Stress Levels Can Increase Pregnancy Nausea

Many expectant mothers experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, according to Obstetrician and Gynecologist Op. Dr. Tuğberk Güçlü, who emphasized the importance of light and frequent eating as well as adequate fluid intake to combat nausea.

Noting that nausea and vomiting, which may only occur in the early stages of pregnancy for some women and may last for months, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Op. Dr. Tuğberk Güçlü said, “It is important to pay attention to some important points to reduce the nausea and vomiting problems that reduce the quality of life for expectant mothers. Nausea, one of the important symptoms of pregnancy, is most commonly seen between the 6th and 14th weeks. It is important to have light and frequent meals and adequate fluid intake to combat nausea. Although it varies from person to person, the nausea and vomiting process that starts around the 6th week of pregnancy generally gradually decreases and ends by the 14th-16th week. During this period, an increase in sensitivity to smell and taste is observed, and a sharp increase in sensitivity is felt. Although there is not a single cause, increased pregnancy hormones and the expectant mother’s stress level and psychological condition are generally responsible for nausea and vomiting. As pregnancy progresses, the level of the pregnancy hormone B-hCG usually reaches a certain plateau around the 12th week, the body becomes accustomed to this hormone, and a decrease in nausea is expected.”

“Making comparisons only increases stress” One of the important points to remember about this issue is that the pregnancy process is unique to each individual and everyone experiences this process differently, emphasized Medicana Bursa Hospital Op. Dr. Güçlü, “Therefore, comparing ourselves with other pregnant women, even comparing our current pregnancy with our previous pregnancies, will only increase our stress levels. While this situation may progress with mild nausea in some pregnant women, it can be seen with hyperemesis gravidarum, which can cause mild nausea in 1-2% or severe vomiting, feeding disorders, and disruption of body fluid electrolyte balance. While it may be seen, in 25% of pregnant women, there may be no nausea and vomiting,” he said.

“If vomiting and nausea are severe, consult a doctor” Op. Dr. Güçlü emphasized that if the nausea and vomiting condition disrupts the general condition of the expectant mother, causing her to lose more than 5% of her current weight, it requires serious treatment and follow-up. Although nausea and vomiting may occur due to pregnancy, especially in severe cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor to investigate whether there is any other underlying cause.

“Eat little and often and drink enough fluids” Op. Dr. Güçlü listed the solutions to prevent nausea and vomiting as follows: “Transition to eating little but often; avoid strong smells that cause nausea; for morning sickness, eat watermelon, icy cold drinks in season, and homemade yogurt; consume white chickpeas, salty crackers, and fat-free foods; consume foods rich in thiamine such as ginger, B6 vitamin (sunflower seeds, pistachios, dried plums) and sunflower seeds, Brussels sprouts, asparagus.”

Emphasizing the importance of adequate fluid intake and rest between meals, Op. Dr. Güçlü stated that after it is determined that there is no underlying problem, using safe medications during pregnancy under doctor’s control can also prevent nausea and vomiting after lifestyle and dietary changes.