Feel sick after eating pregnant

Nausea After Eating - Early Pregnancy

You’re pregnant. Congratulations!

However, nausea and other early pregnancy symptoms might start to put a dampener on your excitement in the first trimester.

Nausea after eating is a common complaint in early pregnancy.

Read on to find out what causes it and how to cope with this annoying pregnancy symptom.

Having nausea after eating in early pregnancy

During pregnancy, rising hormone levels cause changes to your digestive system and body. This means the food you eat spends longer in your small intestine.

This could contribute to nausea after eating food, in a number of ways:

• Increased estrogen levels. This can cause short-term nausea, bloating and vomiting, or a combination of all three.
• Increased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels. This hormone, which the body begins to produce the following conception, to maintain the uterine lining, is thought to cause morning sickness
• Increased progesterone levels. This can cause the sphincters in the lower esophagus to relax, causing nausea and heartburn.

These hormones can be the indirect causes of any changes such as nausea after eating in early pregnancy. A lack of vitamin B6 in the diet is thought to be another possible cause.

How soon did you feel sick when pregnant?

Some women don’t experience any nausea when pregnant. Nausea after eating food most commonly begins around week 6 of pregnancy, when hormone levels really start to ramp up.

Other women, though can feel nausea as early as 4 weeks pregnant (which is only 2 weeks after conception).

Some women throw up frequently, some only have pregnancy nausea, and in others, nausea is only triggered by certain odors or foods. Everyone experiences pregnancy nausea differently and your overall health might play a part in this.

Whether nausea is triggered by eating one particular food, or you just feel nauseous all the time, a home pregnancy test can confirm whether you’re pregnant or something else is going on – such as the dreaded stomach flu.

What helps ease nausea after eating in pregnancy?

To help with nausea after eating you might like to try any or all of the following tips:

• Ginger root has been shown to ease nausea and settle the stomach. Drink it steeped in hot water or add it to your food and cooking. Ginger ale used to be suggested for nausea conditions but it’s been found to be less effective than ginger root
• Lemon is another natural remedy for nausea. A few slices in hot water can soothe your upset stomach, especially between meals
• Sniff peppermint oil to help reduce the feeling of nausea. It might be helpful to keep some oil next to your bed, so you can sniff before getting up in the morning, to avoid upsetting your stomach
• Take your prenatal vitamins when your stomach has settled and after some food if possible
• Drink plenty of fluid every day, get some fresh air, and rinse your mouth after eating food to help with that queasiness. This can improve your mood and your physical health as well
• You could also try chewing some gum. As strange as it sounds, chewing gum is a way to alleviate nausea for some women.

Anything that can help you feel better is worth a try.

Uncomfortably full after eating

As well as nausea after eating during the first trimester, it’s also really common to feel bloated and full.

This is due to progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscle in your digestive system. This means food moves through the digestive tract much more slowly.

This slowing down of the digestive tract allows more time for all the nutrients in foods to be absorbed in the intestine and reach your growing baby.

However, this can also make you feel bloated and nauseous. All the food you eat will travel more slowly through your body; adding more or larger meals causes food buildup in your intestine.

As the baby gets bigger, your organs and digestive tract get squashed, causing discomfort due to indigestion and heartburn. If you choose to eat less food, it can lead to malnutrition, which will affect your health and potentially your baby’s health and development.

One tip is to eat small meals, more often. This may help with your appetite. A light meal can be beneficial for your digestive tract, preventing the food buildup in your intestine that causes bloating and nausea after eating.

Nausea after eating in early pregnancy – boy or girl?

Levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG, which triggers morning sickness, tend to be higher in mothers who are pregnant with female babies.

But a pregnant woman can certainly have nausea after eating, and even bad morning sickness, when she’s carrying a boy.

Some old wives’ tales suggest the foods that trigger nausea are a clue to whether you’re having a boy or a girl. But there’s little evidence to support this.

Please read this wonderful article on Boy or Girl – What Am I Having? 16 Old Wives Tales for more information.

What if nausea doesn’t stop in pregnancy?

A condition called hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in up to 2% of pregnancies.

It involves symptoms of severe and persistent vomiting and is a condition that compromises your health and that of your baby.

If you can’t keep foods or fluid down and have persistent nausea after eating, fatigue, and weight loss, these are signs you may have hyperemesis.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, contact your health care provider or doctor for further advice. You might need hospitalization to treat dehydration.

Read When Is Morning Sickness Classed As Hyperemesis Gravidarum? for more information.

