Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are attributed to changing hormone levels. Typical of the first trimester of pregnancy, nausea and vomiting may last into the second trimester. Because these symptoms occur more often in the morning, they are often called “morning sickness.” However, the nausea of pregnancy can occur at any time of day. A woman should not take medication for morning sickness without first consulting her doctor. To lessen or avoid episodes of nausea and vomiting, doctors recommend that pregnant women eat bland foods such as crackers, drink ample fluids, and avoid greasy and highly seasoned foods. Nonpharmacological treatments using acupressure or biofeedback can help. In severe cases in which morning sickness endangers a woman’s health, medicine may be prescribed to stop the vomiting.
Morning sickness, characterized by nausea and vomiting, is common in early pregnancy and is usually attributed to hormonal changes. While most prevalent in the morning, it can happen at any time and may be triggered by stress, travel, or certain foods.
In uncommon instances, the vomiting can become intense and sustained, leading to dehydration, nutritional imbalances, changes in blood acidity, and weight loss. In such cases, immediate hospitalization is necessary for intravenous fluid replacement and to correct chemical imbalances, as well as to diagnose any serious underlying conditions and manage the vomiting effectively.