What happens and what forms it comes in
Nausea during pregnancy is a normal reaction of the body to hormonal changes. Despite the name “morning sickness,” it can bother you at any time of the day. Doctors assess severity by the frequency of vomiting, ability to eat and drink, weight loss and signs of dehydration. With a mild form, the woman remains able to work. With indomitable vomiting, ketones appear in the urine, the balance of potassium and sodium is disrupted, weight loss occurs, and without treatment it is dangerous for the mother and fetus.
- Mild - nausea, vomiting up to several times a day, appetite partially preserved
- Moderate - frequent vomiting, weakness, slight weight loss
- Indomitable vomiting - food and liquid cannot be retained, dehydration
- Drooling in pregnant women - a separate option
Causes and risk factors
The severity of toxicosis is largely related to the level of hCG, so in case of twins and hydatidiform moles, it is stronger. Sensitivity to odors, stomach characteristics and heredity are important. It is important to remember: nausea and vomiting that first appears after 10-12 weeks, or accompanied by abdominal pain and fever, may not be toxicosis, but another disease. The doctor examines such cases separately.
- Multiple pregnancy
- Severe toxicosis in a previous pregnancy
- Toxicosis in mother or sister
- Migraine and tendency to motion sickness
- First pregnancy
- Hydatidiform mole
Symptoms
In addition to nausea and vomiting, there is increased sensitivity to odors, aversion to certain foods, drooling, and weakness. Signs of dehydration are thirst, dry mouth, rare urination in small portions of dark urine, dizziness when standing up, and the smell of acetone on the breath. These signs indicate that the body cannot cope and medical attention is needed.
- Nausea at any time of the day
- Vomiting after eating or on an empty stomach
- Odor intolerance
- Excessive drooling
- Weakness and drowsiness
- Smell of acetone from the mouth in severe cases
Diagnostics
The obstetrician-gynecologist evaluates the frequency of vomiting, weight, pulse and blood pressure, and signs of dehydration. Ultrasound confirms intrauterine pregnancy, term and number of fetuses. A urine test for ketones and blood electrolytes shows how severe metabolic disorders are. A complete blood count, liver enzymes and TSH are prescribed for severe cases. If vomiting is atypical, exclude gastritis, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, and other causes.
- Weighing, measuring pulse and blood pressure
- Urine analysis for ketone bodies
- General urine test
- Potassium, sodium, chlorine in the blood
- Complete blood count, ALT and AST, TSH
- Fetal ultrasound
Treatment and how to alleviate the condition
With a mild form, simple measures help: eat little and often, avoid feeling hungry, choose foods that “go”, drink small sips between meals. In the morning it is useful to eat a cracker without getting out of bed. Ginger in food reduces nausea in some women. If this is not enough, your doctor will prescribe antiemetics and vitamin B6, which are safe during pregnancy. In case of indomitable vomiting, intravenous solutions and electrolytes are administered in the hospital. You should not take medications on the advice of friends.
- Fractional meals 5–6 times a day in small portions
- Drink in small sips often
- Avoid strong odors and stuffy rooms
- Rest and don't get up abruptly
- Antiemetics - only as prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist
- Hospitalization for dehydration
