How To Reduce Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy

Try Acupuncture Or Acupressure

Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy – 10 Tips to Feel Better

Acupuncture and acupressure are two techniques commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat nausea and vomiting.

During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. Acupressure aims to stimulate the same points of the body, but uses pressure instead of needles to do so.

Both techniques stimulate nerve fibers, which transmit signals to the brain and spinal cord. These signals are thought to have the ability to decrease nausea .

For instance, two recent reviews report that acupuncture and acupressure reduce the risk of developing nausea after an operation by 2875% .

Whats more, studies show that both forms are as effective as anti-nausea medications at reducing symptoms, with virtually no negative side effects .

Similarly, two other reviews report that acupressure lowers the severity of nausea and the risk of developing it after chemotherapy (

26 ).

Most studies that report a benefit stimulated the Neiguan acupuncture point, also known as the P6 or inner frontier gate point .

You can stimulate this nerve on your own simply by placing your thumb 23 finger widths down from your inner wrist, between the two prominent tendons.

Here is an illustration showing how you can find this point yourself.

Illustration by Diego Sabogal

Once youve located it, press down with your thumb for about one minute before repeating the same procedure on your other arm. Repeat if needed.

Summary:

Try Relaxing Your Muscles

Relaxing your muscles may help relieve nausea.

One technique people have used to achieve this effect is known as progressive muscle relaxation . It requires individuals to tense and relax their muscles in a continuous sequence as a way to achieve physical and mental relaxation .

One recent review found that PMR is an effective way to reduce the severity of nausea resulting from chemotherapy .

Another way to relieve muscle tension is through massage.

In one study, a group of chemotherapy patients were given a 20-minute lower arm or lower leg massage during their treatment.

Compared to those given no massage, the massaged participants were about 24% less likely to get nauseous afterward (

Summary:

For pregnant women who are experiencing nausea, vitamin B6 is a safe and potentially effective alternative to anti-nausea medications.

Morning Sickness Can Happen Any Time

The name is a lie. The term morning sickness really is misleading. Its one of the first pregnancy truths experienced by new moms as they learn what to expect while expecting.

In reality, that nauseous, queasy feeling which sometimes leads to vomiting can happen any time of day. Its just one of the many changes nearly 90 percent of women including many of my patients experience during pregnancy, and theres not much that health care providers can do to predict or prevent it.

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When To See A Doctor

Seek medical advice if:

  • You are unable to keep any food or liquid down for more than 12 hours.
  • Nausea and vomiting turn severe.
  • You experience infrequent urination or pass dark color urine.
  • You feel dizzy when standing.
  • Lose weight suddenly.
  • You feel like your heart is racing or pounding.
  • You have abdominal or pelvic pain.

Morning sickness is normal during pregnancy and may not affect your baby. It may also not have any long-term effects on you. It is temporary, but the feeling might be frustrating. Taking certain home remedies, such as the ones mentioned in this post, might help.

However, it is always good to check with your doctor before trying any of these herbal remedies or alternative treatments for nausea and vomiting.

References:

Does Lemon Stop Vomiting During Pregnancy

Pin on Pregnancy

Lemon consumption can help relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and is generally a safe option. However, women planning to treat pregnancy effects with lemon should speak to their healthcare provider first. People can consume lemon in the forms of tea, water and lemon mixtures, and fresh lemon juice.

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Causes Of Nausea During Pregnancy

While nausea is definitely an uncomfortable feeling, the good news is that it is not harmful to you or your baby, and it is often perceived as an indication of a healthy pregnancy. Nausea is a key part of the common concern referred to as morning sickness.

The cause of nausea during pregnancy is not completely understood. However, it does appear to be linked to the production of the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone. Commonly referred to as the pregnancy hormone, this is the hormone that the body begins to produce once the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. Again, how it contributes to nausea is unknown, but because of they both peak around the same time, theyre assumed to have a clear connection.

There are other theories as to what causes nausea during pregnancy as well. Some other contributing factors might be:

  • Estrogen is another hormone that rises during early pregnancy and could contribute to queasiness.
  • A sensitive stomach could be made worse while trying to adapt to the changes of pregnancy.
  • Stress or fatigue is suggested to cause a physical reaction within the body, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Dietary Supplementation And Over The Counter Medications

Some women experience relief from their nausea and vomiting symptoms from dietary supplements such as ginger and Vitamin B6 . The over-the-counter sleeping aid, Doxylamine , has also been known to help with nausea and vomiting. Ask your care provider first before you start these supplements and over the counter medications.

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How Long Does Morning Sickness Last

For some expectant moms, morning sickness ebbs and flows throughout the day for others, it might hit at a certain time, like just before midday. Overall, symptoms improve for most women by the end of the second trimester.

Most people tend to feel it resolving on its own somewhere between 14 and 16 weeks, says Visk. Some are unluckyfor them, morning sickness can last until closer to halfway through pregnancy. The really unlucky, maybe 15 percent, may experience morning sickness all the way to the end of pregnancy.

