Is nausea a good sign in early pregnancy

​It’s common for pregnant women to feel nauseous during early pregnancy – it’s called "morning sickness" and affects 3 out of 4 pregnant women! This feeling can happen at any time of the day, and not just in the morning.

In most cases, the morning sickness is mild and does not need any treatment. However, some pregnant women may experience severe nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which may require medical attention.

That "Yucky" Feeling

You might feel sick or nauseated momentarily and unexpectedly, but morning sickness symptoms are generally mild and don’t last long.

However, you might have heard of some women with severe morning sickness – with frequent and longer bouts of vomiting. These women are unable to retain any food and risk becoming dehydrated. As a result, they may have very little urine, or it may be concentrated. They may also feel lethargic.   

In most cases, these symptoms go away by the 12th week of pregnancy. A few women, however, have some symptoms throughout their pregnancy.

What Causes Morning Sickness?

No one really knows what causes morning sickness, but it may be due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy.

Will It Harm the Baby?

If your morning sickness is mild, you’ll be relieved to know your growing baby will usually not be affected. This is because your baby gets nourishment from your body’s reserves, even though you may not eat well or retain any food due to vomiting. The effort of retching and vomiting does not harm the baby.

Your baby is only at risk if you are very ill with dehydration that is not treated, and consequently develop other complications.

When Should You Seek Treatment for Morning Sickness

You do not need any medical treatment if your symptoms are mild. Just remember to rehydrate after a bout of vomiting.

If, however, you have severe vomiting and are unable to retain any food, and lose more than 10% of your pre-pregnancy weight, see your doctor immediately. There are effective anti-vomiting medications that are safe for your baby. Do seek medical help early if you are unwell.

Sometimes, you may be admitted to hospital, for your dehydration to be treated with intravenous fluids, and your vomiting with medication.

This is to prevent complications such as low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) and kidney failure. It is also important to exclude other causes of vomiting such as urinary tract infections and for you to receive appropriate treatment.

Tips to Cope With Morning Sickness

  • Eat small but frequent meals. Choose foods high in carbohydrate, such as bread and crackers. Eating small amounts at regular intervals may also help ease symptoms.
  • Get help and support from your partner, friends and family.
  • Get enough rest as tiredness may make morning sickness worse.
  • Avoid triggers such as certain smells or an emotional stress that can set off the nausea and vomiting.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. It helps to sip a small amount regularly, rather than a large amount at one time.
  • Take an anti-sickness medicine if you are unwell. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medicine.​

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Nausea and vomiting can be one of the first signs of pregnancy and usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy. While it’s referred to as “morning sickness” it can occur at any time of the day. For most women, it seems to stop after the 12th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness is not harmful to you or your baby, but if you experience excessive vomiting and cannot manage to keep your food down, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum can be harmful to you and your baby if severe and left untreated due to the possible lack of nutrients and electrolyte imbalances. The most important thing is to inform your doctor when these symptoms appear and discuss possible treatment options.

Morning Sickness Facts

More than 50% of pregnant women experience morning sickness. Morning sickness refers to the nauseous feeling you may have during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is a result of the increased hormones in your body.
Morning sickness can be accompanied by vomiting. Many doctors think morning sickness is a good sign because it means the placenta is developing well. Have no fear, there are several ways to help give you morning sickness relief.
Here are some steps to and alleviate your symptoms:

Helpful Do’s and Don’ts to Ease Morning Sickness

Do:

  • Eat small meals often.
  • Take your prenatal vitamins with a light snack before you go to bed.
  • Drink fluids 1/2 hour before or after a meal, but not with meals.
  • Drink small amounts of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration.
  • Eat soda crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning.
  • Eat whatever you feel like eating, whenever you feel you can.
  • Ask someone else to cook for you; open the windows, or turn on fans if the odor bothers you.
  • Get plenty of rest and nap during the day.
  • Avoid warm places; feeling hot adds to nausea.
  • Sniff lemons or ginger, drink lemonade or eat watermelon to relieve nausea.
  • Eat salty potato chips; they have been found to settle stomachs enough to eat a meal.
  • Exercise

Don’ts:

  • Do not lie down after eating.
  • Do not skip meals.
  • Do not let this condition go untreated.
  • Do not cook or eat spicy food.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and sometimes electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary measures, rest, and antacids.

More severe cases often require a stay in the hospital so the mother can receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line. DO NOT take any medications for this condition without consulting your doctor first.

You should contact your doctor:

  • If you are experiencing excessive nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping any food down
  • If vomiting is accompanied by pain or fever
  • If nausea and vomiting persists well into the second trimester (after the 12th week)

Want to Know More?

  • 7 Discomforts of Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Nutrition

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Does morning sickness mean less chance of miscarriage?

Nearly two-thirds of women reported nausea by the eighth week of pregnancy, and over a quarter had both nausea and vomiting. Nausea alone or nausea with vomiting was associated with a 50% to 75% reduction in the risk of pregnancy loss.

Should you feel nauseous every day in early pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, often known as morning sickness, is very common in early pregnancy. It can affect you at any time of the day or night or you may feel sick all day long. Morning sickness is unpleasant, and can significantly affect your day-to-day life.

What stage of pregnancy does nausea start?

It usually starts at about 6 weeks of pregnancy and is at its worst at about 9 weeks. Most women feel better in their second trimester, but some have morning sickness throughout pregnancy. If you have morning sickness, tell your health care provider.