While pregnancy nausea and vomiting are familiar to most pregnant women, there are a small percentage of women who suffer from extreme pregnancy nausea. This condition is also known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Women who are afflicted with extreme pregnancy nausea experience persistent nausea and vomiting that can interfere with them ingesting a sufficient level of nutrients and fluids.

As a result of HG, women are at risk for developing dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte disturbances and poor fetal growth. In severe cases hospitalization becomes necessary. The hospital stay will include the use of intravenous rehydration therapy as a means of combating the dehydration, malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances. In rare cases, the mother may have to have a feeding tube inserted through her nose and passing down to the small intestine. It is critical to treat the nutritional deficiencies that occur due to pervasive nausea and vomiting; early intervention will help to ensure a positive outcome for both the expectant mother and her unborn child.

Another complication of pregnancy is preeclampsia; it is also referred to as toxemia of pregnancy. This complication occurs in about 3 – 7% of women expecting. In this condition the woman will develop high blood pressure along with protein in the urine. Normally, preeclampsia will begin after the 20th week of the pregnancy.

Included among the symptoms of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, excess protein in the urine, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness and swelling of the face, feet and hands. At this time, the causes of preeclampsia are not known. The prescribed treatment for pregnancy toxemia often includes bed rest, blood pressure medications, and when feasible the delivery of the baby as early as possible. Just like extreme pregnancy nausea early treatment is vital for the well being of the mother and the child.

Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy in women with no prior history of diabetes. Just like diabetes, gestational diabetes involves having too high blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes occurs in approximately 5% of all pregnancies. While gestational diabetes will resolve once the baby is born, women who have experienced gestational diabetes are at greater risk for developing diabetes in the future.

Some of the signs to look for with gestational diabetes are extreme thirst, fatigue and pronounced hunger. Women who develop diabetes during gestation are advised to follow their recommended diet, to get sufficient exercise, monitor their blood sugar levels and to take any medication that has been prescribed for them. By following these recommendations a woman will significantly increase her chances for giving birth to a healthy baby.

Another of the more common pregnancy related problems that a woman can encounter is anemia, which means that the woman does not have a high enough red blood cell count. For most women this translates into an iron deficiency. Iron is a mineral necessary for the production of red blood cells. Approximately half of all women who are pregnant have an iron deficiency.

When suffering from anemia, women usually encounter many signs; some of the common indicators of anemia are fatigue, headaches, feeling weak, pale skin, dizziness and coldness in your extremities. The best way to prevent having an iron deficiency is by eating sufficient foods that are rich in iron and by taking prenatal vitamins that include iron. For some women it will also be necessary to take an iron supplement.

There are many other health complications that may be experienced during pregnancy; extreme pregnancy nausea, gestational diabetes, preeclamsia and anemia are some of the more common problems that an expectant mother may face. While these pregnancy related health problems affect a small percentage of women, it is important for all pregnant women to be aware of physical signs that may be an indication of a serious problem. Whenever pregnant, a woman should never hesitate to call her health care provider if she is uncertain about any of the symptoms that she is experiencing.

Most women will experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms as their baby’s growth causes pressure on their internal organs. The following symptoms are some of the more common symptoms that occur during the third trimester. The pregnant woman is not limited to these symptoms, nor will she necessarily suffer from all of these symptoms since each pregnancy is unique to the individual mother.

Commonly Experienced Symptoms of the Third Trimester

1. Nausea- Pregnancy nausea in the third trimester is very common. Just like nausea that occurs in the first trimester, it is thought that nausea late in the pregnancy may be the result of the continuing fluctuations in hormone levels. Additionally, the size of the baby in the third trimester places a lot of pressure on the woman’s stomach. This crowding of the stomach may result in both nausea and heartburn.

2. Fatigue- Many women will once again feel fatigue similar to that which they felt in the first trimester. This fatigue may be due in part to the fact that is often difficult to sleep well during the third trimester. The increased size of the fetus can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position; the size of the fetus also puts pressure on the bladder and stomach, which can also contribute to interruptions in sleep.

3. Shortness of Breath- Due to the expansion of the uterus, there is frequently increased pressure on her diaphragm. This added pressure can result in mild difficulty breathing.

4. Swelling of Hands and Feet- This swelling is often referred to as edema; it is not a concern as long as it is mild. However, if the swelling should become pronounced, this could be the signal of the dangerous condition known as preeclampsia. Preeclamsia is the term for pregnancy-induced hypertension and its seriousness demands the immediate notification of the woman’s health care provider.

5. Spider Veins, Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids- Any of these may develop as the woman nears the end of her pregnancy. Due to the circulatory changes that happen during pregnancy and due to the increased pressure on a woman’s legs resulting from the rapid growth of the fetus in the third trimester, an expectant mother will often suffer from these side effects.

6. Backaches and Leg Cramps- As the baby grows, the resulting size and weight gain can have a negative effect on the woman’s posture; this can result in back pain for the mother. Also, as the baby’s size increases, the woman’s hormones will aid in the relaxation of the joints in the pelvic area. This can also contribute to the back pain experienced in the later stages of pregnancy.

7. Constipation or Diarrhea- It is not unusual for the expectant mother to experience either constipation or diarrhea as she nears the end of her pregnancy.

8. Contractions- Anytime after the 20th week of pregnancy, a woman may begin to feel mild, occasional contractions that are known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are not a concern; however, if the contractions should increase in strength and frequency, a call to the doctor is in order.

