Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are commonly known as ‘morning sickness.’ It is a common condition that many women experience during their pregnancies. Despite its name, morning sickness can happen at any time. It usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy and peaks between the 9th and 12th weeks. For most women, NVP improves by the end of the first trimester, around 14-16 weeks. However, some may experience symptoms throughout their pregnancy. With the best telehealth services now readily available, managing and understanding these symptoms is much easier.
NVP affects about 70-80% of pregnant women, making it one of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s generally not harmful to you or your baby.
General Signs And Symptoms Of NVP:
Monitoring general signs and symptoms in early pregnancy is very important. It not only helps your OBGYN track your progress, but it also keeps you informed and aware of your condition.
These are the general signs and symptoms of NVP that you should know about:
Nausea: You might feel a persistent sickness, often more intense in the morning, but it can occur anytime.
Vomiting: Some women experience occasional vomiting, while others might vomit more frequently.
Food Aversions: Strong aversions to certain foods or smells, which can make you feel more nauseous.
Loss of Appetite: A decrease in interest in eating can happen due to nausea and vomiting. It can also lead to temporary weight loss.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired is also very common, often made worse by the discomfort of nausea.
How To Control Vomiting And Nausea During Pregnancy:
For expecting mothers with NVP, a common question I often get is how to deal with nausea and vomiting or how to stop vomiting during pregnancy. There are different ways to manage NVP at home, such As over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.
Home Remedies To Control Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy:
According to expert advice from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), you can take the following steps to manage NVP at home.
- Diet and Nutrition: Eat small and frequent meals during pregnancy, no matter how much you want to skip a meal. Skipping a meal is never good for you or your baby, so you should have healthy and nutritious food regularly throughout the day. Avoid triggering foods, and try bland foods like porridge and toast if nothing else works.
- Hydration: Properly hydrating yourself is also very important, especially because you are already losing fluid and electrolytes due to NVP. You should replenish your hydration with water, fresh juices, ORS, and other liquids.
- Vitamins: Vitamin supplements, especially Vitamin B6, can help you control mild to moderate symptoms. You should be taking adequate vitamins during your pregnancy regularly.
- Ginger: Using ginger can help reduce nausea and vomiting. You can add it to your food or take a ginger supplement. Ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies are also good options. Choose the one that works best for you.
- Acupressure: You can always try acupressure techniques, such as using a Sea-Band, which can also help control symptoms.
Medications For Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy:
As an OBGYN, I always consider the best medication for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy to be simply the one that works for you. Medications always need to be prescribed and taken carefully. Especially in the first trimester, your OBGYN will most likely recommend the lowest possible dosage. Therefore, you need to trust your doctor.
If the home remedies don’t work, you can also try over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which are easily available in pharmacies. Antihistamines, for example, doxylamine, promethazine, or cyclizine, can be taken along with Vitamin B6. If your condition is still not getting any better, your OBGYN might prescribe you Metoclopramide, commonly known as Reglan. It is often given in combination with antihistamines. It speeds up emptying of the stomach, which can help control nausea and vomiting.
Alternatively, you can also be prescribed Ondansetron (Zofran) or corticosteroids. Zofran is prescribed in more severe cases of NVP, such as hyperemesis gravidarum. This means that if your NVP is not getting better with any medications and you are well past your first trimester, your OBGYN will most likely want you on Zofran. Remember, it is only prescribed in most severe cases that are not manageable in any other way.
Hospitalization And Intra-venous (IV) therapy:
If you cannot keep anything down, a hospital stay with intravenous fluid therapy is recommended. You might also require replacement in case of electrolyte loss. Sometimes, Vitamin B1 is also given as a supplement with IV therapy. It is done to prevent any life-threatening complications in severe NVP or hyperemesis gravidum.
When To Consult Your Doctor:
The most important thing during NVP is knowing when to consult your OB-GYN. You should be involved in the decision-making process during your treatment, and your OB-GYN should always consider your preferences and choices.
Suppose nausea and vomiting are severe and persistent or lead to weight loss, dehydration, or the inability to keep food or fluids down. In that case, it may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Also, consider online consultations, especially if you cannot visit the doctor for any reason. Nowadays, it is very convenient to have a doctor’s appointment online due to the best telehealth services made available. Your OB-GYN can consult with you online, recommend any diagnostic tests needed, and even make a treatment plan.
These guidelines approved by RCOG focus on lifestyle changes, non-drug treatments, and medications to manage symptoms. Simple changes to daily habits, such as diet adjustments and hydration, can help a lot with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Non-drug treatments like natural remedies are also recommended. If needed, specific medications can ease symptoms. Supportive care is provided based on how severe the symptoms are. The aim is to handle symptoms effectively while ensuring the mother’s and baby’s safety and well-being. Hope you have a safe pregnancy!
