Live Life Team
NVP Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is totally normal but unwelcome part which is associated with pregnancy. There is no increased risk to the baby on account of this. In fact studies show that pregnant women have healthy babies and reduced rate of still birth and miscarriage if they go through NVP as compared to women with nausea-free pregnancy. Statistics show that 28% of pregnant women have nausea but no vomiting and almost 50% of women will go through vomiting and nausea both during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Though NVP nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is called morning sickness, it can happen at any hour of the day and symptoms appear usually during six weeks from the date of the last period or before ninth week and by the fourth month in 90% of the cases it resolves itself.
In very rare cases appendicitis or urinary tract infection can also cause nausea and vomiting in which case the midwife or a doctor should be consulted. The symptoms of which are:-
Colour of urine is very dark or no urine passed even after more than eight hours have passed.
Fever or abdominal pain
Extreme weakness or feeling faint
Blood in vomiting
Continuous or repeated vomiting
No retention of food or liquid for 24 hours
Reasons for morning sickness
There are no known exact reasons or causes for morning sickness or (NVP), however there are many theories developed, some are as follows:-
In the early stages when pregnancy happens the levels of hormone in the body change which may lead to nausea and vomiting
First three months of pregnancy levels of oestrogen are highest which tremendously increases the smelling sense. This could be responsible for NVP symptoms.
There is the theory of Evolutionary adaptation where organism change for better equipment to the environment and applying the same NVP could be a change for protection against food poisoning of baby where pregnant women develop dislike for potentially contaminated foods like eggs, poultry and meat and prefer crackers or bread which have less chances of contamination.
Diagnoses of Morning Sickness
Diagnoses of NVP (Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy) is from the symptoms itself, however in severe cases of NVP a urine test may be advised by the Doctor to detect the presence of Ketones levels which if found in high levels indicate signs of malnourishment and therefore possible medicines will be prescribed for extra nutrients.
How to treat Morning Sickness
Changes in lifestyle and dietary which can reduce NVP symptoms should be done which include
Nausea gets worse if body feels tired, hence lot of rest should be taken
Intake should be small and frequent as large quantity increases chances of NVP
Low fat and high carbohydrate meals to be taken like crisp bread, crackers or toast rather than spicy or sweet food.
Hot meals are more smelly than cold meals which could increase nausea, hence prefer cold meals
After rest take plain biscuits wait for 20 minutes and then get up
Avoid smells which trigger nausea
Avoid sweet, tart or cold drinks
In some cases of pregnant women ginger supplement are helpful in reduction of NVP symptoms, however ginger products in UK are unlicensed, therefore it is very important to purchase from reputable sources.
Similarly Acupressure, a form of acupuncture in some cases also helps in reduction of symptoms of NVP
In both the above treatments there have been no reporting of any adverse effects
Morning sickness complications
Hyperemesis gravidarum is the state where the body is unable to retain any fluids and can lead to weight loss and dehydration. If Severe nausea and vomiting symptoms appear, that it is unable to tolerate any fluids, urgent medical help should be taken and the doctor may recommend hospital admission also.
The baby is not likely to be harmed, however weight loss in pregnancy may lead to low weight of the baby at birth.
