What causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. How can morning sickness affect expectant mothers. What are the risk factors for severe nausea in pregnancy. How can pregnant women manage vomiting and prevent complications.

The Prevalence and Impact of Morning Sickness in Pregnancy

Morning sickness is a common phenomenon affecting up to 80% of pregnancies. Despite its name, nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of day or night. Symptoms typically begin around the sixth week of pregnancy and often improve during the second trimester, though some women experience these symptoms throughout their entire pregnancy.

The exact cause of morning sickness remains unknown, but hormonal changes during pregnancy are believed to play a significant role. For some women, morning sickness can be their first indication of pregnancy, prompting them to take a test after experiencing several days of nausea.

How does morning sickness affect daily life?

Morning sickness can significantly impact a pregnant woman’s quality of life. It may interfere with work, social activities, and overall well-being. Some women find it difficult to maintain proper nutrition due to food aversions and frequent vomiting. Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that morning sickness is generally not harmful to the developing fetus and often subsides as the pregnancy progresses.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum: When Morning Sickness Becomes Severe

While most pregnant women experience some degree of nausea and vomiting, a small percentage develop a more severe condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This extreme form of morning sickness is characterized by:

• Vomiting more than three to four times per day
• Persistent, intense nausea
• Weight loss
• Risk of dehydration
• Dizziness and lightheadedness

Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms typically peak between weeks 9 and 13 of pregnancy, gradually improving as the pregnancy advances. However, some women may continue to experience symptoms throughout their entire pregnancy.

What are the potential complications of hyperemesis gravidarum?

If left untreated, hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to several complications:

1. Severe dehydration
2. Electrolyte imbalances
3. Nutritional deficiencies
4. Weight loss
5. Potential impact on fetal growth

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to administer intravenous fluids and medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Foodborne Illness: An Unexpected Cause of Vomiting During Pregnancy

While morning sickness is a common cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it’s essential to be aware of other potential culprits. Foodborne illnesses can pose a particular risk to pregnant women due to their weakened immune systems.

Why are pregnant women more susceptible to foodborne illnesses?

Pregnancy naturally suppresses the immune system to prevent the body from rejecting the developing fetus. This immunosuppression makes pregnant women more vulnerable to various infections, including those caused by contaminated food. Symptoms of foodborne illness can mimic morning sickness but may also include:

• Headaches
• Body aches
• Fever
• Diarrhea

These symptoms typically develop within 24 to 48 hours after consuming contaminated food.

How can pregnant women protect themselves from foodborne illnesses?

To reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during pregnancy, follow these guidelines:

1. Thoroughly cook all meats
2. Refrigerate cooked foods promptly
3. Wash all fruits and vegetables before consumption
4. Avoid unpasteurized juices, eggs, and dairy products
5. Practice proper hand hygiene when handling food

Risk Factors for Severe Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

While the exact causes of morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum are not fully understood, several factors may increase a woman’s risk of experiencing severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy:

• Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Personal or family history of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
• Sensitivity to certain smells or tastes
• History of migraines
• History of motion sickness
• First pregnancy
• Obesity
• Stress and anxiety

Understanding these risk factors can help healthcare providers identify women who may be more likely to develop severe symptoms and provide appropriate interventions early in the pregnancy.

Other Potential Causes of Vomiting During Pregnancy

While morning sickness and foodborne illnesses are common causes of vomiting during pregnancy, it’s important to be aware of other potential underlying conditions that may cause similar symptoms:

• Preeclampsia: A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage
• Gallstones: Small, hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder
• Ulcers: Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or small intestine
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix
• Migraines: Severe headaches often accompanied by nausea and vomiting

If vomiting is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out these potential causes and receive appropriate treatment.

Managing Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy

While mild to moderate morning sickness often doesn’t require medical intervention, there are several strategies that can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for pregnant women:

Dietary modifications

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Choose bland, easily digestible foods
• Avoid strong smells and flavors that trigger nausea
• Stay hydrated by sipping water or other clear fluids regularly
• Try ginger in various forms (tea, candies, capsules) for its anti-nausea properties

Lifestyle adjustments

• Get plenty of rest and avoid fatigue
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Use acupressure wristbands designed for motion sickness
• Avoid triggers such as certain smells or visual stimuli

Medical interventions

For women with severe symptoms or those diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, medical treatments may include:

• Vitamin B6 supplements
• Antiemetic medications (after consulting with a healthcare provider)
• Intravenous fluids for hydration
• Nutritional support through enteral or parenteral feeding in severe cases

It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop an appropriate management plan tailored to individual needs and severity of symptoms.