Is feeling nauseous after eating a sign of pregnancy?

Nausea after eating a meal is a common early sign of pregnancy. But nausea isn’t always the first (or only) symptom women experience in the first trimester.

Some women feel bloated after eating food, and have feelings of fatigue, queasiness, and moodiness; others might just notice tenderness in their breasts.

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These are, of course, due to hormones. You might experience one, some, or even all of these when pregnant.

You’ll find information about other signs of pregnancy in Pregnancy Symptoms | 16 Signs Of Pregnancy.

Medication for nausea in pregnancy

When symptoms of nausea after eating persist, despite making changes to your diet or trying natural remedies, your doctor might recommend medication.

Here is a list of medications used to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy:

Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is considered first-line therapy for nausea and can be taken in conjunction with other medications called antiemetics (anti-vomiting and nausea medications).

Doxylamine with pyridoxine

A sustained-release tablet, combining doxylamine (10 mg) and pyridoxine (10 mg) has been available for many years in Canada to treat nausea in pregnancy.

A similar product, Debendox, was voluntarily withdrawn in Australia in 1983, after claims it caused birth defects.

Subsequent research has shown that this assertion was unfounded. Even so, for 30 years Australian women have been denied this safe and effective treatment.

The two medicines can be purchased separately, over the counter, in Australia.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is classified as a pregnancy category A medication and is the most commonly prescribed antiemetic in pregnancy.

This classification might appear reassuring, in terms of safety, but it doesn’t give any indication of the drug’s efficacy.

Many pregnant women report metoclopramide didn’t ease their nausea but didn’t make it worse.

Although there is limited safety data for ondansetron in pregnancy, it’s often prescribed for women with hyperemesis gravidarum.

It’s not recommended as first-line therapy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Ondansetron commonly causes constipation and bloating, which might already be a problem in pregnancy.  To reduce this side effect, it’s recommended to use laxatives and limit the use of ondansetron

Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant and an alternative when other antiemetics fail to treat hyperemesis. It should only be used under your doctor’s supervision.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid use should be limited to pregnant women with nausea and vomiting that are difficult to control.

Women should have a regular medical follow-up to ensure steroids aren’t taken for lengthy periods.

Corticosteroids are best avoided in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy due to a possible association with cleft lip and palate.

Other treatments

Acid reflux, heartburn, and bloating can all make nausea worse when you’re pregnant.

You can use calcium-based antacids safely. Other treatments include proton-pump inhibitors and h3 blockers, both of which reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Women who suffer from prolonged vomiting could be at risk of thiamine or vitamin B1 deficiency. Thiamine supplementation may be recommended by your care provider.

Speak with your doctor or midwife for advice and information on what is right for you.

Alternative therapies for nausea in pregnancy

Alternative therapies are those that aren’t part of the standard medical treatments usually prescribed by medical doctors.

Some women turn to complementary therapies during pregnancy to help reduce symptoms such as nausea and bloating. These treatments usually include acupuncture or acupressure.

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy that involves inserting thin needles into certain points of the body to ease certain conditions and their symptoms. For nausea, treating acupuncture point PC6 on the inner forearm safely and effectively reduces nausea in pregnancy.

Always check your acupuncture therapist is qualified and experienced in the treatment of pregnant women.

Acupressure, or reflexology, works on the same principles to relieve symptoms, except instead of inserting needles, you apply pressure to points. You or your partner can do this at home.

Always check with your doctor before commencing any new therapies.

How long does morning sickness in pregnancy last?

Morning sickness typically starts about week 6 and finishes around the end of the first trimester, with a peak between weeks 8 and 10.

Although those weeks can seem brutally long, there is a strange comfort in knowing your hormones are doing their work and your baby is growing.

Unfortunately for some women, nausea, discomfort and even vomiting happen on and off throughout the entire pregnancy.

A queasy, crampy stomach is no fun at the best of times.

Some great remedies can be found in Morning Sickness – 10 Best Morning Sickness Remedies.

Why do smells cause nausea in pregnancy?

It’s a scientific fact that high levels of estrogen increase your sensitivity to smell.

When you’re pregnant, you produce much higher levels of estrogen. This sensitivity can affect your stomach, meaning every smell in the world is going to bother you for nine months.

Let’s face it! Some odors are worse than others, so avoid those that trigger your nausea during pregnancy.

Coping With Common Discomforts of Pregnancy

Pregnancy produces many physical changes. Aside from weight and body shape, other alterations in your body chemistry and function take place. The heart works harder, your temperature registers slightly higher, body secretions increase, joints and ligaments are more flexible and hormones are altered.

