Throwing up in last trimester

Vomiting in Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester of pregnancy; in fact, these are two of the very first symptoms that help you realise that you are pregnant. While it’s common to feel nauseated all the time in the first trimester of your pregnancy, if it continues in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, then it will obviously be taxing for you. If you are in your third trimester of pregnancy, it is essential that you know whether you should be concerned about vomiting at this stage.

Also Read: Complications during Third Trimester

Reasons for Vomiting in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy

Of the several symptoms that you go through while you are pregnant, vomiting in the third trimester of pregnancy is a concern that is bound to leave you worried. However, please remember that you are not the only one going through this and hence, it is not unnatural or abnormal. Some of the possible reasons for vomiting in the third trimester are as follows:

1.

One very obvious reason for vomiting in the final trimester of pregnancy is morning sickness. It is a common phenomenon and might result in vomiting even in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Also Read: 3rd Trimester Pregnancy Checklist

2. Heartburn or Acid Reflux

This is also a common occurrence in the advanced stages of pregnancy. When the muscles of the valve between the stomach and the oesophagus relax due to hormonal changes in pregnancy, it allows the stomach acids to move back up into the oesophagus. Also, as the size of the uterus gradually increases, it exerts pressure on the stomach, forcing acids upwards. This can then lead to vomiting.

3. Dehydration

Not drinking adequate amounts of water can lead to dehydration in the body which, in turn, can result in nausea and vomiting.

Also Read: Sex during Third Trimester

4. Food Poisoning

Food poisoning results in vomiting whether you are pregnant or not; however, it can be more severe and harmful when you’re carrying your baby. Infectious organisms in your food basically lead to a stomach bug or food poisoning, causing you to feel nauseated and vomit.

5. Preeclampsia

Vomiting might also be because of preeclampsia which is a complicated condition that can affect the baby. However, vomiting is a symptom that occurs only at a very late stage of the condition which is usually detected earlier itself.

Also Read: Diet during 3rd Trimester

Vomiting during the third trimester of pregnancy is not a rare or unusual symptom. However, you should try to find out the reason behind this condition in order to cross out any serious issues that may be causing it. If vomiting is because of reasons like morning sickness, food poisoning, acidity, etc., the baby will not be harmed and simple medications can treat such problems. However, it is always better to be safe and consult a doctor if you are experiencing any such symptom which you feel is unusual or detrimental to your health.

How to Avoid Vomiting in the Third Trimester

Some small precautions taken beforehand can reduce the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, if not eliminate them completely. So, if you are worried about vomiting in or around the 8th month of pregnancy, you can take the following measures to keep nausea at bay:

1. Drink lots of water.

Water helps you feel refreshed and keeps your bowel movements consistent. Drinking enough water would also decrease the chances of vomiting in the third trimester to a great extent. However, avoid drinking a lot of fluids in one go; rather, keep sipping a bottle of water every few hours. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, you can always add a lemon wedge or a piece of fruit to it to improve its taste. You can also opt for ice chips or clear fruit juices to ensure that you maintain your fluid intake.

2. Opt for small meals.

A pregnant woman is often advised to ‘eat for two’ since she is carrying a baby, but this is not true or required. Too much food on your plate might make you lose your appetite, especially if you are vomiting frequently. So, do not eat too much at a time; instead, have small meals spread throughout the day. Eat less but eat often, as this ensures smooth digestion. If foods with strong odours trigger nausea, you can choose to have such foods that can be eaten at room temperature (without any side effects).

3. Maintain a healthy diet.

A proper diet would decrease the chances of food poisoning or help prevent any kind of infection in the stomach for that matter.

4. Do not go to bed immediately after a meal.

It is always advisable to walk or rest for some time after a meal, rather than going to bed immediately, as this ensures that the process of digestion takes place sooner and better.

5. Make sure you’re well-rested.

Get plenty of rest during your pregnancy, be it through a good night’s sleep or by fitting in naps throughout the day (but not immediately after a meal, as mentioned!). This will alleviate a lot of problems you face while pregnant, nausea included.

Vomiting during pregnancy is not something very abnormal or unusual. Still, if you experience vomiting in the later stages of pregnancy even after trying out these measures, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.

Also Read: What Body Changes Occur during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy?

Nausea and Vomiting In The Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Posted at 05:12h in Inform by Guest Contributer

Associate Professor Steve Robson explains why women can experience nausea and vomiting late in their pregnancy, and what to do when this occurs.