The Potential Benefits of Nausea During Pregnancy

While nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can be challenging, some research suggests that it may have potential benefits for both the mother and the developing fetus:

Reduced risk of miscarriage

Several studies have found a correlation between morning sickness and a reduced risk of miscarriage. One theory is that nausea and vomiting may be indicators of a strong, healthy pregnancy with appropriate hormonal levels.

Protection from harmful substances

Nausea and food aversions may serve as a protective mechanism, steering pregnant women away from potentially harmful foods or substances that could negatively impact fetal development.

Potential cognitive benefits for the child

Some research has suggested that children born to mothers who experienced morning sickness may have slightly higher cognitive abilities later in life. However, more studies are needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying mechanisms.

It’s important to note that while these potential benefits exist, they do not diminish the significant impact that severe nausea and vomiting can have on a woman’s quality of life during pregnancy. Each pregnancy is unique, and the absence of morning sickness does not necessarily indicate any problems with the pregnancy.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Vomiting During Pregnancy

While some degree of nausea and vomiting is common during pregnancy, certain symptoms may indicate a need for immediate medical attention:

• Inability to keep any food or liquids down for 24 hours or more
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth)
• Vomiting blood
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Significant weight loss (more than 5% of pre-pregnancy weight)

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and ensure the health of both mother and baby.

How do healthcare providers diagnose and treat severe vomiting in pregnancy?

When a pregnant woman presents with severe vomiting, healthcare providers may perform the following steps:

1. Thorough medical history and physical examination
2. Blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalances and dehydration
3. Urine tests to assess hydration status and rule out urinary tract infections
4. Ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy’s status and rule out other potential causes

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms but may include:

• Intravenous fluids for rehydration
• Anti-nausea medications
• Vitamin supplementation
• Dietary counseling
• In severe cases, hospitalization for intensive treatment and monitoring

The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby throughout the pregnancy.

Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. You’ve created life, and in a few months, you’ll have your precious bundle of joy in your arms.

But sometimes it’s not so beautiful. While many expectant mothers walk around with a pregnancy glow and a huge smile on their face, your experience might be less than picturesque — especially if instead of a glow and a smile, you’re developing a close relationship with your toilet since you can’t stop vomiting.

This is supposed to be the happiest time of your life, right? And deep down, maybe it is. But at the same time, nausea and vomiting can make even the most excited parent-to-be struggle to find that happiness.

Understanding the underlying cause of vomiting can keep this problem under control, so read on to learn about common causes of vomiting during pregnancy.

Morning sickness is a common cause of vomiting during pregnancy. But while it’s called morning sickness, nausea and vomiting can actually occur at any time of the day or night.

The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, but it’s likely due to hormonal changes that wreak havoc on your body. It’s estimated that morning sickness occurs in up to 80 percent of all pregnancies, with nausea and vomiting starting around week six.

The good news is that symptoms typically improve during the second trimester, although some women have morning sickness their entire pregnancy — yikes.

The symptoms of morning sickness include nausea and vomiting. Interestingly, some women don’t even suspect a pregnancy until the first wave of morning sickness hits. After a few days of waking up sick to their stomach, they get a test to confirm or rule out a pregnancy.

But unfortunately, morning sickness isn’t the only thing to worry about during pregnancy, nor is it the only cause of vomiting during this “happy time of your life.”

Some women deal with extreme morning sickness — known as hyperemesis gravidarum — during their pregnancy. It’s likely caused by rising hormone levels.

If you have morning sickness, you may only vomit once a day and can manage nausea and vomiting. If you develop hyperemesis gravidarum, you may vomit more than three or four times a day and feel near-constant nausea.

The vomiting with hyperemesis gravidarum can become so bad that some pregnant women lose weight and risk dehydration due to an inability to keep foods and liquids down.

