Nausea is common during the first trimester of pregnancy and subsides afterwards. What are the causes of nausea in pregnancy and how can it be managed? Dr. François Aubriot, gynecologist and obstetrician, answers us.
Why do we have pregnant nausea?
Nausea affects 75% of pregnant women and 50% of them also have vomiting. "They are mainly due to hormones and in particular to the secretion by the embryo of HCG during the first three months of pregnancy. In the case of twin or mole pregnancies, the secretion of HCG is greater and nausea is therefore more frequent. There is also a favorable psychological context", explains Dr. François-Xavier Aubriot, obstetrician-gynecologist and author of the book "Endometriosis, understand it better, live it better" (Mango editions).
Morning sickness: not just at the beginning of the day!
They are called "morning sickness", but they sometimes occur all day long and can even be accompanied, depending on the pregnant woman, by vomiting. According to Italian researchers, it would be favorite not to use this term anymore in order not to cause confusion and worry future moms who would have nausea in the afternoon or evening.
When does nausea begin during pregnancy?
Nausea generally begins between the 3rd and 8th week of pregnancy, between 5 and 12 weeks of amenorrhea. Nausea is generally harmless for both the mother and the unborn baby, but becomes bothersome when it occurs very frequently.
When does pregnancy nausea end?
Nausea usually stops at the end of the first trimester (between the 7th and 12th week of amenorrhea). Some women are sometimes embarrassed until the 18th week of pregnancy (20 SA).
What are the symptoms in case of severe nausea?
"In 1 to 3% of cases, they prevent food intake and vomiting is very frequent causing weight loss, signs of dehydration with dry mucous membranes and very concentrated urine. These severe nausea known as hyperemesis gravidarum or hyperemesis gravidarum also causes electrolyte disorders with hypokalemia (drop in blood potassium). Hospitalization is then necessary," explains Dr. François-Xavier Aubriot.
What diet should be preferred to avoid nausea?
To avoid nausea during pregnancy, certain foods should be avoided and a few tricks can help reduce it.
- Limit your coffee consumption,
- You should also have a balanced and split diet based on a good breakfast, a snack at 11:00 am, lunch, a snack and a light dinner.
- Prefer slow sugars that calm the stomach,
- Always keep a small snack in your bag, but don't overdo it.
- Also remember to hydrate regularly.
"You should also avoid heavy, fatty and spicy dishes, rinse your mouth after each meal, avoid bad smells, prefer meals at home and avoid stress," advises Dr. Aubriot.
What can be done to calm pregnancy nausea?
A few tricks can help reduce the desire to vomit. In the morning, avoid getting up suddenly and stay in bed for a few minutes. Drink a large glass of water and sit down before getting up gently. Also, remember to stay calm and air out your house or apartment regularly.
What are the natural remedies for nausea during pregnancy?
"One must remain cautious about drug treatments because the first 3 months of pregnancy correspond to the period of embryogenesis and any medical treatment must be discussed according to the risks and benefits. Conventional treatments are based on antiemetic drugs, but they must be proposed with caution," notes Dr. Aubriot. "Instead, natural medicines such as homeopathy, acupuncture, sophrology, yoga or relaxation should be favored," he adds. If the nausea is too bothersome, you can also chew ginger and drink infusions of lemon balm leaves, basil and fragrant verbena. Finally, think of slipping lemon essential oil into your bag to breathe on a handkerchief.
