What Are the Causes of Nausea in Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of excitement---and for many, a time of nausea.

Nausea is one of the many undesirable side effects during pregnancy. For most women the nausea will subside after the first trimester. However, for a select few, this nausea may last throughout the pregnancy.

Progesterone

Progesterone hormones, which are prevalent throughout pregnancy, can have an effect in pregnancy in the form of nausea. "Progesterone has a 'softening' effect on the muscles in the body," according to MorningSicknessHelp.com. This softening effect can cause the stomach to empty slower than usual, causing nausea.

HCG Levels

HCG (human chorionic gonadotopin) levels are another hormonal cause of nausea in pregnancy. HCG levels begin to increase at the beginning of pregnancy and decrease after the first trimester, which physicians link to nausea or morning sickness, which is common in the first trimester.

Food Aversions

Many women who are pregnant experience food aversions while pregnant. Aversions to certain foods or smells can be powerful and may cause the pregnant woman to become nauseated when she eats or smells these things.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by excessive vomiting during pregnancy. This severe condition may cause harm to mother or baby and should be medically treated.

Help for Nausea

Nausea in pregnancy may be treatable with ginger ale or saltine crackers. Try eating a saltine cracker (or several) before getting up out of bed in the morning. If the nausea is severe and causes excessive vomiting, you may wish to speak to your doctor who can help you further. According to AmericanPregnancy.org, doctor assisted treatment can include; IV fluids, metoclopramide, antihistamines and antireflux medications. They also warn that some drugs may have adverse effects on you or the development of your baby.

References

• Morning Sickness Help
• American Pregnancy Website