And if puking all day isn’t bad enough, this condition can also cause dizziness and lightheadedness.

Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms tend to peak through weeks 9 to 13 and then improve. So symptoms may get better as you move farther along in the pregnancy.

This is a cause of vomiting during pregnancy that some pregnant women don’t expect.

While it’s easy to attribute any type of nausea and vomiting to morning sickness, the problem might actually be due to eating contaminated food during pregnancy.

Anyone is at risk for a foodborne illness, but pregnant women are especially at risk because pregnancy weakens the immune system. And as a result, it becomes harder for your body to fight off bacteria and germs.

Symptoms include those similar to morning sickness, such as nausea and vomiting. But unlike morning sickness, foodborne illnesses can cause other symptoms like headaches, body aches, and even a fever. These symptoms develop shortly after eating contaminated food — maybe within 24 to 48 hours.

The best way to protect yourself is to fully cook meats. Also, refrigerate foods shortly after cooking, wash all fruits and vegetables, and avoid unpasteurized juice, eggs, or milk.

While hormones are likely to blame for morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, certain factors increase the risk of dealing with one or both problems during pregnancy. For example:

• You’re expecting multiples (twins, triplets, or more).
• You have a personal or family history of vomiting during pregnancy.
• You’re sensitive to certain smells or tastes.
• You have a history of migraines.
• You have a history of motion sickness.

The biggest risk for foodborne illness is eating raw, undercooked foods, or fruits and vegetables that haven’t been washed.

Keep in mind that while the above are common causes of vomiting during pregnancy, other problems could arise during a pregnancy that may cause vomiting, too. These include:

• preeclampsia
• gallstones
• ulcers
• appendicitis
• migraine

Run-of-the-mill morning sickness during pregnancy is uncomfortable, but you’re not likely to experience major complications.

But if you develop hyperemesis gravidarum, severe vomiting can lead to dehydration or decreased urination. And if you’re unable to replenish your fluid level, you may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous (IV) fluids.

This condition can also cause liver damage, a B-vitamin deficiency, and poor growth weight in your developing child, so it’s important to discuss your options with a doctor.

Foodborne illnesses are nothing to play with, either. These illnesses, which can include salmonella poisoning and listeria, can cause premature delivery and even a miscarriage.

It’s also important to note that different types of vomiting can cause different issues. So while morning sickness might not lead to dehydration, hyperemesis gravidarum or a foodborne illness can, depending on the severity of vomiting.

Treatment for vomiting during pregnancy depends on the underlying cause, as well as the severity.

In the case of morning sickness, eating healthy snacks throughout the day like crackers or dry toast may lessen nausea and vomiting. For some women, morning sickness is worse on an empty stomach.

Sometimes, alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, and acupressure can also provide relief.

Other ways to relieve symptoms include:

• sipping on water or ginger ale
• avoiding triggers, such as certain foods and smells
• taking prenatal vitamins
• using anti-nausea/anti-vomiting medications (if advised by a doctor)

Speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.

The same treatments can reduce the intensity of hyperemesis gravidarum. But because vomiting is more severe with this condition, you may need to receive nutrients and fluid through an IV in the hospital.

Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to stop nausea and vomiting. If these medications don’t work, you may need a steroid treatment.

Many foodborne illnesses have to run their course, but you should feel better within a few days. The main goal is to replace lost fluid and avoid dehydration. Eating small meals, sipping on Ginger ale, and drinking water or sports drinks can help you feel better and prevent dehydration.

But you should still speak with your doctor. If you have a foodborne illness caused by bacteria, you may need an antibiotic.

You don’t need a doctor for morning sickness that isn’t severe. Home remedies may be enough to cope with symptoms.

You should, however, call a doctor if you’re vomiting multiple times a day, and if you experience other symptoms like dizziness, a fast heart rate, or if you can’t keep liquids down.

While vomiting during pregnancy can be miserable, it’s also common and usually nothing to worry about. It happens in many pregnancies and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with you or your baby. But if you have any concerns or need reassurance, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. You’ve created life, and in a few months, you’ll have your precious bundle of joy in your arms.

