Nausea during pregnancy

Nausea during pregnancy

Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, i.e. during early pregnancy, morning sickness is commonplace. However, the severity of the nausea can be very different: While some women only occasionally report morning sickness and rare vomiting, others complain of severe nausea and frequent vomiting. These symptoms subside in most women after only about three months or twelve weeks of pregnancy.

While the actual cause of the nausea is still unclear, some authors attribute nausea in pregnancy to hormonal changes and imbalance in the blood sugar level. Stress and overload as well as psychosocial factors such as an unwanted pregnancy, a disturbed mother relationship etc. in pregnancy are also discussed as possible causes.

Risk factors such as younger age, first pregnancy and obesity (in layman’s language excessive body weight, obesity) seem to be involved in the development of nausea (nausea) in pregnancy. In the case of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it is important to provide psychological support in particular and to give the woman the certainty that her complaints are benign and of limited duration. To avoid the use of antiemetics, simple dietary measures are often sufficient.

If drugs have to be used, the Swiss Medical Forum (2001) recommends antihistamines – especially doxylamine, possibly combined with pyridoxine, i.e. Viamin B6 – and phenothiazines. This is the best way to ensure fetal safety. In any case, drugs for vomiting and nausea should not be used without consulting a doctor, this also applies to over-the-counter drugs.

Ginger also seems to have a certain effectiveness against this form of nausea. Some antiemetics are also used. As a self-help measure for nausea in pregnancy, there are some tips for self-help.

Since the blood sugar level is particularly low in the morning and circulation problems are most pronounced, it is advisable to eat dry bread, crackers or dried fruit while still in bed. Slightly sugared peppermint tea has a calming effect on the stomach and lets the blood sugar level rise again. Ginger tea can also help with morning sickness during pregnancy.

Also the effect of other herbal teas such as lemon balm, raspberry leaf tea, chamomile or hops confirm that people affected by nausea during pregnancy. A lot of liquid, clear water, cold drinks without caffeine, tea or vegetable broth are good against nausea in pregnancy, depending on the requirements and tolerance. Water-containing fruits such as melon or grapes, fruit ice, ice cubes or lemon also contain a lot of liquid.

It is important to avoid fatty foods and strongly spiced foods. The stomach is less stressed by light foods, fruit, vegetables and raw vegetables. These foods are also part of a balanced diet rich in vitamins.