No one knows for sure about the causes of nausea during pregnancy. However, the nausea that occurs is probably a combination of physical and hormonal changes inside the body women during pregnancy.
Nausea during pregnancy is experienced by most pregnant women. Only less than 20 percent of pregnant women who do not experience nausea. This condition is common in early pregnancy, especially the first week to the third month, and is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. However, some women experience nausea for a longer time.
Although nausea during pregnancy is often referred to as morning sickness, but in fact this condition can occur at any time. Either morning, noon or night. In fact, some pregnant women experience it throughout the day. This complaint can certainly make pregnant women feel uncomfortable. Some pregnant women may even feel tired and less enthusiastic because they often feel nauseous and vomit.
Causes of Nausea During Pregnancy
The exact cause of nausea during pregnancy is still not known with certainty. However, nausea in pregnant women is often associated with several factors, including:
- Production of pregnancy hormones. When the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, the body will produce HCG. This is what is thought to cause nausea. So, the feeling of nausea that appears is a sign that the body is producing the hormones needed for pregnancy.
- There is an increase in the level of the hormone estrogen.
- Increased sensitivity to certain smells or odors.
- Research has found that some women experience nausea when stressed.
- Urinary tract infections can cause nausea and vomiting. For this reason, immediately consult a doctor if there is pain or bleeding when you urinate.
- Some pregnant women tend to be more at risk of experiencing nausea during pregnancy, especially if they have experienced frequent nausea during travel, nausea when using contraceptives containing estrogen, are pregnant with their first child, are carrying twins, or are obese.
Is it Dangerous?
Nausea in pregnant women is actually normal and does not harm the fetus in the womb, as long as the mother is still eating and drinking enough. However, if the frequency of nausea and vomiting is excessive, you still have to be careful. If complaints of nausea during pregnancy interfere with appetite so that the intake of nutrients consumed is reduced, pregnant women may require nutritional intake from additional supplements.
Nausea followed by severe vomiting can be a sign of a disturbance in pregnancy. For example in pregnancy wine, where the placenta develops into a group of abnormal tissue. Another possibility is hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a condition when pregnant women lose weight and body fluids in large quantities so they need to be treated with infusions or drugs.
How to Overcome Nausea During Pregnancy?
Nausea during pregnancy can be managed independently with dietary changes and changes in some habits such as the following:
- If you experience morning sickness, get out of bed slowly. If possible eat a piece of bread or crackers before standing up.
- Fatigue can cause nausea. Make sure you get enough rest.
- Consume food in small portions but often. Avoid eating large portions at one time. Limit foods that are too spicy or too sweet. Likewise when drinking, take a small sip and do it slowly.
- Avoid foods or smells that can make you feel nauseous.
- Consume foods that can relieve nausea, such as cold, unscented foods or drinks.
- Wear comfortable clothes that are not tight around the waist.
- Nausea is less pronounced when you don't think about it too much.
- Ask someone else for help if you are unable to do some activities that trigger nausea, such as cooking.
- Research shows that consuming ginger can relieve symptoms of nausea during pregnancy. You can consume ginger candy or drink warm water with a mixture of ginger if you find it helpful.
- Avoid lying down after eating food.
- Avoid fatty foods that take a long time to digest.
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth after eating.
- When you feel nauseous, try taking a walk outside to get some fresh air.
- You can try taking vitamin supplements for pregnant women with food, before going to bed.
- Iron can make the digestive system work harder. If you are taking vitamins for pregnant women with high iron doses, you can consult a doctor to ask for a lower dose.
If nausea accompanied by vomiting is very bothersome, the doctor will usually give you a nausea reliever medication. However, avoid taking anti-nausea drugs without consulting a doctor because of the risk of harming the fetus.
Conditions to Watch Out for
Nausea during pregnancy should be checked by a doctor immediately, especially if the nausea is unbearable until repeated vomiting, accompanied by the following characteristics:
- Pain in the stomach.
- Dark yellow urine or not passing urine at all for more than 8 hours.
- Unable to consume any food or liquid without vomiting again, for 24 hours.
- Feeling so weak that you can't stand up.
- Fever 38 degrees Celsius and above.
- Vomiting blood.
If nausea during pregnancy causes vomiting, make sure you replace lost fluids and food. Prolonged severe vomiting is sometimes associated with the risk of premature birth and babies born with low birth weight or smaller fetal size for gestational age.
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