Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
can happen any time of day. These symptoms usually start before the 9th week of pregnancy, and end by the 14th week (second trimester). Some women can have nausea and vomiting for a longer time. These symptoms can make it hard for you to do your daily activities.
Seek care immediately if:
- You are dizzy, cold, and thirsty, and your eyes and mouth are dry.
- You are urinating very little or not at all.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up.
- You see blood or material that looks like coffee grounds in your vomit.
Call your doctor if:
- You vomit more than 4 times in 1 day.
- You have not been able to keep liquids down for more than 1 day.
- You lose more than 2 pounds.
- You have a fever.
- Your nausea and vomiting continue longer than 14 weeks.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is usually not needed. You can make changes in the foods you eat and in your activities to help manage your symptoms. You may need to try several things to learn what works for you. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not decrease with the changes suggested below.
Nutrition changes you can make to manage nausea and vomiting:
- Eat smaller meals, more often. Eat a small snack, such as crackers, dry cereal, or a small sandwich before you go to bed.
- Eat some crackers or dry toast before you get out of bed in the morning. Get out of bed slowly. Sudden movements could cause you to get dizzy and nauseated.
- Eat bland foods when you feel nauseated. Examples of bland foods include dry toast, dry cereal, plain pasta, white rice, and bread. Other bland foods include saltine crackers, bananas, gelatin, and pretzels. Avoid spicy, greasy, and fried foods.
- Drink liquids that contain ginger. Drink ginger ale made with real ginger or ginger tea made with fresh grated ginger. Ginger capsules or ginger candies may also help to decrease nausea and vomiting.
- Drink liquids between meals instead of with meals. Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat to drink liquids. Drink small amounts of liquids often throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid you should drink each day.
Other changes you can make to manage nausea and vomiting:
- Avoid smells that bother you. Strong odors may cause nausea and vomiting to start, or make it worse.
- Do not brush your teeth right after you eat if it makes you nauseated.
- Rest when you need to. Start activity slowly and work up to your usual routine as you start to feel better.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins can cause nausea for some women. Try taking your prenatal vitamin at night or with a snack. If this change does not help, your healthcare provider may recommend a different type of vitamin.
- Light to moderate exercise may help to decrease your symptoms. It may also help you to sleep better at night. Ask your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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