Sickness in first trimester

Vomiting and morning sickness - NHS

Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, often known as morning sickness, is very common in early pregnancy.

It can affect you at any time of the day or night or you may feel sick all day long.

Morning sickness is unpleasant, and can significantly affect your day-to-day life. But it usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20 of your pregnancy and does not put your baby at any increased risk.

There is a chance of developing a severe form of pregnancy sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. This can be serious, and there's a chance you may not get enough fluids in your body (dehydration) or not get enough nutrients from your diet (malnourishment). You may need specialist treatment, sometimes in hospital.

Sometimes urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also cause nausea and vomiting. A UTI usually affects the bladder, but can spread to the kidneys.

Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife, GP or 111 if:

you're vomiting and:

• have very dark-coloured urine or have not had a pee in more than 8 hours
• are unable to keep food or fluids down for 24 hours
• feel severely weak, dizzy or faint when standing up
• have tummy (abdominal) pain
• have a high temperature
• vomit blood
• have lost weight

Treatments for morning sickness

Unfortunately, there's no hard and fast treatment that will work for everyone’s morning sickness. Every pregnancy will be different.

But there are some changes you can make to your diet and daily life to try to ease the symptoms.

If these do not work for you or you're having more severe symptoms, your doctor or midwife might recommend medicine.

Things you can try yourself

If your morning sickness is not too bad, your GP or midwife will initially recommend you try some lifestyle changes:

• get plenty of rest (tiredness can make nausea worse)
• avoid foods or smells that make you feel sick
• eat something like dry toast or a plain biscuit before you get out of bed
• eat small, frequent meals of plain foods that are high in carbohydrate and low in fat (such as bread, rice, crackers and pasta)
• eat cold foods rather than hot ones if the smell of hot meals makes you feel sick
• drink plenty of fluids, such as water (sipping them little and often may help prevent vomiting)
• eat foods or drinks containing ginger – there's some evidence ginger may help reduce nausea and vomiting (check with your pharmacist before taking ginger supplements during pregnancy)
• try acupressure – there's some evidence that putting pressure on your wrist, using a special band or bracelet on your forearm, may help relieve the symptoms

Find out more about vitamins and supplements in pregnancy

Anti-sickness medicine

If your nausea and vomiting is severe and does not improve after trying the above lifestyle changes, your GP may recommend a short-term course of an anti-sickness medicine, called an antiemetic, that's safe to use in pregnancy.

Often this will be a type of antihistamine, which are usually used to treat allergies but also work as medicines to stop sickness (antiemetic).

Antiemetics will usually be given as tablets for you to swallow.

But if you cannot keep these down, your doctor may suggest an injection or a type of medicine that's inserted into your bottom (suppository).

See your GP if you'd like to talk about getting anti-sickness medication.

Risk factors for morning sickness

It's thought hormonal changes in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are probably one of the causes of morning sickness.

But you may be more at risk of it if:

• you're having twins or more
• you had severe sickness and vomiting in a previous pregnancy
• you tend to get motion sickness (for example, car sick)
• you have a history of migraine headaches
• morning sickness runs in the family
• you used to feel sick when taking contraceptives containing oestrogen
• it's your first pregnancy
• you're obese (your BMI is 30 or more)
• you're experiencing stress

Visit the pregnancy sickness support site for tips for you and your partner on dealing with morning sickness.

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Video: how can I cope with morning sickness?

In this video, a midwife gives advice on how to deal with morning sickness during your pregnancy.

Media last reviewed: 27 February 2017
Media review due: 27 March 2020

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2021
Next review due: 13 April 2024

Severe Morning Sickness (Hyperemesis Gravidarum) (for Parents)

What's Morning Sickness?

During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women have the bouts of nausea and vomiting known as morning sickness.

Despite its name, morning sickness can happen day or night. It usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy, is at its worst around week 9, and stops by weeks 16 to 18. Although unpleasant, morning sickness is considered a normal part of a healthy pregnancy.

