Vomiting during early and late pregnancy: why does it occur and what to do?

Abdominal prolapse before childbirth

If you look at your exchange card, you will see there the numbers marked during visits to the doctor marked VSD (height of the uterine fundus).
These measurements help the doctor monitor the dynamics of the baby's development - during pregnancy, as the baby grows, the uterus rises higher and higher, reaches its highest point at approximately 37 weeks, and then begins to decline. SweetMama

– My stomach dropped 2 days before giving birth.

Christmas tree

– At 24 weeks my baby was already low. At 37 weeks the head was already inserted into the pelvis. The doctors were all worried that I would sneeze, for example, and then give birth. Yeah, of course! I gave birth at 39 weeks and 3 days, and even then I had to have an amniotomy because the bladder was flat.

Swetik

– 5 days before giving birth, I felt an increase in heaviness in my stomach, I thought that my head had dropped, having read books. Something hard pressed. On examination the next day, the prolapse of the head was confirmed.

How can “this” be loved?

Do you think that maternal instinct wakes up immediately? Not everyone has it. To be honest, children are born into this world not as cute as they show in the movies, but rather scary - red, covered in grease, with a swollen head. Well, what did you want? The child has just done the almost incredible and climbed into this world through a rather narrow hole! By the way, you looked no better in his place.

In addition, your body has just experienced a rather stressful situation. So give yourself a break. If you have the strength, put your baby to your chest, drop a couple of drops of colostrum into his mouth - that’s enough for him. And give it to the nurse. The baby will be measured, swaddled, and you will be given a little rest.

The next time a baby is brought to you, you will most likely look at it with completely different eyes.

Causes of nausea before childbirth

Nausea before childbirth may not always be natural, although in most cases it can be attributed to hormonal changes in the woman’s body.

The very process of preparing the female body for bearing a fetus is so amazing that, having sorted everything out, you can be surprised how a woman survives all this.

But evolution has thought of everything for people, and women can only help the body cope with all its quirks, including nausea, vomiting, emotional outbursts and much more.

From about 37 weeks of pregnancy, a woman begins the prenatal period, when the fetus can be considered full-term, and there is no need to be surprised by the appearance of contractions.

During this period of pregnancy, the body mobilizes before childbirth.

The pelvic bones and ligaments between them begin to prepare for childbirth - they soften due to hormonal effects.

This unusual process is necessary for a more convenient birth of the child. In this case, there is a feeling of discomfort in the hip joint.

In the last weeks before giving birth, it becomes difficult for a woman to sit for a long time. The gait has to be adjusted to the new conditions; the expectant mother begins to sway.

A woman’s digestive system is also undergoing changes, so two weeks before the predicted birth it is recommended to give up certain foods: cereals, bread and fermented milk products can cause excess gases in the gastrointestinal tract.

Immediately on the day of birth, it is better to completely refuse food, as nausea and vomiting may appear before childbirth, and after it it will be difficult for the woman to go to the toilet.

Therefore, it is better for the intestines to be empty at these moments.

If you have problems with bowel movements, you can use an enema to help empty your bowels.

A woman’s mammary glands also undergo physical changes. This may manifest itself in the form of discharge and breast enlargement. This also occurs under the influence of hormones.

Before the onset of contractions, nausea and vomiting may occur, which will be accompanied by a lack of appetite and gastrointestinal upset in the woman.

This is a completely normal reaction of the body’s digestive system to hormonal activity, which is aimed at supporting labor.

It is worth understanding that all metamorphoses of the female body are aimed only at stimulation and will gradually go away after childbirth.

In addition to the natural processes of changes in the body, leading to nausea, vomiting, anatomical changes, mood swings, and the like, you need to be able to distinguish them from diseases of the digestive system.

Such diseases usually occur in parallel with additional symptoms.

An increase in toxins may not only be a natural phenomenon, but will also indicate the presence of an infection in the body.

Additional signals will be high temperature, headache and aching joints.

Irresponsibility towards the state of the body in this position can negatively affect the baby. It is better to immediately exclude independent treatment.

Severe nausea and vomiting, accompanied by high fever and pain in the right lower abdomen, will signal a possible inflammation of the appendix in a woman.

Appendicitis is diagnosed quite easily, and a pregnant woman undergoes immediate surgery to remove the appendix.

Food poisoning can cause nausea and vomiting. Since during pregnancy a woman is more susceptible to negative factors: any expired product or poorly prepared dish can lead to poisoning and nausea.