Ways To Treat Morning Sickness Naturally

How To Reduce Nausea During Pregnancy – Onlymyhealth.com

For some, its merely a food aversion a strong reaction to certain smells or tastes. For others, its periodic queasiness, often peaking in the morning and dissipating after lunch. For an unfortunate few, its an overwhelming feeling that lasts all day, their waking hours punctuated by repeated heaving over the toilet.

Nausea during early pregnancy, sometimes called by the misnomer morning sickness, is very common and completely normal. More than half of women experience some degree of nausea and/or vomiting during their pregnancy. Even in severe cases that result in hospitalization, studies indicate that women who brought their weight up later in the pregnancy had the same birth outcomes as women who didnt have morning sickness at all.

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Drink Before Or After A Meal Not During

Staying hydrated is important, especially if youre vomiting. Drink small amounts of fluid throughout the day, but limit fluid intake during meals to avoid feeling too full. Drink 30 minutes before or after a meal instead. If you prefer drinking with your meal, have a small glass of water rather than a beverage containing sugar, as too much sugar can upset your stomach.

Feel Better Fast: How To Stop Nausea

Be prepared with simple treatments that are easy to access when the waves of nausea are affecting you. For example, its smart to have a few remedies in your day bag if youknow the source of nausea is caused bymotion sickness, and you are planning to ride on a boat, bus, train, or another mode of transportation. Or, you canalsokeep these items in your purse through pregnancy to be ready when the morning sickness hits, especially since some pregnant women experience nausea at all times of the day.

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What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is simply increased nausea and vomiting in pregnancy due to the normal increase in one of the pregnancy hormones. If you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to tell your obstetric provider because if left alone, it can cause severe dehydration. There are simple things you can do at home to help decrease nausea and vomiting and prevent from becoming dehydrated.

So What Can You Do About It

Pin on pregnancy heartburn

While there is no tell-tale cure, I do have a list of recommendations:

  • Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. Many of us are used to three big meals and some snacks in between, but that is not the game when you are pregnant. Instead, eat tiny meals all day long. I often tell my patients with morning sickness to eat some crackers or raisins before they even get out of bed or into the shower.
  • Avoid food or smell triggers. If you cant tolerate a certain taste or smell, get rid of it, and avoid strong smells or spices for a little while. Bland foods crackers, toast, etc. are generally best. If you feel like all you can eat is popcorn and string cheese, then eat popcorn and string cheese. Being on a specific diet for a few weeks will not harm your baby.
  • Drink something either 30 minutes before or after eating to avoid that really full feeling. When it comes to beverages, clear and carbonated liquids tend to be best.
  • Try an acupressure band. Worn approximately 3 finger-widths above the wrist, acupressure bands have been known to alleviate nausea. These small bands can be purchased over the counter at many local pharmacies.
  • Eat foods rich in ginger. Many scientific studies have shown that eating ginger can reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Try things such as ginger ale, ginger tea, ginger snaps or other foods made with ginger.
  • About the Author

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    Properly Plan What To Eat If You Have Nausea And Vomiting During Pregnancy

    As youve seen, there are a number of optimal foods to eat when it comes to morning sickness. Keep in mind that this sensation is relatively frequent and doesnt necessarily indicate a serious health disorder. It simply responds to the hormonal and physiological changes that take place throughout this process.

    Finally, remember that managing your diet correctly throughout pregnancy is very important to ensure the proper development of the fetus. Therefore, future illnesses in your baby related to metabolism or the composition of the intestinal microbiota can be prevented. However, if you have more questions about it, dont hesitate to consult a specialist.

    Whats Severe Morning Sickness

    Severe morning sickness is when nausea and vomiting get so serious that a pregnant woman vomits several times a day, loses weight, and gets dehydrated or is at risk for dehydration.

    If this rare pregnancy-related condition isnt treated, it can affect a woman’s health and her baby’s ability to thrive.

    The medical term for severe morning sickness is “hyperemesis gravidarum” , which means “excessive vomiting during pregnancy.” It usually follows a similar timeline to normal morning sickness. But it can go longer, sometimes lasting for the whole pregnancy. Often, the symptoms get less severe as the pregnancy continues.

    Most cases of hyperemesis gravidarum affect a woman’s first pregnancy. But women who have it in one pregnancy are more likely to have it in future pregnancies.

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    Being Always Hydrated Can Prevent Nausea

    It is very important that you stay hydrated throughout the day, and even more so if you also suffer from vomiting in pregnancy, since you can lose up to 300 ml of body fluid and a significant amount of salts each time it happens.

    For this reason, another of the tips to avoid nausea during pregnancy is to stay hydrated all the time, mainly with sparkling water, since it relieves this symptom quickly natural water may have the opposite effect in some women. You can also opt for sports drinks or sodas , but without abusing them.

    Treatment For Vomiting During Pregnancy

    How To Reduce Vomiting During Pregnancy | The Best Pregnancy Tips To Reduce The Chance 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

    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 dont 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.

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    Breathing Technique For Nausea Steps:

  • Place the tongue at the roof of your mouth, relax your facial muscles, and breathe through your nose. Your body is relaxed, and you’re breathing gently and quietly. Focus on the breath that is expanding through the back and sides of your lower ribs as you inhale and deflating your lungs from the back and sides of your lower ribs as you exhale.
  • Then, place your hands together by putting your fingers and your thumb close together, then curve your hands to form a cup, or a mask, and cover your nose and mouth. This will create a little space to breathe into. Breathe in and out into your hand, and as you do so, you are going to be re-inhaling some of the blown-off carbon dioxide.
  • Make sure you check in with yourself to breathe through the diaphragm quietly and softly throughout the day, either each hour or at least 5x/day. This will also keep you feeling more energized and present.
  • REFERENCES:
  • 1Czeizel AE, Dudas I, Fritz G, Tecsoi A, Hanck A, Kunovits G. The effect of periconceptional multivitamin-mineral supplementation on vertigo, nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy. Arch GynecolObstet 1992 251:1815.
  • 2Yafeng Zhang, M.S., Rita M. Cantor, Ph.D., KimberMacgibbon, R.N., Roberto Romero, M.D., Thomas M. Goodwin, M.D., Patrick Mullin, M.D., M.P.H., and Marlena S. Fejzo, Ph.D., Familial Aggregation of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Mar 204: 230.e1230.e7. Published online 2010 Oct 25. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.09.018
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  • Are Some Women More At Risk For Developing Severe Morning Sickness

    Yes. The risk for severe morning sickness is increased if a woman:

    • Is pregnant with more than 1 baby twins, triplets, or more.
    • Has a personal history of severe morning sickness with a previous pregnancy and/or has a mother or sister who had a history of severe morning sickness with a pregnancy.
    • Is pregnant with a girl.
    • Has a history of motion sickness.
    • Has a history of migraines.
    • Is overweight.
    • Has a condition called trophoblastic disease, which leads to abnormal cell growth in the womb .

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    Summary Of Main Results

    Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy are common. Symptoms are generally self-limiting, are not usually life threatening and, provided women do not have very severe vomiting, do not often lead to serious complications. Nevertheless, early pregnancy nausea and vomiting may be extremely distressing to women, and may disrupt their physical and social functioning. In this context, and in view of concerns about the possible teratogenic effects of pharmacological agents, non-pharmacological approaches to symptom control have become increasingly popular and have been recommended in clinical practice guidelines .

    In this review we found little strong or consistent evidence that non-pharmacological therapies are effective in reducing symptoms. Evidence regarding the effectiveness of P6 acupressure was limited. There was some evidence of the effectiveness of auricular acupressure, though further larger studies are required to confirm this. Acupuncture showed no significant benefit to women with nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. The use of preparations containing ginger may be helpful to women, but in this review the evidence of effectiveness was limited, and not consistent.

    We also found only limited evidence from trials to support the use of pharmacological agents including vitamin B6, antihistamines, and other anti-emetic drugs to relieve mild or moderate nausea and vomiting . There were no studies of dietary or other lifestyle interventions identified.

    Know When Its Time To Seek Help

    How to Deal with Vomiting During Pregnancy

    Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that affects about 3% of pregnant women. Its morning sickness but magnified. Women who experience this condition need medical attention to help solve the problem, as it can become quite dangerous for both mom and baby.

    Side effects include severe and persistent vomiting that can lead to dehydration, fainting, weight loss, and prevent women from participating in daily life and obligations. It cannot usually be solved with over-the-counter or at-home remedies. If youre experiencing intense, long-lasting nausea and vomiting, or symptoms that dont seem to improve no matter what you do, talk to your OB/GYN.

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    Interventions For Nausea And Vomiting In Early Pregnancy

    Nausea, retching or dry heaving, and vomiting in early pregnancy are very common and can be very distressing for women. Many treatments are available to women with morning sickness, including drugs and complementary and alternative therapies. This review aimed to examine if these treatments have been found to be effective and safe because of the concern that taking medications may adversely affect the development of the fetus.

    This review found a lack of high-quality evidence to back up any advice on which interventions to use. We examined 27 randomised controlled trials which included 4041 women in early pregnancy. These studies examined the effectiveness of many treatments including acupressure to the acupuncture point on the wrist , acustimulation, acupuncture, ginger, vitamin B6 and several conventional drugs that are used to reduce nausea or vomiting. Some studies showed a benefit in improving nausea and vomiting symptoms for women, but generally effects were inconsistent and limited. Studies were carried out in a way that meant they were at high risk of bias, and therefore, it was difficult to draw firm conclusions. Most studies had different ways of measuring the symptoms of nausea and vomiting and therefore, we could not look at these findings together. Few studies reported maternal and fetal adverse outcomes and there was very little information on the effectiveness of treatments for improving womens quality of life.

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