Many women have problems with nausea and sometimes vomiting
(morning sickness) during the first 16 weeks of
pregnancy. For some women, morning sickness may be one of the first signs of
pregnancy. The term “morning sickness” can be misleading, because symptoms can
occur at any time of the day. The causes of morning sickness are not fully
understood, but hormone changes that occur during pregnancy may play a
role.
Morning sickness usually goes away as a pregnancy
progresses. While many women feel better after the first trimester, some report
ongoing nausea or vomiting through the second trimester. You may be able to
gain some relief from morning sickness using home treatment, such as drinking
tea. Talk to your doctor about safe medicines to treat your nausea and
vomiting.
If you have severe, ongoing nausea and vomiting
(hyperemesis gravidarum), see your doctor for treatment. This uncommon
complication of pregnancy can lead to dehydration. You may need prescribed
medicines, hospitalization, or both.
It is important to watch for
signs of dehydration if vomiting develops. Even mild dehydration can affect
other problems, such as constipation or heartburn, that may occur during
pregnancy.
Symptoms of mild dehydration
include:
- Increased thirst.
- Dry mouth and
sticky saliva.
- Less urine output or dark yellow urine.
Symptoms of moderate dehydration
include:
- Extreme thirst.
- Dry mouth with no
saliva.
- Dry eyes; no tears.
- Less urination, or
urinating 3 or fewer times in 24 hours. Urine is dark amber or
brown.
- Arms and legs that may feel cool to the
touch.
- Feeling very tired, restless, or
irritable.
- Lightheadedness that is relieved by lying down.
Call your doctor if:
- You have symptoms of moderate dehydration.
- Vomiting is
so severe that you are not able to drink fluids.
- Your vomiting has
not gotten better with home treatment.