But sometimes it’s not so beautiful. While many expectant mothers walk around with a pregnancy glow and a huge smile on their face, your experience might be less than picturesque — especially if instead of a glow and a smile, you’re developing a close relationship with your toilet since you can’t stop vomiting.

This is supposed to be the happiest time of your life, right? And deep down, maybe it is. But at the same time, nausea and vomiting can make even the most excited parent-to-be struggle to find that happiness.

Understanding the underlying cause of vomiting can keep this problem under control, so read on to learn about common causes of vomiting during pregnancy.

Morning sickness is a common cause of vomiting during pregnancy. But while it’s called morning sickness, nausea and vomiting can actually occur at any time of the day or night.

The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, but it’s likely due to hormonal changes that wreak havoc on your body. It’s estimated that morning sickness occurs in up to 80 percent of all pregnancies, with nausea and vomiting starting around week six.

The good news is that symptoms typically improve during the second trimester, although some women have morning sickness their entire pregnancy — yikes.

The symptoms of morning sickness include nausea and vomiting. Interestingly, some women don’t even suspect a pregnancy until the first wave of morning sickness hits. After a few days of waking up sick to their stomach, they get a test to confirm or rule out a pregnancy.

But unfortunately, morning sickness isn’t the only thing to worry about during pregnancy, nor is it the only cause of vomiting during this “happy time of your life. ”

Some women deal with extreme morning sickness — known as hyperemesis gravidarum — during their pregnancy. It’s likely caused by rising hormone levels.

If you have morning sickness, you may only vomit once a day and can manage nausea and vomiting. If you develop hyperemesis gravidarum, you may vomit more than three or four times a day and feel near-constant nausea.

The vomiting with hyperemesis gravidarum can become so bad that some pregnant women lose weight and risk dehydration due to an inability to keep foods and liquids down.

And if puking all day isn’t bad enough, this condition can also cause dizziness and lightheadedness.

Hyperemesis gravidarum symptoms tend to peak through weeks 9 to 13 and then improve. So symptoms may get better as you move farther along in the pregnancy.

This is a cause of vomiting during pregnancy that some pregnant women don’t expect.

While it’s easy to attribute any type of nausea and vomiting to morning sickness, the problem might actually be due to eating contaminated food during pregnancy.

Anyone is at risk for a foodborne illness, but pregnant women are especially at risk because pregnancy weakens the immune system. And as a result, it becomes harder for your body to fight off bacteria and germs.

Symptoms include those similar to morning sickness, such as nausea and vomiting. But unlike morning sickness, foodborne illnesses can cause other symptoms like headaches, body aches, and even a fever. These symptoms develop shortly after eating contaminated food — maybe within 24 to 48 hours.

The best way to protect yourself is to fully cook meats. Also, refrigerate foods shortly after cooking, wash all fruits and vegetables, and avoid unpasteurized juice, eggs, or milk.

While hormones are likely to blame for morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, certain factors increase the risk of dealing with one or both problems during pregnancy. For example:

• You’re expecting multiples (twins, triplets, or more).
• You have a personal or family history of vomiting during pregnancy.
• You’re sensitive to certain smells or tastes.
• You have a history of migraines.
• You have a history of motion sickness.

The biggest risk for foodborne illness is eating raw, undercooked foods, or fruits and vegetables that haven’t been washed.

Keep in mind that while the above are common causes of vomiting during pregnancy, other problems could arise during a pregnancy that may cause vomiting, too. These include:

• preeclampsia
• gallstones
• ulcers
• appendicitis
• migraine

Run-of-the-mill morning sickness during pregnancy is uncomfortable, but you’re not likely to experience major complications.

But if you develop hyperemesis gravidarum, severe vomiting can lead to dehydration or decreased urination. And if you’re unable to replenish your fluid level, you may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous (IV) fluids.

This condition can also cause liver damage, a B-vitamin deficiency, and poor growth weight in your developing child, so it’s important to discuss your options with a doctor.

Foodborne illnesses are nothing to play with, either. These illnesses, which can include salmonella poisoning and listeria, can cause premature delivery and even a miscarriage.

It’s also important to note that different types of vomiting can cause different issues. So while morning sickness might not lead to dehydration, hyperemesis gravidarum or a foodborne illness can, depending on the severity of vomiting.