Mood changes are common, resulting from a combination of hormonal changes and greater fatigue, as well as normal anxiety over body image, sexuality, finances, marriage roles and impending parenthood.

The following is a list of the most common discomforts of pregnancy and some guidelines for coping with them.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Eat small frequent meals. Going too long without eating during pregnancy can cause nausea or make it worse. If you experience continuous nausea, eat every one to two hours.
• Avoid greasy, high-fat foods. They are more difficult to digest.
• Consume dry starch foods, such as crackers, toast or cereal, in the morning before you get out of bed. Also, it helps if you stay in bed for 20 minutes or so after eating and get up slowly from the bed for a sudden change of position can aggravate nausea.
• Drinking carbonated beverages as well as peppermint, spearmint and chamomile teas may help.
• Eat plenty of carbohydrate-rich foods such as cereal, fruit, bread and rice. They are easy to digest and provide energy.
• Take prenatal vitamins only as directed. If they cause stomach upset, ask your practitioner if you can delay taking them for a few weeks.
• Some foods, such as milk or tea, that are soothing to one woman may be upsetting to another. However, most women find cold foods and beverages easier to tolerate than hot ones.
• Eat a high-protein snack before bed to stabilize blood sugar.
• Limit your consumption of coffee. It stimulates acid secretion, which can make the nausea worse.
• Consume liquids separately from meals, waiting about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wear sea sickness wrist bands. These can be found at most pharmacies.

• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet, eating foods high in fiber such as fruits, raw vegetables, whole grain products, nuts and dried fruits. Choose a breakfast cereal that has at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. These foods help soften the stool and promote natural bowel activity.
• Drink a lot of fluids.
• Exercise, even walking, will help relieve constipation.
• Eat prunes or figs, or drink prune juice. These fruits contain a natural laxative.
• Avoid laxatives. If the problem is not resolved with the above suggestions, let your health care practitioner know. Stool softeners that are safe during pregnancy can be prescribed.
• Iron supplements can aggravate constipation — the prescription for iron can be adjusted if it becomes a problem.

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• To help avoid hemorrhoids, prevent constipation by maintaining a diet that is high in fluids and fiber.
• Witch hazel or Tucks pads can be applied to the hemorrhoid area to relieve symptoms.
• Avoid over-the-counter laxatives. If hard stools are aggravating hemorrhoids, stool softeners can be used, but first consult your practitioner for specific suggestions.

Fatigue

This is very common during the first trimester. Get as much sleep or rest as you can — even short naps will help. Your energy level will pick up after the first three months. However, fatigue and insomnia tend to recur in the last months of pregnancy. A warm bath, massage or hot drink before bed often helps you relax and get ready to sleep.

Breast Tenderness

Breast tenderness is most pronounced during the first three months. The breasts enlarge in size and can be quite tender. Wearing a good support bra may help you feel more comfortable.

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is another pregnancy symptom that is most pronounced during the first trimester as well as the end of pregnancy. Do not restrict fluid intake in an effort to decrease the frequency of urination. As long as you do not experience burning or pain with urination, increased frequency is normal and will go away with time.

Leg Cramps

Cramps in your calf or thigh occur most frequently at night. One remedy may be to increase your intake of calcium. Ask your provider about a calcium supplement. While in bed, stretch with your heels pointed, not your toes. This will help relieve a cramp.

Heartburn

• Try eating smaller but more frequent meals.
• Avoid highly seasoned, rich and fatty foods.
• Do not lie down flat after eating. If you must lie down, elevate your head and shoulders with pillows.
• Carbonated beverages and milk often can help alleviate heartburn.
• Certain antacids are not recommended during pregnancy. Check with your health care provider before using over-the-counter antacid preparations.

Backache

Lower back pain is common during pregnancy. It is caused by the shift in posture necessitated by carrying extra weight in front.

• Try not to stand in one position for too long.
• An exercise called the pelvic rock will help alleviate back pain and strengthen the lower back muscles that experience the most stress.
• Elevating the feet onto a stool while sitting will help.

Dizziness

Dizziness or lightheadedness can be caused by low blood sugar or a sudden change of position. To help avoid this feeling:

• Move slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
• Eat well and frequently. Women who are prone to low blood sugar should carry snacks at all times. Juices and fruit are particularly good choices.