The symptoms include intestinal damage, which is manifested by diarrhea and aching pain in the abdomen.

In this case, an ambulance team is called to determine further treatment.

Overeating during pregnancy is a very common phenomenon in women. The uncontrollable desire to eat a lot of food, which is often not combined in the best way, causes not only nausea, but also complicates the digestion process.

As a result, heaviness appears in the stomach.

Stress and anxiety in a woman before childbirth is very common and can lead to nausea.

In order not to waste time on treating diseases in pregnant women, it is better to follow simple conditions for their prevention.

You need to understand that the body of a pregnant woman is an extremely unpredictable object.

Anything can affect it, from weather conditions to the ingress of harmful microorganisms inside.

After purchasing, all vegetables and fruits should be thoroughly cleaned with water. Meat, fish and other raw foods must undergo the necessary heat treatment, which will destroy all possible microorganisms that could cause harm.

Products in the refrigerator must be monitored every day for spoilage and expired use.

If there are any, they are disposed of immediately. Food must be prepared on a clean surface using clean cooking utensils.

It is strictly forbidden to bring dirty hands to your mouth, as there is a high risk of contracting an intestinal infection and stomach upset.

Food intake must be controlled both in terms of the products used and the size of portions. It is important not to overload your stomach or overeat.

During pregnancy, the emphasis is on healthy and wholesome nutrition. It is also important to know how long before a woman can eat before bed.

If before pregnancy a woman was treated for an exacerbation of a chronic disease with the help of medications, then it is necessary to discuss further use of the drug with the attending physician.

There is a high probability of adjustments in prescriptions due to the characteristics of a pregnant woman’s body. Self-treatment of any ailments is completely excluded.

To avoid contracting intestinal infections, any contact with sick people is prohibited.

To avoid nausea from unpleasant and pungent odors, all sources of such odors are removed from the home. It is advisable to avoid perfume and flower shops.

Knowledge of possible diseases and their prevention before giving birth can not only equip you with knowledge, but also prevent many unpleasant consequences for a woman’s body.

During pregnancy, it is very important to monitor your health and detect any deviations from the norm in the woman’s body.

But, if nausea and illness persist, then the main thing is to seek help from a trusted and competent specialist who will direct treatment in a direction that is safe for the fetus.

At the end of pregnancy, women feel some discomfort in the pelvic bones. The expectant mother describes the symptoms to the doctor as pain in the pelvic area and a feeling that the bones are out of place. This is explained by the fact that the bones become softer, the ligaments, under the influence of hormones, become more elastic and diverge.

They become mobile. This feature facilitates the movement of the child along the birth canal during labor and minimizes the risk of injury. Often expectant mothers complain of nagging pain in the lumbar region. Its appearance is associated with certain postures or when staying in one position for a long time.

A woman's digestive system is subject to changes. Appetite increases, which is quite typical for an expectant mother. Doctors recommend avoiding the following foods a few weeks before giving birth:

• Porridge. Contains fiber and animal proteins.
• Bakery products. Contains yeast, which releases gases during fermentation.
• Dairy products. The body does not need a large amount of calcium to prevent premature ossification of the child’s skull.

This will help avoid discomfort in the intestines. Gas formation refers to such sensations.

If the expectant mother knows the exact date of birth, as with a planned caesarean section, she should refuse food on this day. Changing your eating behavior will help you avoid unpleasant consequences such as nausea before childbirth. Emptying the stomach and intestines immediately before the woman in labor enters the delivery room will prevent voluntary bowel movements. The woman will not be distracted from proper breathing during pushing.

The organs are displaced, the stomach begins to work in an unusual mode. The disorder of its functioning does not affect the fetus or its development. The body's reaction is a product of the activity of hormones that stimulate labor. Dilatation of the cervix can be a cause that provokes both nausea and vomiting.

Signs of intoxication in a pregnant woman's body can lead to serious consequences. Difficulties with defecation in pregnant women contribute to the appearance of discomfort in the intestines. Harmful toxic substances do not leave the body and cause deterioration in health. Nausea is also felt against the general background of a viral infection.

Nausea before childbirth may be caused by false contractions.