Treatment for vomiting during pregnancy depends on the underlying cause, as well as the severity.

In the case of morning sickness, eating healthy snacks throughout the day like crackers or dry toast may lessen nausea and vomiting. For some women, morning sickness is worse on an empty stomach.

Sometimes, alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, and acupressure can also provide relief.

Other ways to relieve symptoms include:

• sipping on water or ginger ale
• avoiding triggers, such as certain foods and smells
• taking prenatal vitamins
• using anti-nausea/anti-vomiting medications (if advised by a doctor)

Speak with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.

The same treatments can reduce the intensity of hyperemesis gravidarum. But because vomiting is more severe with this condition, you may need to receive nutrients and fluid through an IV in the hospital.

Your doctor may also prescribe medicine to stop nausea and vomiting. If these medications don’t work, you may need a steroid treatment.

Many foodborne illnesses have to run their course, but you should feel better within a few days. The main goal is to replace lost fluid and avoid dehydration. Eating small meals, sipping on Ginger ale, and drinking water or sports drinks can help you feel better and prevent dehydration.

But you should still speak with your doctor. If you have a foodborne illness caused by bacteria, you may need an antibiotic.

You don’t need a doctor for morning sickness that isn’t severe. Home remedies may be enough to cope with symptoms.

You should, however, call a doctor if you’re vomiting multiple times a day, and if you experience other symptoms like dizziness, a fast heart rate, or if you can’t keep liquids down.

While vomiting during pregnancy can be miserable, it’s also common and usually nothing to worry about. It happens in many pregnancies and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with you or your baby. But if you have any concerns or need reassurance, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

Why do you feel sick during pregnancy in the early stages, at what time can pregnancy be determined. What helps with nausea

Every second woman feels sick during pregnancy. An unpleasant symptom appears even before a woman finds out that she is in a position. We tell you why the malaise begins, how many months it lasts and how you can cope with unpleasant symptoms.

What is toxicosis?

Morning (and sometimes afternoon and evening) ailments, along with sore breasts and the absence of menstruation, are considered the main signs by which a woman understands that she is pregnant. But from what day of pregnancy does she start to feel sick? The period at which toxicosis begins varies.

Nearly a third of women experience nausea approximately 4 weeks after the end of their last period. In the remaining 70%, toxicosis occurs at week 8. At the same time, in half of the women, in addition to nausea, vomiting also occurs. In the vast majority of pregnant women, all unpleasant symptoms disappear by the 14th week.

However, in the third trimester, nausea may return. Most often, nausea during pregnancy occurs after eating for a long time.

This is due to the fact that the growing uterus and the child in it begin to squeeze the stomach, which causes a feeling of overeating and nausea. But it also happens that this is a sign of preeclampsia, which must be treated.

The most common are morning sickness and vomiting. Unpleasant odors, being in a stuffy room, motion sickness in transport, as a reaction to a certain type of food, and other factors can also provoke an attack. However, discomfort can occur unexpectedly or in cases where everything was normal before.

Among the risk factors that lead to the development of toxicosis are migraines, overweight, endocrine disorders, bronchial asthma, depression, eating disorders, underweight, multiple pregnancy. However, these factors do not mean that a pregnant woman will definitely have toxicosis.

Nausea is not only an unpleasant symptom that overshadows the joy of future motherhood. It can lead to serious consequences. Among them are weight loss, insomnia, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, multiple organ failure, and spontaneous abortion.

Important! Be sure to tell the gynecologist in charge of the pregnancy if any meal causes vomiting, you have begun to lose weight significantly

Causes of toxicosis

Almost every woman is faced with the question of what causes nausea during pregnancy? Several factors play a role in the etiology of toxicosis. What exactly provokes its development in a particular woman is impossible. Among the main reasons are the following:

However, it is important to distinguish the symptoms of toxicosis from other diseases. Nausea and vomiting can also be a sign of other illnesses, such as kidney failure or peptic ulcers. Therefore, with severe toxicosis, it is imperative to undergo examinations to exclude other pathologies.

