No one knows for sure what causes nausea during pregnancy. However, nausea that occurs is likely a combination of the physical and hormonal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy.
Nausea during pregnancy is experienced by most pregnant women. Only less than 20 percent of pregnant women do not experience nausea. This condition is common in early pregnancy, especially the first week to the third month, and is suspected to be the cause of hormonal changes. Even so, some women experience nausea for a longer time.
Although nausea during pregnancy is often referred to as morning sickness, actually this condition can occur at any time. Good morning, afternoon, and 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 excited because they feel frequently nauseous and vomiting.
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What Causes Morning Sickness
The exact cause of nausea during pregnancy is still not known with certainty. However, nausea in pregnant women is often linked to several factors, including:
- Production of pregnancy hormones. When a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, the body produces the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This is what is thought to cause nausea. So, nausea that appears is a sign that the body is producing hormones needed for pregnancy.
- There is an increase in estrogen hormone levels.
- Sensitivity to certain smells or smells increases.
- Research has found that some women experience nausea when they stress.
- Urinary tract infections can cause nausea and vomiting. For that, immediately see a doctor if it is painful or bleeding when you urinate.
- Some pregnant women tend to be more at risk of experiencing nausea during pregnancy, especially if they have previously experienced nausea during travel, nausea when using contraceptives containing estrogen, are pregnant with their first child, are carrying twins, or are obese.
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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, caution is still needed. If complaints of nausea during pregnancy interfere with an appetite so that the intake of nutrients consume is reduce, pregnant women may need nutritional intake from additional supplements.
Nausea followed by severe vomiting can be a sign of a problem with your pregnancy. For example in wine pregnancy, where the placenta develops into a group of abnormal tissue. Another possibility is hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a condition when pregnant women lose large amounts of body weight and body fluids so that they need to be treated with intravenous or drugs.
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What does pregnancy nausea feel like?
In general, nausea, a sign of pregnancy, takes place in a hormonal manner which affects the brain so that stomach acid increases and causes nausea to vomiting. In extreme cases, this can even lead to ulcers in the stomach.
The mechanism at this stage is indeed the same as nausea in the state of not being pregnant, so the fundamental difference is on the cause. Where GERD does not cause due to hormonal processes such as nausea, a sign of pregnancy.
One of the hallmarks of pregnancy nausea is that it occurs in the morning. This condition knows as morning sickness.
Morning sickness occurs because of the diurnal cycle of the Beta-HCG hormone, which levels are higher in the morning, especially when waking up. Even so, this nausea can also occur during the day, evening, and night.
Watch out for nausea followed by excessive vomiting or symptoms of dehydration. Immediately consult medical personnel to get treatment.
Nausea that occurs in early pregnancy generally causes by a more sensitive sense of smell
to certain odors. For example, fragrances, cigarette smoke, or the smell of foods such as eggs and onions.
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How do I deal with nausea during pregnancy?
Nausea during pregnancy can handle independently with diet changes and changes in several habits such as the following:
- If you experience morning sickness, get up slowly from the bed. If possible eat a piece of bread or a biscuit before standing.
- Fatigue can cause nausea. Make sure you get enough rest.
- Eat food in portions little by little but often. Avoid eating large portions at one time. Limit foods that are too spicy or too sweet. Likewise, when drinking.
- Avoid foods or smells that can make you feel nauseous.
- Eat foods that can relieve nausea, such as unscented cold foods or drinks.
- Wear comfortable clothes that are not tight.
- You will feel less nauseous when you are not thinking about it.
- Ask others 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 eat ginger candy or drink warm water with a mixture of ginger.
- 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 for some fresh air.
- You can try taking vitamin supplements for pregnant women with food, before going to bed.
- Iron can worsen the work of the digestive system. If you are taking vitamins with high doses of iron, you can consult your doctor to ask for a lower dose.
Conditions to Watch Out forNausea during pregnancy should be checked by a doctor immediately, especially if the nausea is unbearable until vomiting repeatedly. Doctors will usually provide nausea relief medication. Avoid taking anti-nausea drugs without consulting a doctor because of the risk of harming the fetus. |
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