Sickness in pregnancy: features, treatments and when to be concerned

Sickness in pregnancy is the most well-known symptom at this stage. But it still usually causes doubts in women, for example, regarding the duration of this period of nausea and vomiting, as well as regarding the symptoms of pregnancy. After all, what is part of the “expected” and what deserves special attention?

Alberto Guimarães, gynecologist and obstetrician, creator of the Parto Sem Medo Program, comments that there are a number of theories trying to explain why nausea during pregnancy is normal. “But the most accepted is linked to the hormones that exist at this stage”, he says. Below, the doctor talks about the main characteristics of motion sickness in pregnancy and explains how the condition is usually treated.

Sickness in pregnancy: when does it start?

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are common to virtually all pregnant women. They usually start from the 6th week of pregnancy and disappear around the 12th week. But each case is unique, as nausea in pregnancy can vary from woman to woman, both in terms of duration and intensity.

Guimarães comments that the onset of motion sickness can be very early. “There are women who, as soon as they notice a slight menstrual delay, complain of nausea, and eventually vomiting that can open the picture of pregnancy”, he comments.

Sickness in pregnancy: how long does it last?

“Overall, for women who have discomfort, around the 12th week of pregnancy, nausea has already decreased a lot; sometimes, it has even passed”, points out Guimarães.

But, again, this issue can vary from woman to woman. Therefore, if the episodes of nausea and vomiting last for a long time and/or are very intense, it is essential to report it to the doctor or doctor who is monitoring the pregnancy.

Sickness in pregnancy: home remedies

Especially during pregnancy, it is essential to be careful when self-medicating. But there are “natural measures” that can go a long way toward fighting motion sickness in pregnancy. Check out:

Consume citrus foods

Guimarães explains that some people benefit from eating more citrus foods, such as citrus fruits, for example.

A tip in this regard is, before eating, the pregnant woman has a little cold water with lemon.

bet on ginger

Chewing a small piece of ginger before eating is also an option. Or, make ginger tea:

• Put 1 g of ginger root to boil with 1 cup of water;
• Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes and turn off the heat;
• Wait for it to cool, strain and drink.

You can also add the juice of 1 lemon to ginger tea.

Making homemade lemon popsicle

The pregnant woman can also make a homemade lemon popsicle, which helps, in many cases, to fight nausea. Preparation is very simple:

• Squeeze the juice of 3 lemons;
• Add 1 liter of water;
• Sweeten lightly (the less the better);
• Pour into popsicle molds and place in the freezer.

This popsicle is refreshing and is a good option for pregnant women to consume throughout the day.

take care of food

Guimarães highlights that a very important measure is in relation to fractioning meals. Avoiding drinking liquids with the main meals is also essential. “The recommendation is to eat a little several times a day and avoid volumes of juices, at lunch and dinner. Because if not, the stomach distends and vomiting can occur,” he explains.

Another orientation of the gynecologist and obstetrician Guimarães is the pregnant woman not to charge herself so much. “In the first trimester, it is necessary to remove from the woman that obligation of having to follow a very strict diet. This charge needs to be reduced a little bit”, he comments.

These are general tips, but, as each pregnant woman is unique, it is essential to follow the guidelines passed by your doctor or obstetrician.

Sickness in pregnancy: pharmacological remedies

Guimarães explains that most of the medications indicated in this case are in the line of antiemetics. “But you have to be very careful in this prescription, not to use potentially teratogenic medication, which could cause problems for the baby. To exemplify the risks of inappropriate medication, we always have the example of thalidomide, which was used for more than 30 years for nausea and which, later, the child was born without upper limbs”, he warns.

In this sense, examples of remedies that are generally used to treat nausea in pregnancy are:

But, it is worth stressing that no medicine should be used without a prescription from the obstetrician, as each case must be evaluated individually, in order to avoid risks for both the mother and the baby.

Very sick: when to worry?

Nausea and vomiting can turn into a very severe condition in some cases. “It’s called hyperemesis gravidarum, which is vomiting that doesn’t get better with anything,” says Guimarães.

“Sometimes, women even experience weight loss, and this can also lead to dehydration and a decline in their general condition. Sometimes, in case of hyperemesis, hospitalization is necessary to medicate intravenous action (medication in the vein) to hydrate and help in the recovery of the body”, adds the obstetrician.

What differentiates nausea in “expected” pregnancy from hyperemesis, explains Guimarães, are these vomiting that do not improve with anything, other than weight loss and a drop in the general condition of the pregnant woman.

While nausea in pregnancy can be considered normal, hyperemesis deserves special attention, as it can lead to dehydration and weight loss.