Therapy

In cases where a woman suffers from severe toxicosis, stable nausea, the doctor prescribes a blood test (biochemical tests), urine tests for the presence of acetone or bile pigments. Based on tests and medical manifestations of toxicosis, the doctor is able to establish a single treatment:

• Use of antihistamines with antiemetic effects (only in very serious cases).
• A combination of treatment with psychotherapy is possible.
• Use of hepatoprotectors (“Essentiale Forte”).
• A course of taking enterosorbents – “Polyphepan”, “Polysorb”, vitamins and other pharmaceuticals.
• If necessary, correction of metabolic and endocrine pathologies is performed - adjustment of water and electrolyte balance.
• Physiotherapeutic procedures – electric sleep or electrical analgesia – will not be superfluous.
• The doctor may prescribe detoxification agents, for example, Splenin, a medication that is often prescribed in the early stages of pregnancy.

Most antiemetic tablets are contraindicated during pregnancy, so when using them, a woman should be very careful, especially if there is pathology in the hematopoietic organs, kidneys, or liver. For example, “Cerucal” is contraindicated in the first trimester; in the second and third trimester it is used with caution. Products such as Torekan and Droperidol are usually not recommended.

Weight loss and bowel cleansing before childbirth

Many pregnant women are surprised to discover that the weight, which is known to grow by leaps and bounds in the last trimester, suddenly decreases by 1-1.5 kg after 37-39 weeks. Weight loss is especially noticeable if severe swelling was observed during pregnancy. Don't be scared - this is an absolutely natural process and another sign that meeting your baby is just around the corner.

– About 2 days before giving birth, I started feeling nauseous (with Polinka I even vomited, but with Leshka I just felt sick) and (sorry for the details) I had loose stools for 3-4 days before the birth itself. The body was cleansing.

Mama and BABY M.

– I woke up at 4 in the morning and realized that my stomach hurt. Well, this is real indigestion. Sorry, I went to the toilet and pushed... And only when my stomach eased did I realize that something was wrong. I noted the time - contractions go every 7 minutes, like clockwork.

Lucien

– I didn’t feel any drooping in my stomach, but... loose stools for 4-5 days before giving birth! And my tummy was aching, it was somehow tugging. And then the water broke in the morning, and she gave birth in the evening.

Tamiri

– The first sign of impending labor was, sorry, diarrhea: about 4 hours before the birth. Then they lowered my water, and after a couple of hours I gave birth. All!

Folk remedies

You can eliminate nausea without drugs with simple recipes. The following methods can be used during pregnancy:

1. Mint decoction. You need to make a weak drink (1 tsp of dry raw materials per glass of boiling water). Take the composition in small sips throughout the day. Fresh leaves of this plant are also suitable, which should be rubbed between your fingers and smelled. Peppermint ether is prohibited during pregnancy, like other oils.
2. Valerian infusion. Eliminates the symptom of toxicosis, improves digestion, and has a calming effect. You should add ½ tsp. valerian root with a glass of boiling water, leave, strain and drink 1 tbsp. l. during the day.
3. Herbal collection. Aromatic tea can help stop the urge to vomit. You will need to take 2 parts each of mint leaves, yarrow and marigold inflorescences, as well as 1 part valerian root. Then 2 tbsp. l. the mixture is poured with boiling water (400 ml), infused and drunk 50 ml every 2–3 hours.

As reviews indicate, folk remedies work no worse than medicines. For many women, such recipes allow them to quickly eliminate attacks of nausea.

Nausea at different stages of pregnancy

If a woman feels sick, it causes her discomfort. To get rid of this unpleasant feeling, it is necessary to identify the cause and take preventive measures:

1. Check the expiration date of products. If a pregnant woman eats something spoiled, she may feel sick and even vomit. In addition, it is very dangerous for the child.
2. All vegetables and fruits, even those brought from the dacha, must be thoroughly washed.
3. Meat and especially fish must undergo the necessary heat treatment. Under no circumstances should you eat half-raw meat or fish. If a pregnant woman likes steaks medium rare, then she will have to give them up.
4. All products stored in the refrigerator must be fresh and unspoiled. It is important to check the expiration date every time before cooking - any product can go bad.
5. It is important to observe the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands before eating, after walking outside, especially after visiting public places.
6. You should not bring dirty hands to your face, in particular to your mouth - there is a risk of intestinal infection. The consequences are dangerous for both the expectant mother and the child.
7. If nausea occurs due to unpleasant odors in the house, you must ask relatives to eliminate the cause. It can be anything. Even the scent of a favorite plant can cause nausea or vomiting in a pregnant woman.

Proper nutrition is the key to good health.
Nausea is a characteristic symptom of pregnancy and accompanies a pregnant woman in any trimester. Smells from foods, perfumes, and cooking can make you feel sick. In case of serious hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, this is a normal process; consultation with a local doctor should not be neglected.

