Nausea and Vomiting related to Pregnancy

Although the cause is unknown, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy related to changes in the hormonal levels in the body of a pregnant woman. When a pregnant woman, there will be increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which is derived from the placenta. This hormone serves to maintain adequate production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone from ovaries, resulting in pregnancy to be healthy.

In addition, the effect of this hormone is thought to cause nausea and vomiting in the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester) and will fall back after the fourth month. Therefore, nausea and vomiting usually goes away by itself after entering the fourth month. Besides HCG, the hormone estrogen is considered also cause nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.

Signs and symptoms

Level 1 (mild)

• Nausea and vomiting constantly affecting the general condition.
• Feeling weak.
• No appetite.
• Body weight decreased.
• Feel pain in the epigastric.
• Pulse increased by about 100 per minute.
• Decreased blood pressure.
• Reduced skin turgor.
• Tongue dries.
• Sunken eyes.

Level 2 (moderate)

• Looks weaker and apathetic.
• Skin turgor started ugly.
• Tongue dry and looked dirty.
• Pulse small and quick.
• Body temperature rises (dehydration).
• Eyes began to jaundice.
• Weight down and sunken eyes.
• Drop in blood pressure, hemoconcentration, oliguria and constipation.
• Acetone smell of respiration and occurs acetonuria.

Level III (severe)

• General condition is more severe (decreased consciousness from somnolence to coma).
• Severe dehydration.
• Pulse small, fast and smooth.
• Increased body temperature and blood pressure drop.
• Fatal complications occur in the nervous system known as Wernicke encephalopathy with symptoms of nystagmus, diplopia and mental decline.
• Jaundice which indicate heart trouble.

Prevention

Avoiding strong-smelling food, cigarette smoke or perfume smelling that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Some dietary supplements may help reduce nausea and vomiting as a drink ginger or vitamin B6.
Eat a desired food when the body is able to receive it.
Do not lie down immediately after eating, should sit upright for a while to avoid bloating or nausea.
Avoid lots of drinking at meals, wait 30 minutes after eating a new drinking water. Outside of mealtime, are expected to drink more.
Eat small meals but frequently (every 2-3 hours) to prevent nausea without risk of malnutrition.
A diet that is complete and balanced.
Enough rest.
Consultation obstetrician if nausea and vomiting continues.