Nausea

Mild nausea and vomiting (often called “morning sickness”) are common during the first trimester of pregnancy. “Morning sickness” doesn't necessarily occur in the morning. You may feel nausea at any time of day, especially when your stomach is empty. Some women find that they have an enhanced sense of smell and are more sensitive to odors during pregnancy. Some smells may instantly trigger your gag reflex.

Causes of Nausea During Pregnancy
More than half of all pregnant women have some nausea during the first trimester. For most women this nausea usually goes away by the second trimester. For some women, nausea and vomiting may continue even past the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Experts do not know why some women develop nausea while others do not. Nausea may be related to the increasing levels of hormones released during pregnancy. 
 
Nausea: What You Can Do
Some women find the following tips helpful:

• Get up slowly in the morning. Sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before standing up. Movement often makes nausea worse. You may find it helpful to eat a few crackers or another light snack before you get out of bed.
• Eat five or six small meals each day. Try not to let your stomach get completely empty. Eat the foods that smell and taste good to you. Eat bland foods that are easy to digest.
• Eat snacks that are high in protein. Examples are nuts and peanut butter.
• Drink fluids often during the day. Examples are broth, cola and Gatorade.
• Get plenty of fresh air. Avoid the smells that are unpleasant to you.
• Avoid fatty foods or foods that are hard to digest. Avoid drinking citrus juice, milk, coffee, and tea with meals.
• Always check with your health care provider before taking any medicine to relieve nausea or before you use any health food remedies (such as ginger supplements) to relieve nausea.

When to Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Mild nausea and occasional vomiting aren't a threat to your baby's health as long as you're able to keep some food down and drink plenty of fluids.

Call your health care provider if your nausea and vomiting become severe. For example:

• You haven't been able to keep anything (including fluids) down for 24 hours or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
• You almost always vomit shortly after eating or drinking anything.
• You begin to lose weight.
• Your urine is dark-colored.
• Your heart races or pounds.
• Your urine looks concentrated and dark-colored.
• You don't urinate every 4-6 hours. 
• You vomit blood.

Severe nausea and vomiting can be a symptom of a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting in pregnancy). If your vomiting is severe, your health care provider will do lab tests on your blood and urine to check for medical conditions. Moderate or severe morning sickness may require: 

• Medication to reduce nausea and vomiting 
• Hospitalization 
• Intravenous fluid treatment
• Fasting, then slowly introducing food into your diet