Q&A 1st trimester

DR CARMEN JAMES ANSWERS:

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is very common and affects up to 80 percent of all women in their first trimester. Some risk factors for developing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy include twin pregnancies, a family history of nausea in pregnancy, and a history of motion sickness. The term “morning sickness” is a misnomer, as symptoms may occur throughout the day.

There are a number of factors that are believed to contribute to nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. These include: A surge in hormones, namely oestrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (released by the developing foetus and then by the placenta).

Additional pressure on the liver caused by the increase in hormones.

A drop in blood sugar levels as a result of reduced food intake secondary to nausea.

Fortunately, nausea in pregnancy usually reduces after the first trimester. However, a percentage of women may experience symptoms for a prolonged period. In severe cases, symptoms may progress and result in the inability to keep food or fluids down. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may require hospital admission. This severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is called hyperemesis gravidarum. As mentioned previously, symptoms usually begin to fade after the first trimester.

If you experience persistent nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that affects your ability to eat and stay hydrated, seek medical assistance.

Here are some tips for coping with nausea in pregnancy:

Avoid foods that trigger nausea.

Eat small, frequent meals. This will help to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Eat enough protein, and avoid fried or excessively oily foods.

Snack on low GI crackers to prevent sudden dips in blood sugar levels. Ginger is a great natural remedy for nausea and also helps to promote digestion. Enjoy ginger tea, or make a natural ginger ale (see recipe right), or keep ginger sweets handy (these will help with nausea and will also help to minimise blood sugar dips).

Green apple, lemon and mint may also help to reduce nausea.

Avoid eating too late at night; this will help to reduce reflux.

Avoid caffeine.

Stay hydrated.

Supplement with vitamin B6. Chamomile tea is calming and may also help to relieve nausea. You can add mint leaves, ginger and a few drops of lemon to supercharge it. I am 12 weeks pregnant and very nauseous. I don’t actually vomit that much, but the nausea never seems to go away. For how long will I experience this? Is there anything I can take to help?