
If you are taking iron medication, this will be stopped because it can make the sickness worse.
When you are feeling better, you can start to drink and eat small amounts and slowly build up to a normal diet.

You will be given anti-sickness tablets to take home. If you feel better, you can cut down the number of tablets. If your vomiting gets worse, stop eating but try to keep sipping fluids and taking the anti-sickness tablets until you start to feel better.
Your symptoms may return and you may become dehydrated. If this happens, contact your doctor to be assessed again.
Although this can be a difficult situation for you and may affect you throughout your pregnancy, the symptoms usually resolve or improve after your baby is born.

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy is a common condition that usually settles by 12–14 weeks of pregnancy.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of this condition and can affect up to 1 to 3 in 100 pregnant women.
Nausea and vomiting and hyperemesis gravidarum can affect your mood, your work, your home situation and your ability to care for your family. Extra support from family, friends and doctor can help you.
While most women can be treated at home or as outpatients in hospitals, some may need admission to hospital for treatment.
A variety of anti-sickness medicines are available that may help your symptoms.

This information aims to helps you make the best decision regarding your care. It is not meant to replace advice from a doctor about your own situation.

Pregnancy sickness (nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum)