We've already seen this in various feature films and series: The female "lead" suddenly runs to the bathroom in an inappropriate situation, strictly according to the script, to get rid of her nausea in the toilet bowl. Afterwards, she ponders helplessly where she might have upset her stomach. But we viewers know immediately: she's pregnant.
This film scene is not a cliché, because about 75 to 80 per cent of all pregnant women experience nausea during pregnancy. to fight. It affects many women, especially in early pregnancy from the 6th to the 12th week (first trimester). If this happens to you too, I would like to reassure you straight away: This side effect is unpleasant, but completely harmless. And in the vast majority of cases, nausea during pregnancy goes away in the second trimester. Only very few women experience this form of discomfort throughout their entire pregnancy.
Where does nausea during pregnancy come from?
This has not yet been conclusively established. All we know is that most expectant mothers feel sick in early pregnancy and preferably in the morning. Quite a few also vomit. The most common cause is thought to be the rapidly increasing changing hormone balance in the pregnant woman's body is to blame. More precisely, the sharp increase in oestrogen and the pregnancy hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) as the "culprit". However, both are necessary for a normal onset of pregnancy. There is also debate as to whether metabolic fluctuations, psychological stress, low blood pressure or previous pregnancies also favour the usually temporary malaise.
Many of the pregnant women I advise are worried about whether their nausea could harm the baby. If you are also worried about this, I can reassure you straight away: Your child won't mind your nausea. As mentioned, in most cases it is one of the normal side effects of pregnancy. Even initial Tiredness or an increased sensitivity to odours may occur. So you can rest assured.
A US study from 2016 even came to the conclusion that pregnancy nausea is the main cause of pregnancy sickness. Reduce the risk of miscarriage by up to 75 per cent would. Conversely, you should now not You should not draw the conclusion that you have a higher risk of miscarriage if you do not feel sick regularly! After all, not feeling nauseous during pregnancy is completely normal.
However, you should be careful if you are one of the very rare pregnant women who vomit five or more times a day, even on an empty stomach. However, this only applies to 2 per cent of expectant mothers. With such persistent symptoms, they are unable to keep enough food down and may also lose weight as a result. In this case we speak of insatiable vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum). If you are affected by this, please contact your midwife or seek medical advice. Otherwise there is a risk that you will become dehydrated, for example, and that your child will not be adequately supplied with nutrients. Medication can provide a remedy here.
What provides relief?
Even small measures can have a big impact against nausea during pregnancy. Here too, it will help you to feel inside yourself and trust your body. It will signal to you what is good for you - and what is not. My tips:
- Fresh ginger: Two to three slices can be infused with hot water to make tea, which you leave to infuse for five minutes. If you like, you can also chew a piece of fresh ginger.
- Small meals: Instead of three large meals, eat several small meals with more carbohydrates throughout the day. Avoid strongly flavoured or spicy foods and dishes that are very high in sugar and fat. Don't force yourself to eat foods that you currently dislike.
- Snack in bed: Before you get up in the morning, have a rusk and slightly sweetened warm tea in bed, which you can prepare in the evening with a thermos flask on the bedside table. Your partner may also be able to provide you with this in the morning.
- Listen to the sense of smell: Perhaps you loved the smell of fresh coffee before your pregnancy - but now it might make you feel sick to your stomach. Such changes in your sense of smell can also happen with other odours, such as meat, cigarette smoke or individual perfumes. Therefore, try to avoid all odours that you dislike.
- On the other hand, there may also be fragrances that you find surprisingly pleasant. Many pregnant women, for example, particularly appreciate fresh citrus notes such as mandarin and grapefruit. Spicy peppermint also tickles the nose pleasantly. You can also vaporise these scents as essential oils in a fragrance lamp or hold them under your nose on a handkerchief "in an emergency".
- Herbal remedies: Various homeopathic remedies or Bach flowers can provide relief from nausea. It is best to seek advice from your midwife, doctor or pharmacy.
- Drink tea: Bad Good from Miapanda contains ginger and thus contributes to the normal functioning of the stomach in early pregnancy.
Also in my online counselling I will be happy to help you and we can find out together what would be good for you.
