Nausea In Pregnancy (PDF)

Nausea/Vomiting

What causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

Nausea and vomiting are a common discomfort in early pregnancy caused by an increase in hormone levels (most often HCG). Most nausea decreases significantly after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Tips to make it better:

* Eat small, frequent meals
* Place crackers next to your bedside to nibble prior to sitting up in the morning
* Drink small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the day
* Eat low fat meals (lowfat milk, lean meats, broiled or canned fish, poultry without skin)
* Eat carbohydrates that are easy to digest (rice, pasta, potatoes, cereals, crackers)
* Snack on ginger or peppermint
* Avoid highly seasoned food
* Avoid foods that give you gas (cabbage, broccoli, onions, sweet potatoes, buttermilk, pinto beans, pork beans)
* Eat protein snacks before bed
* Drink peppermint tea, ginger ale, Gatorade, 7-up, and ginger tea
* Guard against dehydration
* Avoid foul/strong odors
* Rise slowly from bed/sitting positions
* Wear loose, non-restrictive clothing
* Rest

Call the office if:

* You lose 5 or more pounds
* You can’t keep fluids or food down for 24 hours
* You have abdominal pain, fever, or severe weakness
* You feel faint
* Your urine becomes very dark yellow, or you notice a decrease in the frequency of urination

Do not take antinausea medications without consulting your provider.

Written by the Women’s Group Practitioners Last Reviewed in November 2009
© Copyright 2009 The Women’s Group PC 1