What’s 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 isn’t 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" (hi-per-EM-eh-sis grav-ih-DARE-um), 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.

What Causes Severe Morning Sickness?

The cause of severe morning sickness isn’t known. But it might be related to the hormone changes of pregnancy. A hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG, might be to blame because severe morning sickness most often happens when HCG levels are at their highest in a pregnant woman's body.

Severe morning sickness also might run in families. It’s more common in women whose close family members (such as mothers and sisters) have had it.

Other things that can increase a woman's chances of having severe morning sickness include:

• carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)
• history of motion sickness
• migraine headaches with nausea or vomiting

What Problems Can Happen?

The nausea and vomiting that happen in severe morning sickness are so extreme that they can harm the mother and the baby. Not being able to keep down food makes it hard for the mom to meet her nutritional needs. So she might lose weight. And a loss of fluids, combined with the loss of stomach acid from vomiting, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

If severe morning sickness isn’t treated, it can cause many problems, including organ failure and the early birth of her baby.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call the doctor right away if you’re pregnant and have any of these symptoms:

• nausea that lasts throughout the day, making it impossible to eat or drink
• vomiting three to four times per day or not being to keep anything in the stomach
• brownish vomit or vomit with blood or streaks of blood in it
• weight loss
• fainting or dizziness
• peeing less than usual
• a fast heart rate
• a lot of headaches
• unpleasant, fruity mouth or body odor
• extreme tiredness
• confusion

How Is Severe Morning Sickness Treated?

Treatments used for morning sickness, such as eating dry crackers in the morning or a bland diet, may be recommended for women with extreme morning sickness. But these might not help with severe symptoms.

Medical treatment can include:

• a short period of not eating to rest the gastrointestinal system
• intravenous (IV) fluids
• vitamin and nutritional supplements

Some women might get medicine to stop the vomiting, either by mouth or through an IV. The doctor might recommend eating foods with ginger or taking vitamin B6 supplements to help ease nausea. It can also help to:

• Eat a bland diet.
• Eat frequent small meals.
• Drink plenty of liquids when not feeling nauseated.
• Avoid spicy and fatty foods.
• Eat high-protein snacks.
• Avoid sensory stimuli that can act as triggers (like specific smells or noises).

If a woman feels anxious or depressed about her condition, talking to a therapist or counselor might help her cope with her feelings.

What Else Should I Know?

With treatment, women with severe morning sickness can feel better and get the nourishment they need so they and their babies thrive. And lifestyle changes can help ease nausea and vomiting and make the pregnancy more enjoyable.

With time, symptoms usually do improve. And, of course, they stop by the time a woman's next journey starts: parenthood.

Colds ARI, SARS during pregnancy, consequences, treatment

What should I do if I get a cold (ARI/ARVI) during pregnancy?

Is it possible to protect yourself from SARS?

Which drugs are allowed and which are not?

Is it dangerous for the baby?

Pregnancy is a wonderful state, but, unfortunately, even this wonderful period in a woman’s life can be overshadowed by exacerbation of pre-existing chronic diseases of the respiratory system (almost 10% of the population suffers from one or another pathology of the respiratory organs and do not go to a doctor for treatment ). nine0011

What threatens neglect in acute respiratory infections/ARVI during pregnancy

• The causative agents of viral and infectious diseases can contribute to miscarriage, increased blood loss during childbirth.
• Viruses can also activate existing in the body and other "dormant" infection, contribute to the development of inflammatory diseases of the internal genital organs.
• There is no particular predisposition to infection in pregnant women, but respiratory diseases of an infectious and viral nature in pregnant women are often more severe and give much more complications if treatment is not started on time. nine0028
• The most common diseases in pregnant women are SARS and influenza.
• Colds are dangerous during pregnancy, both in the 1st trimester, 2nd trimester, and 3rd trimester.

ARVI is an acute respiratory viral infection, i.e. The source of the disease is viruses that a sick person releases in large quantities when coughing, sneezing, talking. We are especially prone to viral infections during the cold season, as well as during the transitional periods of autumn and spring - when it is hot during the day, cold in the morning, and sometimes we dress completely inappropriate for the weather. nine0011

The onset of SARS is usually gradual with a general malaise, lethargy, slight fever, and a runny nose or sore throat.

