Written by Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD
Vomiting, with nausea, is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. In earlier days when diagnostic tests for pregnancy were not available, any women complaining of loss of menstrual periods with vomiting or nausea were assumed to be pregnant.
Typically, nausea and vomiting starts soon after the first missed periods and continues in different degrees of severity till about the fourth month.
It is more common and more severe in the first pregnancy than in later pregnancies.
Most pregnant women feel sick as soon as they get up from bed in the morning. Hence the name, 'morning sickness'. Many others however, feel nauseous the whole day.
The smell of certain food, especially raw fish and meat at any time of the day can bring on the gush of saliva in the mouth and the queasy feeling in the stomach that so many pregnant women dread.
More than the vomiting, many women complain that it is the nausea that is so distressing.
Thankfully, morning sickness is rarely severe enough to cause any deterioration in the health of the pregnant woman. But occasionally constant and continuous vomiting can cause dehydration and starvation. In a condition called 'Hyperemesis Gravidarum', the vomiting may be severe enough to cause the woman to be hospitalized and receive supportive treatment.
Do you have an Obgyn question? Something you are concerned about? Consult Dr. Mazumdar - Ask a question and get a reply within 24 hours. Consultation fees - $20 only through Paypal.
The nausea and vomiting of morning sickness cannot be completely eliminated. But the symptoms can be decreased to a certain extent.
Also Read-
Do you have a gynecological or obstetrical problem? Would you like to discuss it in private? Consult our online gynecologist Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD (O&G), at any time you want and get your reply within 24 hours.We charge a nominal fee of USD 20 ($20) per question through Paypal.com.
The procedure of asking a question is quite simple. Clicking on the link below takes you to the Paypal website where the payment is made. After the payment goes through, you will be directed back to this website where you can ask your question. And rest assured, you will get your answer within 24 hours. And usually, even sooner.