Most women will experience nausea, and possibly vomiting (commonly referred to as ‘morning sickness’) in early pregnancy. While ‘nausea and vomiting of pregnancy’ (NVP) is common and distressing, the severe condition called hyperemesis gravidarum is fortunately rare.

For the unlucky few who suffer unremitting morning sickness through to the latter stages of pregnancy, the condition can be exhausting and debilitating. And then there are some women who have a complete recovery, and assume they are in the clear, only to have the problems return towards the end of pregnancy.

Reasons for Nausea During Pregnancy

As the uterus increases in size, the other abdominal organs (the bowel, in particular) are compressed in the upper part of the abdomen, against the diaphragm. Also, the hormones of pregnancy have some important effects. These hormones act to relax the valve, or ‘sphincter,’ that normally holds the junction between the oesophagus (gullet) and stomach closed.

At the same time, the movement of food onward from the stomach into the small bowel can be very slow, a condition known as ‘gastroparesis.’

This means that there can be a lot of food in the stomach that is pressed from below by the pregnant uterus.

Due to the laxity of the sphincter, the food flows back upwards, and sometimes out. This can cause painful heartburn, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

Relief Measures

Eating smaller meals, avoiding lots of fluid with meals, taking antacids, and not eating too close to bedtime can help. Some women sleep with their head elevated to help reduce the reflux.

In severe cases, for which these measures do not provide relief, doctors sometimes prescribe medication that reduces acidity in the stomach and increases the movement of the stomach to help empty it. Fortunately, these symptoms usually resolve as soon as the baby is born.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Nausea and Vomiting

There are some other important conditions that can cause nausea and vomiting in late pregnancy, and if you are in any doubt about what is causing it, contact your doctor or midwife. Food poisoning, for example with salmonella or E coli, can cause a sudden onset of vomiting, but usually with diarrhoea as well.

Similarly, contagious episodes of gastroenteritis (such as caused by Norovirus) can also make women ill.

Vomiting and diarrhoea can last for several days, leading to dehydration, and these can pose risks for both mother and baby, including miscarriage. For these reasons, it is important to be very conscious of food safety, and to avoid other people if an epidemic of gastroenteritis is occurring.

Finally, some important complications of pregnancy can sometimes lead to the onset of upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, they are very rare, but women should always alert their doctor or midwife if they have concerns.

Pre-eclampsia most commonly occurs in a woman’s first pregnancy.

It can cause high blood pressure, swelling, and the presence of protein in the urine. In very severe cases, pre-eclampsia can cause a woman to feel acutely unwell, with pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting.

The other condition is acute fatty liver, which is extremely rare and can be difficult to diagnose as sometimes the initial signs are very vague. Acute fatty liver can be so severe it can lead to loss of the baby. And sometimes a liver transplant is the only treatment – thankfully we rarely see this.

In summary, women who have nausea and vomiting in the third trimester will often feel better with simple measures.

If the condition doesn’t respond, becomes severe, or is associated with other problems, make sure you let your doctor or midwife know straight away.

Associate Professor Steve Robson is vice-president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a practising obstetrician.

Words by Dr S. Robson

What is preeclampsia? - ADONIS Medical Center in Kyiv

Preeclampsia, or late toxicosis, is a complication of pregnancy that develops in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. It is possible to suspect its development in the early stages by the formation of edema and increased pressure. At the same time, the diagnosis can be confirmed or refuted only by the results of blood and urine tests.

Late toxicosis, compared with early, develops infrequently. According to the World Health Organization, its symptoms occur in an average of 8% of pregnant women. At the same time, in the territory of the CIS countries, this figure reaches 10-17%.

Severe forms of preeclampsia are rare, but the risk of such complications cannot be ignored. Unlike early toxicosis, late toxicosis poses a serious threat to the life of the mother and child. It is one of the main causes of perinatal morbidity and maternal mortality.

Although the consequences of preeclampsia seem frightening, do not worry ahead of time. First, edema and hypertension can occur for other reasons. Secondly, with the timely diagnosis of late toxicosis and the selection of the correct therapy, a woman can fully bear the pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.

At what time does late toxicosis begin? It is believed that the early onset of preeclampsia is associated with a severe course and often leads to premature birth, including by caesarean section.