Usually, a general and biochemical blood test, a blood test for infections, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and urinary system, as well as fibrogastroduodenoscopy and consultations with specialized specialists are prescribed. Treatment and examinations are carried out with care so that it does not harm the child.

Be sure to consult a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist and nephrologist if the symptoms of toxicosis persist after the 14th week of pregnancy so that this does not pose a danger to the baby. Our doctors will answer all your questions by phone at any time of the day.

What to do in order not to feel sick

You can prevent the development of nausea and toxicosis even during preparation for it. It is necessary to undergo examinations and treat all pathologies found. Particular attention should be paid to diseases that are a risk factor in the development of discomfort.

Another important point is adjusting the diet. In general, it is recommended to give up fried, fatty and spicy foods, as well as start eating often and in small portions. Food should be at room temperature. In addition, it is recommended to drink more.

Plain water and tea can be replaced with mineral water and herbal infusions of mint, lemon balm, chamomile, cranberry and ginger. However, you should not get carried away with herbs, as they may have an impact on the course of pregnancy.

If these methods do not help, the gynecologist may recommend taking antiemetics, vitamin preparations, isotonic solutions, and sedatives. Consultation with a psychologist is also recommended to exclude psychogenic factors.

In severe cases and with signs of exhaustion, the pregnant woman is placed in a hospital where more intensive therapy is carried out. If the woman’s condition does not improve, termination of the pregnancy may be recommended as a last resort.

If toxicosis does not cause trouble, it is not treated in any way. They only offer to slightly adjust the diet and try folk methods of dealing with toxicosis. These include a few sips of mineral water, saltine crackers, or a lemon wedge right after waking up.

Case study:

The patient went to the gynecologist with complaints of severe nausea, persistent vomiting and weight loss. The gynecologist did not write off everything for pregnancy and conducted a full examination. FGDS with a biopsy revealed the presence of Helicobacter pylori and signs of gastritis in a woman. After treatment of the underlying disease, the symptoms of toxicosis also decreased.

FAQ

At what time can pregnancy be determined?

+

A blood test for chorionic gonadotropin can show pregnancy as early as 6–8 days after conception. However, it is more reliable to carry it out 3-5 days after the delay or on the 12th day after conception.

How many days after conception does it start to vomit?

+

Nausea can develop from 4 to 7 weeks after the last menstruation, that is, even before the delay appears. Symptoms of toxicosis usually disappear by 12-14 weeks. Also, unpleasant symptoms may return in the third trimester.

What to do if the chest stops hurting during pregnancy?

+

If the chest stops hurting at any stage of pregnancy, this may indicate hormonal disorders in the expectant mother. It can lead to problems with gestation, so any changes in well-being must be reported to the gynecologist.

After how many weeks can you find out about pregnancy?

+

The first signs of pregnancy appear at least 4 weeks after the end of the last menstruation, even before the delay. They will fail in the form of nausea, mood changes, tearfulness. In addition, in the early stages of pregnancy, the breast hurts and enlarges.

How to distinguish toxicosis from ordinary nausea?

+

By external signs, it is almost impossible to distinguish them from each other. But there is a slight difference. Toxicosis usually manifests itself in the morning, and nausea – at any time of the day, including in the evening. If nausea is not complicated by vomiting, but does not go away within a few days, it is recommended to do a home pregnancy test or donate blood for hCG.

Expert opinion

Nausea in the later stages may indicate the development of preeclampsia. This complication affects all organs and leads to the development of severe multiple organ failure. In addition to nausea and vomiting, a pregnant woman is worried about swelling, severe headaches, rapid weight gain, high blood pressure and visual impairment.

Preeclampsia has the most serious consequences for both the mother and the unborn baby. Therefore, if late toxicosis is suspected, a woman is placed under the constant supervision of a doctor in the department of pregnancy pathology.

We publish only verified information

Article author

Menshikova Maria Viktorovna

obstetrician-gynecologist

Experience 38 years

Consultations 1816

Articles 95

Specialist with extensive practical experience. He has a certificate of a mammologist, a certificate of professional certification. Participates in foreign business trips and individual training programs (Los Angeles).

• 1982 – 1986 NPO MONIIAG – obstetrician-gynecologist
• 1987 – 1989 VNITs OZMIR – obstetrician-gynecologist
• 1989 – 1992 departmental polyclinic st. Moscow – Kurskaya – obstetrician-gynecologist
• 1992 – 2001 NPO MONIIAG – obstetrician-gynecologist
• 2007 – 2008 NP KMIKM – doctor administrator
• 2009 – 2013 Pereslavl Central District Hospital, women’s consultation – obstetrician-gynecologist
• 2020 to present Teledoctor24 LLC – doctor – consultant (gynecologist)

What is preeclampsia? – ADONIS Medical Center in Kyiv

Preeclampsia, or late toxicosis, is a complication of pregnancy that develops in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. It is possible to suspect its development in the early stages by the formation of edema and increased pressure. At the same time, the diagnosis can be confirmed or refuted only by the results of blood and urine tests.

Late toxicosis, compared with early, develops infrequently. According to the World Health Organization, its symptoms occur in an average of 8% of pregnant women. At the same time, in the territory of the CIS countries, this figure reaches 10-17%.

Severe forms of preeclampsia are rare, but the risk of such complications cannot be ignored. Unlike early toxicosis, late toxicosis poses a serious threat to the life of the mother and child. It is one of the main causes of perinatal morbidity and maternal mortality.

Although the consequences of preeclampsia seem frightening, do not worry ahead of time. First, edema and hypertension can occur for other reasons. Secondly, with the timely diagnosis of late toxicosis and the selection of the correct therapy, a woman can fully bear the pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

At what time does late toxicosis begin? It is believed that the early onset of preeclampsia is associated with a severe course and often leads to premature birth, including by caesarean section.

Causes of late toxicosis in pregnant women

What exactly provokes the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women has not been established. There are several theories that have a different number of supporters, but none of them allows you to accurately determine which woman will develop late toxicosis and which will not.

At risk are pregnant women with:

• Hypertension;
• Diseases of the kidneys, liver, biliary tract, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, lungs and/or heart;
• Violation of fat metabolism and obesity;
• Anemia;
• Fetal growth retardation;
• Rh incompatibility;
• Multiple pregnancy;
• Birth or abortion within the last two years;
• Under the age of 19 or over 36.

The likelihood of developing late toxicosis increases against the background of chronic diseases. However, even if there are several risk factors, it cannot be said with certainty that there will be a complication.

How preeclampsia manifests itself

When preeclampsia develops in a woman, first there is a spasm of all vessels and a violation of blood circulation, as well as its clotting and fluidity. Because of this, hypoxia can develop, affecting the functioning of the heart, kidneys, liver, brain and placenta. As a result, dystrophic changes may occur in these organs.

There are 4 stages of preeclampsia:

• Edema;
• Nephropathy;
• Preeclampsia;
• Eclampsia.

At the first stage, late toxicosis is manifested by edema on the legs, arms, abdomen and in the face and neck. Most often, they do not provoke a significant deterioration in the well-being of a pregnant woman or the development of severe complications in her. In addition, with timely therapy, the following forms of preeclampsia develop in no more than 20% of cases.

With nephropathy, in addition to edema, hypertension and impaired renal function appear, which is determined by the release of protein in the urine.

Preeclampsia is the third stage of preeclampsia, which develops in only 5% of pregnant women. It is characterized by changes in the central nervous system that cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and other symptoms.

The most difficult stage of late toxicosis is eclampsia. With its development, pathological disorders are aggravated, and, in addition to the listed symptoms, the woman also has convulsions, a sharp increase in pressure and the risk of stroke.

Late toxicosis may result in:

• Severe edema;
• High blood pressure;
• Disorders of the functions of the kidneys, liver and other organs;
• Placental abruption leading to fetal hypoxia, delayed fetal development, premature birth and perinatal pathologies.

In severe preeclampsia, the condition of a pregnant woman may become critical.

Features of preeclampsia treatment

For the diagnosis of preeclampsia, a number of laboratory blood and urine tests are prescribed, ultrasound is performed, an examination of the fundus and, if necessary, other examinations.

In case of mild late toxicosis of pregnant women, which is manifested only by edema, obstetrician-gynecologists recommend treatment in a day hospital or at home.