Causes of nausea during pregnancy (morning sickness) plus how to deal with it

In the early days of pregnancy, most women experience nausea and vomiting. However, the condition is known by the name morning sickness This severity can be different for each person. So, what makes this nausea appear? The following is a review of the causes of nausea during pregnancy (morning sickness).

Causes of nausea during pregnancy

2. Levels of the hormone progesterone

Not only estrogen, progesterone levels during pregnancy will also increase. The high level of progesterone helps tighten the uterine muscles to prevent premature birth. Apart from that, progesterone also promotes the growth of the milk-producing glands in the breasts during pregnancy.

These high levels of progesterone are thought to trigger various symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as nausea, breast tenderness, bloating, and changes. mood. Well, this is also thought to be the cause of nausea during pregnancy.

3. Gastric problems

When progesterone production increases, this condition can adversely affect the lower esophagus.

This section is associated with the valve to the stomach which will also be affected. When these two parts are having a little trouble, it can trigger nausea.

4. Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is also thought to be a cause of nausea during pregnancy. Hypoglycemia occurs when there is not enough glucose or sugar in the blood.

As a result, various symptoms will appear, such as nausea, sweating, dizziness, pale face, and an accelerating heart rate. Hypoglycemia often occurs in pregnant women because the placenta drains energy from the mother's body because the food that is entered is also divided in half with the fetus.

5. Increased body sensitivity

During pregnancy, usually women tend to have a part of the brain that is more sensitive than when not pregnant. This means that the brain tends to respond quickly to hormones and other nausea triggers.

That is what is thought to stimulate excessive nausea. If you have a more sensitive stomach, you are likely to experience more severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Apart from the stomach, the sense of smell also tends to be much more sensitive than usual. As a result, many pregnant women who even just smell their husband's body will feel nauseous.

6. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone

This hormone is first produced when the embryo begins to develop in the uterus after conception. This hormone is formed from the cells that make up the placenta. Some experts suspect that this hormone can also trigger it morning sickness in pregnant women.

The level of hCG is actually a measure that the pregnancy is developing well. Usually this hormone is at its peak at 9 weeks of gestation.

Then, over time these levels begin to fall as the placenta starts to increase levels of other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Therefore, from the 12th to the 16th week of pregnancy the nausea usually starts to decrease.

In mothers with multiple pregnancies, levels of the hormone hCG are certainly higher than in single pregnancies. Therefore, the nausea that is caused also tends to be more severe.

7. Vitamin B6 deficiency

Reporting from the page of Pregnancy birth and baby, deficiency of vitamin B6 in the body is thought to trigger nausea. The reason is, vitamin B6 has various important roles in the body, from treating anemia, preventing the risk of heart disease, lowering high cholesterol to reducing it morning sickness .

8. Stress

Stress can trigger digestive disorders. As a result, it's no wonder that nausea tends to get worse when stress strikes. Therefore, try not to be too stressed during pregnancy so that nausea is reduced and your mental condition remains healthy.

9. Fatigue

Physical and mental fatigue can also be a cause of nausea during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to get adequate rest so that the body remains healthy and nausea is gradually reduced.

10. The first pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting tend to be more severe in the first pregnancy. This could be due to the body's lack of readiness.

Physically, the body is not ready for the hormone attack which increases quite dramatically and other changes. In addition, mentally you also tend to be overwhelmed by various anxieties which can eventually have an effect on indigestion.

11. Genetic factors

If you have a family who also experiences severe nausea during pregnancy, this is a sign that you are also at risk. The reason is, this hereditary factor is strongly suspected to have a role in this.

Things that increase the risk of nausea during pregnancy

A person is usually at higher risk of experiencing nausea during pregnancy if:

• Experienced nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy
• Have a history of nausea or vomiting when taking birth control pills due to the body's response to estrogen
• Have a history of migraines
• Containing a baby who is female

Does nausea during pregnancy harm the baby?

In fact, there are countless causes for nausea during pregnancy. But no need to worry, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy do not harm the baby at all. In fact, experts consider this to be a sign that your womb is healthy.

However, if the condition gets worse to the point of making you unable to eat at all, this is something to watch out for. The reason is, you need enough nutrition to be distributed to the baby for normal growth and development.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition when a woman experiences nausea and vomiting severe enough to become dehydrated. This condition causes an electrolyte imbalance to make you lose weight dramatically.

If this has happened, don't take it lightly anymore. You need to see a doctor immediately if nausea and vomiting are accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Very dark colored urine
• No food and drink can enter the mouth
• Nausea and vomiting very often during the day
• Fever
• Dizzy
• Heartbeat faster than usual
• Severe nausea during the second trimester
• Urinating less frequently
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting blood

This condition can no longer be treated alone and requires hospitalization. The first treatment that will be given by the doctor is intravenous fluids or infusion to re-hydrate the body.