Swelling of the Hands and Feet

Slight swelling of the hands and feet are common in the later stages of pregnancy. Adequate fluid intake is always important. Improve the circulation in your legs and feet by elevating them as often as possible. Lie on a bed or floor and raise your legs up on the wall keeping your knees bent. If you are wearing elastic hose, drain your legs this way before putting them on.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

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Toxemia, Intestinal Problems & Heartburn

Find out how pregnancy affects the digestive tract, which trimesters are more likely to cause symptoms of indigestion and nausea, and what to do to manage them.

During pregnancy, the burden on the mother's body increases. The body needs more nutrients, the body produces additional hormones. And the growing fetus puts pressure on neighboring organs, including the stomach and intestines. We tell you what symptoms are observed in each trimester, how to cope with toxicosis and get rid of heartburn.

Contents:

• 2. Toxicosis and pregnancy
• 3. Causes, risks and treatment of diarrhea during pregnancy
• 4. Heartburn and stomach pain during pregnancy
• 5. Bloating, constipation and microbiota during pregnancy
• 6. Note

Changes in the work of the gastrointestinal tract by trimesters of pregnancy

The average duration of pregnancy is 40 weeks, which are usually divided into trimesters in accordance with the stages of intrauterine development of the child.

Each trimester is accompanied by a number of changes in the body, including in the gastrointestinal tract:

The Atlas Genetic Test will help you find out how your genes affect the level of female sex hormones necessary for fertility and pregnancy.

Causes of gastrointestinal problems during pregnancy

Every pregnancy is accompanied by inevitable changes in the functioning of the digestive system. They are most often caused by hormonal changes and increased stress on organs, but they can also be associated with lifestyle and health conditions, for example:

• Sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced diet;
• Certain drugs, including calcium or aluminum antacids;
• Viral and bacterial infections;
• Intolerance to certain nutrients and allergic reactions;
• Stress;
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.

If you have chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and you are planning a pregnancy, try to consult your doctor in advance. Symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux are more likely to get worse during pregnancy. Your doctor will help prepare your body and create a prevention plan to help relieve symptoms during this time.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional bowel disease that causes frequent abdominal pain, impaired peristalsis, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

Morning sickness, vomiting and general malaise during pregnancy

Morning sickness and morning sickness during early pregnancy are common, because the body undergoes important changes necessary for the development of the child.

up to 90%

women experience nausea during pregnancy

Doctors find it difficult to say with certainty why pregnant women feel sick in the morning. The main theory is hormonal changes. But there are some patterns associated with an increased risk of morning sickness:

• Multiple pregnancy;
• Toxicosis during previous pregnancy;
• History of morning sickness during pregnancy in close relatives;
• Tendency to motion sickness in transport;
• Use of oral contraceptives containing estrogen before pregnancy;
• Frequent migraines;
• BMI 30 and above;
• Elevated levels of stress hormones

Risks of severe morning sickness and how to reduce nausea

Nausea and vomiting are usually not associated with a risk for mother and child and disappear by 16-20 weeks of pregnancy, but it is not necessary to wait so long - there are ways that can help reduce nausea and enjoy the process of waiting for a new person:

• Get plenty of rest - fatigue increases toxicosis;
• Avoid smells and foods that cause nausea;
• Eat something right after waking up. A toast or a slice of bread will help reduce nausea;
• Avoid hunger - empty stomach increases nausea. Eat small meals often, prefer low-fat, high-carbohydrate foods;
• Try ginger - studies show it helps with nausea;
• Sip as often as possible and prefer still water.

In rare cases, pregnant women may develop hyperemesis gestationis or excessive vomiting. This is a serious condition that can lead to dehydration, kidney damage, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death.

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, infrequent urination and/or dizziness.

Symptoms of excessive pregnancy vomiting:

• frequent nausea for a long time and regular vomiting after meals;
• dry skin and lips;
• sudden weight loss;
• low blood pressure (below 90/60).

If symptoms of excessive pregnancy vomiting occur, do not wait until the condition resolves on its own. It is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible - the doctor will prescribe treatment, help adjust the diet and lifestyle of the expectant mother.

0.5–2%

pregnant women experience excessive vomiting

Diarrhea in pregnancy

The word "diarrhea" comes from the Greek language and literally means "to flow through". This is a condition during which bowel movements or bowel movements occur three times a day or more often. This phenomenon is especially typical for the third trimester of pregnancy, but it can also occur earlier.

Symptoms of diarrhea:

• Three or more bowel movements per day
• Urgent urge to have a bowel movement
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Bloating

Causes of diarrhea during pregnancy poisoning, dysbacteriosis, bacterial and viral infections: