Nausea in pregnancy: when it starts, when it ends and the remedies to fight it!
Nausea in pregnancy is common to many women: 4 out of 5, in fact, suffer from more or less frequent nausea, but generally do not have a serious impact on the life of the pregnant woman, so much so that no real therapy is necessary. A few remedies are enough, let's find out together which ones!
Only in some rarer cases can nausea in pregnancy become disabling: then we speak of hyperemesis gravidarum, but it affects only 1% of pregnant women: in that case, hospitalization may be necessary.
In the vast majority of cases, however, you have nothing to fear: nausea in pregnancy is a common symptom and will go away by itself. In the meantime, discover with us what its causes are, when it starts, when it ends and how to fight it. Among the remedies that you will surely appreciate, there are also these excellent ginger popsicles, a panacea against nausea:
When does pregnancy nausea begin and end?
Nausea in pregnancy is typical of the first trimester of gestation. In most cases it occurs between the fifth and eighth week of gestation, but it can also happen that it occurs as early as the second week after conception.
Between the twelfth and fourteenth week of pregnancy, then, the nausea reaches its peak, to disappear after the third month, even if many women (about 20%) continue to experience symptoms even after that date. Sometimes, finally, it returns to recur in the last few months.
Nausea in pregnancy is often referred to as "morning sickness" because it tends to show up in the morning, although it can also come after meals and at bedtime.
Causes of nausea in pregnancy: is it a good sign?
What causes nausea in pregnancy is primarily hormonal changes. Pregnancy, in fact, leads to an increase in progesterone and the production of Beta Hcg, which also act on the intestine and stomach, affecting the digestive process.
In addition, during pregnancy, an immune defense process triggers a greater production of gastric juices and therefore changes in the metabolism. If, on the other hand, nausea occurs in the last months of pregnancy, the cause is of another nature: it is the enlargement of the uterus, in fact, that compresses the stomach causing the reflux of gastric juices into the esophagus, hence the burning sensation.
Finally, cases in which nausea in pregnancy is due to a psychological problem are not rare: it is normal to be agitated, to experience fears and anxieties that affect - together with hormonal changes - the nervous system. Often, among the best remedies, there is just that of indulging in a bit of relaxation and quiet, taking care only of themselves!
Here are all the remedies to combat nausea in pregnancy!
So we come to the remedies for nausea in pregnancy. As we said, it is a common and temporary ailment, there is no need for any therapy, but a series of possible measures that can help us limit it and immediately feel better.
First of all it is necessary to "calm down": stress is not good for you or for the baby! If you experience constant stressful situations, nausea is likely to increase or make itself felt more. So try as much as possible to avoid situations that make you feel anxious and to allow yourself moments of tranquility all for yourself.
Nutrition is equally important in limiting nausea. Try to eat as much healthily and regularly as possible. Never fast for too long and never skip meals! An empty stomach causes even more nausea.
Avoid all foods with very strong smells such as aged cheeses, dishes with spicy or exotic sauces. Instead, eat high-fiber dishes such as whole-grain pasta, rice, and bread. Minestrone soup can also help fill you up without making you nauseous. Instead, no to caffeine and citrus juices, which increase acidity!
Contrary to popular belief, anti-nausea teas do not help with nausea, and so do supplements. Better to take both only under medical supervision.
In general, stay away from smells that bother you and that could cause you to have bouts of nausea. If this happens to you while you are cooking or cleaning the house, let your partner continue!
Exercise can help you limit morning sickness: if you do a little activity every day (without overdoing it) you will be able to feel better. Long walks will do just fine, they will help you produce endorphins, which banish nausea.
Try to avoid places where you smoke a lot - cigarettes can be harmful to your baby, as well as make you nauseous!
Carrying mints with you at all times can be useful: their flavor has a strong anti-nausea power! Ginger also has the same effect - use it as an ingredient in the dishes you cook.
Finally, try acupuncture: it can help you restore your energy balance, especially if the problem is of psycho-somatic origin.
If the nausea does not go away after the first trimester or becomes really disabling, contact your trusted gynecologist immediately for advice.