Nausea at the beginning of pregnancy does not always mean that it will appear later in pregnancy. The most common symptom of the first trimester is nausea and vomiting. The body, under the influence of hormones, is rebuilt to preserve and maintain the vital functions of the fetus.

In the second trimester, symptoms often disappear. The baby is not large enough to cause discomfort to the mother, but not tiny enough to provoke increased hormone production. According to statistics, women remember this period of pregnancy with special warmth and trepidation.

In the third trimester, the body prepares for the upcoming birth. At this stage, nausea serves as a harbinger of gestation; the process can begin at 30 weeks. This evidence of disturbances in the functioning of the body requires consultation with a specialist in order to carry the baby to the time of expected birth without health consequences.

Lifestyle

It contains:

• regular walks in the fresh air and frequent meals;
• complete rest;
• a balanced and nutritious breakfast, including protein foods and vegetables with fruits; apricots, bananas, honey on an empty stomach can be especially useful and help overcome nausea;
• refusal of hot food, spicy and fatty foods;
• Since vomiting occurs most in the morning, prepare a cracker in the evening and eat it as soon as you wake up.

Doctors, in addition, advise taking the knee-elbow position more often. In this position, the uterus moves slightly forward, and the stomach takes a standard state. At night, it is better to rest on your left side and give preference to a large pillow. If vomiting does not go away at all, you need to ask your gynecologist to prescribe specialized medications for you.

False (training) contractions

One of the most important signs that your uterus is preparing itself for an upcoming event is the appearance of “harbinger” contractions. They are usually not painful and feel more like severe muscle tension. At this moment, the stomach seems to “turn to stone” and shrink, and then gradually relaxes. The main sign by which such contractions can be distinguished from true ones is their irregularity.

Margarita

– About 3 days before giving birth, I had false contractions in the morning – I even woke up from them. They were not strong, but rhythmic, at intervals of 10 minutes, lasting for 2 hours. Another interesting phenomenon - during the week before giving birth, when driving a car, when jumping on bumps, I apparently had a strong sensation of pain in the cervix area. Apparently, this is how the neck opened slightly.

e-Katherine

– My training contractions started within 2 weeks. The interval reached 10 minutes, and after 1-2 minutes they stopped. I started writing down the time every time. Same thing on the day of birth: in the morning I woke up from pain, well, I think it was training contractions again... I went to the shower... And then I realized that after a shower it didn’t get easier (and usually training contractions go away after a shower), that I was seized with cramps five times while I was washing...

– On the eve of the birth itself, everything was as usual, but a week before that I had false contractions.

Summarizing

If a woman experiences a feeling of nausea in late pregnancy and prenatal period, do not immediately panic. The body adjusts to the process of childbirth. It is only important to observe your sensations and, if unpleasant urges increase, consult a doctor. The reasons may be different, but you should never ignore the malaise.

Nausea before childbirth is a completely natural condition; it usually develops under the influence of hormonal changes. Every woman should help her own body cope with unusual and unusual things. In addition to nausea, these include vomiting, emotional breakdowns, and headaches.

Nesting instinct on the eve of childbirth

Another harbinger of an imminent birth may be the release of a mucus plug - a jelly-like mass that is secreted by the membranes of the cervix during pregnancy. This “plug” fills the cervix and protects the birth canal and fetus from ascending infection. On the eve of childbirth, the cervix begins to soften, open slightly, and as a result, the plug (in the form of colorless, yellowish, or slightly pinkish mucus) may come off before labor begins - sometimes this can happen within a week, or even two.

Jelena

– On the evening of July 10, the plug came off without any preliminary symptoms. At 11 in the morning, water began to leak, by lunchtime small contractions began, I arrived at the maternity hospital at the direction of the midwife at 7 pm, and kept in touch with her by phone all this time. She gave birth on July 12 at 12.20. The PDR was on July 29th.

SweetMama

– The plug came off completely in 1 day (the first half came off in 2 weeks).

Len'ok

– My plug came out gradually, it looked like the result of a prolonged runny nose, with blood streaks.

On the eve of childbirth, many women receive another “news” from nature that the baby will be born very soon. An indomitable desire arises to prepare him a cozy “nest” and the expectant mother with great pleasure chooses tiny socks and baby vests for her future son or daughter, embroiders diapers, knits a hat and blanket, buys the softest and most beautiful bed linen for the crib, a comfortable stroller, a warm envelope, a lace blanket, a set of bibs and that nice little rattle!

