One of the first struggles of pregnancy starts with terrible nausea. It is very common among carrying women, we ourselves might have experienced or have seen relatives experiencing it.
Have you ever paused to think what might be causing this terrible experience during pregnancy? Let us get that cleared here!
What causes nausea during pregnancy?
With pregnancy comes a surge of hormones. These hormones are majorly the main culprit for causing nausea during pregnancy. When a lady conceives, her body majorly produces 3 hormones in abundance: hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), progesterone, and estrogen.
The hCG levels spike during the first trimester. This hormone directly stimulates the brain’s vomiting centre, thereby creating an urge to vomit. hCG is higher for mothers carrying twins (more than 1 fetus) which means mothers carrying more than one baby are likely to have higher feelings of nausea.
Since, hCG spike is predominant in the first trimester, it is during this period that carrying women are likely to experience the most nausea. So, the next time you feel like vomiting, blame the hCG!
Estrogen on the other hand, heightens the smell sensitivity thereby triggering and facilitating nausea in carrying women. Estrogen also sensitizes the brain's vomiting center triggering nausea.
Progesterone causes pregnancy nausea primarily by relaxing smooth muscles thereby slowing the digestive tract, allowing food to remain in the stomach longer and increasing acid reflux. This also creates a sensation of bloating causing further disturbance among carrying women.
Ways to Manage Nausea
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💧Stay hydrated: Dehydration can make nausea worse. So keep sipping on water or your favorite drink (coconut water is a great alternative) to manage the symptoms of nausea.
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🍪Don’t let your stomach stay empty: An empty stomach can trigger acidity and discomfort. Keep small snacks like nuts or crackers handy and nibble every couple of hours to stay comfortable.
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🍽️Take small & frequent meals: Consume smaller but frequent 5-6 meals rather than a large course 3 meals. This will prevent overloading of the stomach.
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🥜High Protein & Carbohydrates: Pair complex carbs with protein to maintain steady energy levels. For example, crackers with peanut butter or cheese can help keep your blood sugar stable and reduce queasiness.
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🚫Avoid Triggers: Steer clear of greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods. Cold foods often smell less and are better tolerated.
FAQ
1.Why do I experience nausea during pregnancy, especially due to the first trimester?
Nothing to worry about. It’s just the hormones doing their job and the brain reacting to them. The nausea is caused due to the effect of hCG, estrogen and progesterone in the brain’s vomiting centre and in the muscle relaxation respectively.
2.How do I manage the nausea I experience during my pregnancy?
Some tips to follow are - to stay hydrated, do not let your stomach stay empty (nibble on snacks), take small & frequent meals rather than whole, large meals, take a good balanced plate including protein and carbohydrates, avoid known triggers & allergens.
3.Is it normal to feel nausea?
It is absolutely normal to feel nausea during pregnancy. However, don’t hesitate to reach out for help, if it’s exhausting and beyond manageable.
