Increased vomiting during pregnancy

Increased vomiting in pregnancy – what is it?

Nausea and vomiting at the beginning of pregnancy are part of everyday life for many women. However, they can be so disturbing that they prevent normal functioning. Increased vomiting in pregnancy is defined as vomiting that occurs at least 3 times a day and leads to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. Often, persistent vomiting also results in weight loss and the appearance of ketone bodies in the urine of the expectant mother. Due to the severity of these symptoms, some women need to be hospitalised and hydrated intravenously.

Risk factors for the occurrence of increased vomiting in pregnancy include young maternal age, first pregnancy, motion sickness, diabetes or obesity. The occurrence of uncontrollable vomiting in pregnancy is influenced by increased progesterone levels, high beta-HCG blood levels or genetic factors, among others. There is a higher risk in multiple pregnancies and in women whose mother has already had to deal with a similar problem.

Increased vomiting during pregnancy – treatment

Increased vomiting in pregnancy is a common cause of hospitalisation for pregnant women in the first trimester. Hospital treatment is necessary if the expectant mother is unable to take oral food and fluids, has electrolyte disturbances or, worse, impaired consciousness. Vomiting should not be treated on your own, as not all medications can be taken safely during pregnancy. Many expectant mothers are helped by vitamin B6 or ginger supplements, but these are remedies of choice if the symptoms are not severe.

Increased vomiting during pregnancy – the danger

Increased vomiting is mainly associated with the risk of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances and weight loss. Profound disturbances of the acid-base balance in the body can lead to impaired consciousness and even encephalopathy. In addition, severe vomiting can also be a symptom of many other gastrointestinal diseases, so that similar symptoms require a differential diagnosis.

Nausea and moderate vomiting during pregnancy have not been shown to affect the development of the newborn. Prolonged vomiting in pregnant women and the associated weight loss may lead to an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies.