Pregnancy, Nausea, and Vomiting

In most cases, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are mild, not harmful, and end by the 18th week of pregnancy. Rarely will nausea and vomiting continue into the third trimester (beyond 26 weeks). Some cases are more severe and are called hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyperemesis may cause you to vomit multiple times throughout the day, lose weight, and may require a visit to the hospital. Call our office or our after-hours phone number at (404) 487-2450 to report this condition.

Who is at risk for nausea during pregnancy?

Anyone can have nausea during pregnancy, but women with a history of nausea and vomiting in a previous pregnancy and women having twins or triplets are at greater risk.

What can I do on my own?

It is best to eat frequent, small meals instead of three large meals. Avoid spicy or fatty foods and avoid an empty stomach by keeping crackers at your bedside table. It helps to eat them before you get out of bed in the morning.

Other helpful hints include:

Wearing acupressure wristbands (Sea-Band®) on both wrists
Drinking cold, carbonated sour beverages
Eating or drinking foods containing ginger, such as ginger root, lollipops, ginger ale
Separating liquids and solids for better oral toleration (for example, eat dry cereal then drink milk or a liquid afterward)

To further decrease symptoms:

Brush your teeth after eating
Avoid lying flat after eating
Avoid quick changes in position

Be sure to discuss your vitamins with your provider, as they can be adjusted if they are aggravating your symptoms.

What medications may I take?

Over-the-counter remedies include:

Vitamin B6 (10 to 25 mg) three times daily
Sleep aids like Unisom® ½ tablet 30 minutes before bedtime
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) 25 mg every 6 hours as needed daily
Ginger capsules

When do I call the doctor?

If you are unable to keep down food or drink for more than 12-24 hours
If you notice blood in your vomit
If you lose more than 5 pounds