Influenza, unlike SARS, is more severe and poses a great danger to both the mother and the fetus. Influenza epidemics recur almost every year, during which 30-40% of the population falls ill.

This is an acute viral disease transmitted by airborne droplets. The influenza virus penetrates through the respiratory tract, affects the mucous membrane, increases the permeability of the walls of blood vessels. The flu virus lowers the immune system, which can exacerbate chronic diseases. The onset of influenza is acute, sudden: 30 minutes ago everything seems to be fine, but now it’s temperature, chills, fever. nine0011

What to do if you get SARS during pregnancy?

Treat for sure!!!

Do not hope that it will go away on its own and somehow manage to lie down. Even with a slight malaise, the likelihood of complications in a pregnant woman is high.

Be sure to visit a doctor, a competent therapist or general practitioner will give you comprehensive recommendations on drug therapy, as well as the use of home remedies that will not harm you and your baby. nine0011

Do not self-medicate, antiviral drugs, herbs, lozenges, antibiotics and antibacterial drugs should not be taken without a doctor's prescription. Your body during pregnancy may react differently than in normal life.

Is it possible to protect yourself from SARS during pregnancy?

SARS prevention measures are simple and affordable:

• Pregnant women should limit their visits to crowded places with large crowds of people indoors, wash their hands more often (personal hygiene), beware of hypothermia, i.e. dress for the season and the weather. nine0028
• Proper balanced nutrition, vitamin intake and more positive emotions are of great importance.
• After returning from the street or working at home, it is a good idea to gargle with sea water and use the toilet of the nose.
• Before work, lubricate the nasal cavity with oxolin ointment or peach oil.
• At work and at home, take care of proper air humidification (ionizers, humidifiers)
• Important! Do not forget about regular walks in the fresh air, a full-fledged sexual life (in the absence of contraindications) and sports (taking into account the physiological characteristics of the pregnant woman)

What medicines can be taken during pregnancy if you have ARVI?

• Medications are prescribed individually, based on the situation, the doctor selects.
• You can bring down the temperature with Paracetamol (both tablets and suppositories).
• Absolutely everyone is shown a warm alkaline fortified drink.

Is SARS dangerous for a baby?

• If you start treatment on time and be under the supervision of a doctor, your baby will not be harmed by a cold. nine0028
• However, if you self-medicate, then the risk of miscarriage, intrauterine hypoxia and the formation of various abnormalities in the development of the baby increases.

We hope that pregnancy management at the Ona clinic will leave only positive emotions. Our doctors will take care of your health and the health of your unborn baby.

Clinic address

Multidisciplinary clinic "ONA"

Multidisciplinary clinic "ONA"

Multidisciplinary clinic "ONA"

Multidisciplinary clinic "ONA"

Publication date: 09/26/22

Updated: 09/26/22 04:29

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Colds during pregnancy: how to treat?

Any cold or respiratory disease in early pregnancy, during the primary formation of the fetus, can lead to unpredictable consequences and complications. The matter is complicated by the fact that most medications are absolutely contraindicated for use during gestation. nine0011

In this regard, the treatment and prevention of colds in pregnant women is an important issue, which should be approached especially responsibly! The main thesis is: be careful with medicines and apply mild preventive measures based on alternative medicine methods to avoid respiratory diseases and flu.

"One for two - immunity"

This is a very fragile system, it is not necessary to interfere in its work, but it is necessary to support and strengthen it. Pregnancy belongs to the category of special, albeit temporary, conditions during which a woman needs additional protection. nine0011

This issue will help simple recommendations that are available to everyone:

• During the period of frequent weather changes, it is necessary to dress warmer, paying special attention to footwear.
• During an epidemic, it is better for a pregnant woman to refrain from being in crowded places - transport, metro, shops and hospitals. If there is an urgent need, to prevent possible infection, a protective respiratory mask should be worn before leaving the house. nine0011

• Be especially careful about hygiene after visiting the street and public places. Upon returning home, the first thing to do is wash your hands thoroughly.

Interesting: More than 90% of all acute respiratory infections are caused by viruses, about 10% are bacteria and other pathogens. Accordingly, any soap can be used, not necessarily antibacterial.

• Before going outside, you can lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment. Upon returning home, flush the upper respiratory tract with soda solution. nine0011

• Rationalization of nutrition and intake of vitamins will strengthen the immune defense. It is especially useful to eat fruits and vegetables that are enriched with vitamins and have not undergone heat treatment.

Interesting: our grandmothers also said: in order not to get sick, you need to drink chicken broth! Strange, but until recently, scientists did not attach much importance to this prophylactic. Pulmonologist Stefan Rennard decided to find out if this was true or not. The professor conducted a study and proved that the use of chicken broth affects the mobility of neutrophils, white blood cells that protect the body from infections and activate the immune system. nine0011

• Vitamins can be taken using ready-made pharmaceutical multivitamin complexes. Before choosing a drug, you should consult your doctor.
• Compliance with the regimen and duration of sleep - at least 9 hours a day. The possibility of psychotraumatic situations should be minimized.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the living quarters (ventilation, wet cleaning).
• Air humidification is an important aspect in the prevention of influenza and respiratory diseases. If air conditioners or heaters are used in the house of a pregnant woman, it would be best to purchase a mechanical humidifier. nine0028

Medications for prevention

• Grippferon - a drug in the form of drops for the nose, which provides the prevention and treatment of influenza, is not contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. The medicine stimulates an increase in immunity, has a pronounced antiviral effect that can protect against colds, infections and influenza varieties.
• Ascorbic acid - can be used as a separate source of vitamin C in a synthetic version, with a reduced daily intake from food. Ascorbic acid not only prevents infection, but also fights viruses that have already entered the body of a woman. nine0028
• Viferon - nasal ointment, which is prescribed for the prevention of influenza and respiratory infections during an epidemic. The ointment has protective and immunomodulatory effects, and also allows you to deal with disorders that are already occurring in the body at the time of use. Viferon in the form of a nasal ointment has no contraindications for use in pregnant women at any time, including the first trimester.
• Aquamaris is a natural drug in the form of a nasal spray that allows you to moisturize the nasal mucosa, thereby reducing the risk of influenza viruses entering the nasal cavity. nine0028

I would like to say a few words about such a method of prevention as vaccination. Most often, the expectant mother may be at risk of becoming infected due to the annual influenza epidemic. This disease is dangerous for a pregnant woman precisely because of its complications: pneumonia, bronchitis, otitis media. Influenza in a pregnant woman can also affect the health of the fetus. Most of all, it is dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy, when the tissues and organs of the human embryo are laid and formed. Viral intoxication or drug exposure can lead to pathology of the child's organs. In later pregnancy, there is a risk of infection of the fetus. nine0011

The most dangerous consequence of influenza in a pregnant woman is threatened miscarriage or premature birth!

It is quite natural that expectant mothers often wonder whether or not to vaccinate.

Studies have concluded that the use of inactivated ("killed") influenza vaccines does not have a teratogenic effect on the fetus and does not harm the health of a pregnant woman. After consulting with your doctor about such a vaccination, you can come to an optimal solution. nine0199 If an influenza epidemic is inevitable, and a pregnant woman has no contraindications, then vaccination should be done. If a pregnant woman has a negligible risk of infection, she does not come into contact with a large number of people, or is opposed to vaccination, then you can not do it. According to research, it is known that vaccination of mothers reduces the risk of influenza infection of a born child by 63%. Seasonal influenza prevention is carried out in September, October. Vaccinations for pregnant women are recommended from the second trimester of pregnancy. nine0011

In the period of a planned pregnancy, a flu shot is given 1 month before it: the formation of immunity occurs 2-4 weeks. Protection after vaccination lasts about a year.