Pregnancy can be an exciting time. But it’s not without its drawbacks. Your hormones seem to be all over the place.
Morning sickness kicks in making you rush to the bathroom.
That nauseous feeling may have subsided for a while. Then it comes back with a vengeance. You are wondering if it’s a sign that you are about to go into labor.
Ask any expectant mother how long they felt sick for before giving birth and the answer varies. Some may say they didn’t feel nauseous at all. Others will say that they experienced nausea and vomiting sporadically throughout the pregnancy.
Read on to find out when nausea typically reappears in your pregnancy and if there is a way to reduce its effect.
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Morning sickness
After about the sixth week of the pregnancy, you may start experiencing bouts of morning sickness.
It is something that affects 70% of pregnant women.
A smell, feeling hot, or salivating too much can set off morning sickness. Other times, there are no triggers whatsoever.
Morning sickness can last until the beginning of the second trimester, peaking around week 9.
Halfway through or near the end of the second trimester, the morning sickness may stop. For some women, it lasts throughout the entirety of the pregnancy.
The nausea has returned
Those of you who have left morning sickness well and truly behind in your pregnancy may be surprised that the nausea has come back.
Some women report that they begin to feel nauseous around week 36. Other women feel sick several hours or a day before giving birth.
Yes, that sudden onset of retching can be taken as a sign that your baby is on its way!
What causes the nausea?
When pregnant, your hormones go a bit haywire. You have this to thank for that nauseousness.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
The Mayo Clinic says that research shows the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) could be a factor. HCG is created by trophoblast cells that are around the embryo.
Eventually, the hormone forms the placenta. One of the side effects of a high level of HCG is feeling nauseous.
Estrogen
Estrogen levels increase while pregnant. The level peaks in the third trimester.
During pregnancy, estrogen is helping the fetus to grow and develop.
The downside to estrogen is that it can upset your stomach lining. That’s where the nausea begins.
Prostaglandins
By increasing the level of prostaglandins, labor can be induced.
A side effect of a high amount of this hormone is it can make the expectant mother feel nauseous.
Other causes of nausea during pregnancy can be:
- not getting enough rest
- being stressed
- a reaction to the food you’re eating
- being dehydrated
Some women cruise through the pregnancy without getting nauseous. However, if you’re not in that “30% Club” there are ways to minimize the sickness.
Will the nausea affect my baby?
It is a natural reaction of mothers to be concerned about the health of the child within their womb. Suddenly feeling sick after weeks of no nausea can have you wondering if your baby is okay.
You can relax. Your baby is fine.
Remedies to help you reduce the nausea
As we mentioned earlier, the sight or smell of certain food can set you off. Avoid these situations and you’re one step closer to decreasing the odds of feeling sick.
- Try and get a good sleep or lots of rest (when you feel run down, it can worsen the nausea)
- Start your day off at a slow pace. Give yourself plenty of time to get out of bed
- Have a small snack before you get up (toast, cereal, or crackers)
- Eat small meals during the day.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day
- Try and avoid warm places
- Put some ginger into your diet. (there is evidence that it can help alleviate nausea during pregnancy)
- Cut out the spicey meals
Medical options
You may feel that your situation warrants a trip to your doctor. There are some options that you may be offered
Antiemetics
Your doctor may prescribe you antiemetics. This type of medication is usually prescribed for those suffering from motion sickness or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all medicine. There are a variety of antiemetics that treat different causes of nausea.
Dopamine Antagonists/Serotonin Antagonists
These act as an antiemetic and slow down the production of dopamine and serotonin. Both forms of antagonists are effective at reducing nausea and vomiting.
Serotonin antagonists are the first option as the dopamine alternative can cause feelings of confusion and other side effects.
Other options
If you want a more natural approach to dealing with your labor-induced nausea, here are some popular options.
Supplements
There is a range of supplements available to ease the nausea. Though these are created with natural ingredients, it always pays to seek medical advice before taking them.
Also, look at the ingredients of the pills to ensure they contain nothing you are allergic to.
PregEase
This helps relieve nausea and heartburn. Each pill commonly consists of vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, and ginger.
You will find that there are other ingredients in PregEase depending on the brand.
Acupressure
This can be used as a way to help you relax. When you feel more at ease, you’re helping to regulate your digestive system.
The result is a reduction in nausea feelings. Sea bands are one option
Preggy Pops
If you love lollipops, then these may be what you’re looking for. There are plenty of brands offering their version of Preggy Pop. You decide which one suits you best.
They are made out of essential oils that have been shown to help alleviate morning sickness.
Reliefband
Relief bands are designed to help in reducing nausea. This attaches to the underside of your wrist.
A pulse is then transmitted to the vagus nerve (one function of this is control of your digestive system).
If you are vomiting or start to feel sick, turn on the band. Leave the band on until the symptoms are gone.
When should I see a doctor?
Nausea can come and go throughout the pregnancy. Usually, it’s part of the process, yet there are times when the sickness may require medical attention.
Go to your doctor if you experience any of the following signs:
- prolonged nausea which prevents you from eating or drinking
- a decrease in the number of times you urinate
- feeling confused
- dizziness
- vomiting three or more times a day
- your vomit is brown or has traces of blood in it
Whenever you feel unwell throughout the pregnancy, don’t be afraid to contact your doctor or midwife. You and your baby’s well-being are paramount!
Conclusion
Morning sickness is a byproduct of being pregnant. It’s something that emerges within the initial weeks of the first trimester and peaks around week nine.
You may find that the nausea has gone only to have it return towards the end of the pregnancy. This can be a sign that you’re entering into labor.
Your body is reacting to the imminent birth.
You may find some relief from the nausea by trying to rest and taking vitamins B6 and B12. Your doctor may put you on a course of medication. Additionally, you may try acupuncture.
A final word of warning, more as a heads up when you’re in the delivery room. Don’t be shocked if you find yourself throwing up on the nurses.
The internet has many testimonials from women who have done just that.