Is it dangerous not to experience nausea during pregnancy?

In fact, not all pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting throughout their pregnancy. Take it easy, don't experience morning sickness when pregnant does not mean abnormal.

The reason is, each woman has her own way of adapting to the various changes that occur during pregnancy. It could be that your body has a fairly high tolerance for changes that occur during pregnancy.

Therefore, it does not mean not having nausea during pregnancy indicates that you are not normal or that you are in danger. However, if you are in doubt and feel worried, have your gynecology checked by your doctor regularly.

How to deal with nausea during pregnancy (morning sickness)

Drink ginger ale

Ginger is one of the natural ingredients that can help deal with nausea during pregnancy. You only need to process it into a warm drink with the addition of brown or palm sugar to make it more delicious.

However, consult a doctor before making it a natural nausea remedy. The reason is, even though it is a natural ingredient, ginger can have an adverse effect on some pregnant women.

Aromatherapy inhalation

Aromatherapy is one way to help deal with nausea during pregnancy. You can try various essential oils to help with nausea during pregnancy.

Lemon oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and fennel seed oil are choices of oils that you can use as aromatherapy. You can put it inside diffuser in order to inhale its vapor as aromatherapy.

If it doesn't have diffuser , You can dissolve the essential oil in a basin of warm water. Then, slowly inhale the steam. Apart from inhaling, you can also apply essential oils to the stomach to help relieve nausea.

Get enough rest

As already mentioned, fatigue is one of the factors that causes nausea during pregnancy. Therefore, not doing excessive activities beyond the capacity is something that needs attention.

Try to relax and get plenty of rest while pregnant. Don't be too tired and force yourself to continue your activities. You might experience severe nausea if you force yourself to continue your activities.

Eat small portions but often

When pregnant, the body needs more food intake than usual. The reason is, the nutrients that enter the body are divided into two, namely for you and the baby in the womb.

However, that does not mean that you have to eat large portions in one meal. This method is actually wrong because overeating at one time so that being too full can actually cause nausea during pregnancy.

The right way, namely eat small portions but often. That way, the stomach will continue to fill with food without being too full to trigger nausea.

Apart from the portion, also pay attention to the type of food consumed. We recommend that you eat healthy foods rich in protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Don't forget to also meet the vitamin and mineral needs of various vegetables and fruits.

It's not easy to eat when you feel nauseous, but push yourself so that the nutrients you need are still met. That way, the baby will not lack nutrition to develop optimally.

Get out of bed slowly

Sudden movements when you wake up can trigger nausea. Therefore, try to move your body slowly and don't need to be in a hurry. In addition to nausea, you may also feel dizzy or lightheaded.

For that, try to get up slowly from the bed while sitting down first. Then when you feel stable, then you get out of bed and stand up.

Avoiding triggers for nausea

Previously, it was mentioned that one of the causes of nausea during pregnancy is the body's sensitivity which is more than usual. It is the sense of smell and the digestive system that usually becomes much more sensitive.

For that, a solution that you can do is to avoid various triggers for nausea, such as smells or certain foods. Don't eat spicy food if afterward you always feel nauseous or replace your car deodorizer with one that doesn't make you feel sick.

Snack frequently

Often eating snacks during pregnancy helps avoid an overly full or too empty stomach. The reason is that both are often the cause of feelings of nausea during pregnancy.

Therefore, eating snacks is one way to deal with nausea during pregnancy that is worth a try. When you wake up, try eating a few biscuits or bread to prop your stomach before a big meal.

Wear loose clothes

When pregnant, it is important to wear loose clothing. Clothes that are too tight place excess pressure on your stomach which can lead to nausea. For that, try to use loose dress and avoid tight jeans.

Frequent breathing of fresh air

Open the bedroom window frequently, especially in the morning. Then, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Repeat this method every time you want to vomit.

Also, if you stay indoors too often, try walking into a nearby park every now and then. Apart from making nausea go away, light exercise by walking is also good for your health.

Drink lots of water

Drinking lots of water is one thing that should not be ignored. The reason is, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy removes a lot of body fluids. Therefore, this lost fluid needs to be replaced.

Not only water, you can also consume fruit juice, coconut water, tea, or soup. Lemon juice is also a great choice. In addition to replacing lost fluids, its fresh aroma and taste can help relieve nausea.

Distract

The nausea that occurs during pregnancy is natural. The reason is that there are various causes of nausea during pregnancy that cannot be avoided.

However, you don't want to focus on these feelings all the time. Instead, you need to divert your attention to various other fun things.

You can also distract yourself by finding something to do with what you like. For example, going out with friends or attending seminars parenting . By keeping yourself busy, you will no longer focus on the nausea that often comes and attacks.

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