Another obligatory item of “building a nest” is often general cleaning (or even repairs). Having set up a children's corner, bought things and “cleaned” the house, the woman breathes a sigh of relief: she can give birth. And... it is at this moment that contractions often begin. “Nesting” is an incredibly happy time, because it reminds you that your dream of meeting your baby soon is about to become a reality!

Siblings' experience

– About two days before giving birth, she became more active - both times she began large cleanings throughout the entire apartment, which she had no longer had the strength to do for a long time. I paid attention because I read here on the forum that this happens - preparing a nest. And there were no more warning signs.

Ekaterina

– At 39 weeks 5 days I woke up with a terrible surge of energy and decided that it was simply vital to rip out all the floors in the house. Then I realized that it would start at night.

– I didn’t have any special feelings before giving birth, except that I, like a field mouse, had been dragging all the groceries home from the store for the last 10 days. Well, I couldn’t pass by the store. I take a full bag and drag it, then I realize that I can’t carry it, it’s hard, so I catch a taxi. Twice I came home by taxi with string bags...

Other signs

1. Removal of the mucus plug. The content volume can be 2-3 ml. If the discharge is larger, you may need to see a doctor.
2. Change in posture. As the uterus descends, this causes the head to tilt back. The gait will be proud.
3. Constant urge to urinate. The amniotic sac causes compression of the pelvic organs. Sometimes the need to empty the bladder is constant.
4. Pubic contractions.
5. Discomfort in the lower abdomen and back.

If this is not the first pregnancy, women can usually distinguish real contractions from phenomena that prepare for childbirth. Therefore, almost all pregnant women feel sick before childbirth.

Based on these signs, you can understand that childbirth is approaching. However, there is no need to panic, because sometimes the symptoms can be false.

Painful sensations before childbirth

In the last weeks before giving birth, many pregnant women begin to complain of nagging and aching pain in the lumbar region and lower abdomen. This is another sign that the body is intensively preparing for childbirth: the pelvic ligaments begin to soften and stretch and blood flow to the pelvic organs increases.

Siblings' experience

Natalika

– On the eve of giving birth, my back was strained, my stomach “felt” and it felt like my son’s head was already at the very exit. The next day in the delivery room, I was surprised for a long time that this is exactly what the first hours of contractions look like.

Nata K.

“My back hurt about a week before giving birth. Sometimes there were false contractions, also for about a week. And, in general, everything was as always. I drove the car until the last day. I went on Sunday and gave birth on Monday. But! Somewhere inside I felt that I would give birth before the PDR, and that’s what happened.

- My back hurt terribly. My stomach was pulling. And most importantly, a persistent feeling of anxiety.

Kariana

– And the day before my back hurt so much that I climbed the walls. The plug did not come off.

Useful video

Almost every pregnant woman has experienced diarrhea before giving birth. But not everyone knows whether this is the norm, or whether this process indicates a disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diarrhea before the onset of labor can be explained by the physiological characteristics of the body. The child prepares to leave and moves forward, while the sacrum is compressed, which provokes a frequent urge to go to the toilet. In addition, instinctive bowel cleansing occurs to facilitate labor. If this does not happen, then an enema is performed to artificially induce bowel movements.

Other warning signs of imminent labor include:

• nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
• decreased appetite;
• the beginning of false contractions;
• discharge of the mucous membrane.

Products

Often, due to individual intolerance, women cannot take herbal infusions for nausea. What to do then? Regular foods that reduce nausea will help.

During the day you should consume frequently, but in small portions:

• warm water with honey;
• fresh fruits, carrots, cabbage;
• cranberry or lingonberry juice;
• ginger tea with lemon;
• citrus;
• juice from tomatoes, black currants, oranges;
• pumpkin;
• berries;
• homemade crackers and cereal breads;
• rosehip decoction.

Taking this product can eliminate or reduce the symptoms of nausea. Therefore, most doctors recommend taking them.

Appetite disturbance

The processes occurring in the body before the onset of labor most directly affect the digestive system. On the day of birth, it is undesirable for pregnant women to consume foods that can cause processes such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. To do this, dairy products, cereals and bread should be excluded from the pregnant woman’s diet.

If you feel sick before giving birth, it means that mistakes were made in the diet, and the foods eaten provoked the process of gas formation.

For example, bread is thought to clog the digestive system, resulting in vomiting and nausea.

Following a diet will help to avoid increased gas formation during childbirth and the appearance of unpleasant sensations that will distract the expectant mother and prevent her from concentrating.