Being aware of the many discomforts that may occur during the third trimester of pregnancy is important. Knowing that such symptoms as fatigue, backaches, heartburn and pregnancy nausea in the third trimester are all normal can help to ease the expectant mother’s concerns about whether such discomforts are serious health issues. However, at any point in time if the expectant mother has questions about what she is experiencing, it is best to get in touch with her health care provider to discuss her concerns.

As a result of the potential for serious harm to the unborn baby and to the mother, it is vital that women be aware of the causes of pregnancy nausea and diarrhea, how to effectively treat it, and most importantly what signs indicate the possibility of complications.

Causes

1) It has been speculated that diarrhea, like nausea may be the result of the elevated levels of hormones that expectant mothers experience after conception. Diarrhea is thought to be mainly due to the rise in progesterone levels.
2) Some women may be lactose intolerant or have developed other food intolerances during their pregnancy.
3) When the onset of the diarrhea is sudden and only lasts a short period of time, it is often caused either by food poisoning, a virus or a bacterial infection.
4) There is also the possibility that the woman suffers from an intestinal disorder such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
5) Some women will experience diarrhea shortly before their labor commences. This may be the body’s way for naturally preparing for labor and delivery.
6) When expecting, women appear to be more prone to stomach viruses and disorders; this would include diarrhea.

Treatment

1) It is vital for the expectant mother to remain hydrated when suffering from pregnancy nausea and diarrhea. The lack of proper hydration can lead to serious consequences for her unborn child.
2) In some cases, the woman may need to supplement her water intake with an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte.
3) Eating bland foods such as bananas, toast, potatoes, rice, and yogurt often prove helpful in solving the problem.
4) Avoid spicy foods, fried foods, foods high in fat and all dairy products except for yogurt.
5) It is a good idea for her review her diet in general for possible causes. Altering her diet may be all that is necessary to eliminate the diarrhea.
6) There are medications that can be taken to relieve diarrhea, but these should only be used after a woman consults with her health care provider.

Signs for Concern

1) Whenever it lasts for more than two days, it is best to call the doctor. Prolonged diarrhea can result in the lack of the absorption of sufficient nutrients to nourish the fetus and the mother.
2) If fever, vomiting and pain accompany diarrhea, this may be an indicator of something more serious. Once again it is best for the mother to contact her health provider.
3) If the stools contain blood, then the doctor should be notified immediately. This is also true if the mother goes for more than 5-6 hours without urinating.
4) Signs of dehydration due to diarrhea should be brought to the attention of the doctor immediately. Signs include infrequent urination, urine dark in color, dry eyes, dry skin, weakness, dizziness, and disorientation. Left untreated, dehydration can become a serious problem for mother and child; it can lead to preterm labor.

Like so many of the symptoms that accompany pregnancy, pregnancy nausea and diarrhea for the majority of women is mainly a discomfort that normally is short term. However, since it can lead to serious consequences for both the expectant mother and her child, it is important to be informed on the subject. Anytime a woman is uncertain about the severity of her symptoms or unsure if what she is experiencing is normal, it is always best to contact her doctor for his/her evaluation and suggestions.

For many women pregnancy nausea starts within several weeks of conception and is one of the most common symptoms associated with early pregnancy. Also referred to as morning sickness, the nausea and vomiting while expecting is believed by many to be at least in part the result of the fluctuations in hormones that happens during the first trimester. Others also consider morning sickness to be the body’s protection against potentially harmful foods. Fortunately, the majority of women experience relief from pregnancy nausea around the end of the 14th week.

Another effect of the hormone changes that are occurring is a slow down in the expectant mother’s digestive system. This slowdown happens so that the nutrients she consumes will have added time to be absorbed by her body; the increased absorption of nutrients into the blood stream provides the fetus with necessary nutrition for growth and development. While food moving slowly through the digestive system benefits the mother and baby, it also can result in some uncomfortable symptoms for the woman. Many women experience heartburn, indigestion, constipation and gas.

The majority of women will also notice that they are extremely tired during the first few months of pregnancy. Soon after conception the body begins to ready itself to provide the fetus with support. This effort by the mother’s body to create a healthy environment for the unborn baby expends a great deal of energy. This factor along with the many other changes that result from pregnancy cause fatigue.

During the first trimester, many women will also experience mood swings. These mood swings are similar to those that frequently occur during many women’s premenstrual period. The many changes occurring as the expectant mother’s body prepares for the healthy development of the fetus can result in fluctuating moods; the increased levels of hormones that are being produced are also a contributing factor. The stress and concerns of being pregnant may also play a role in these mood swings.

Among the many other signs of early pregnancy that may be experienced by women are breast tenderness, frequent urination, and food cravings and/or aversions. A woman’s breasts change during pregnancy due to the increased production of progesterone and estrogen. The urge to urinate frequently occurs during the first trimester due to the growth of the fetus, which creates pressure on the bladder; this symptom will often subside until the third term of the pregnancy when it may once again reappear.

Food cravings, as well as the aversion to certain foods, are commonly associated with the first trimester of pregnancy. The exact cause of this early sign of pregnancy has not been established. While it is not harmful to occasionally succumb to these cravings/aversions, it is very important for the expectant mother to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Finally, it is important to realize that each woman’s body will react differently after conception; not everyone will experience all of the symptoms associated with the first trimester. While pregnancy nausea starts early and is commonly recognized as a normal part of the first trimester, it is vital for expectant mothers to be aware of the many other indicators of a normal, healthy pregnancy. By being aware of the many changes that conception produces and the resulting symptoms, a woman will be better prepared to cope with the alterations to her physical state.

Although morning sickness is a very common symptom of women who are expecting, there are a few women who escape from the sufferings of nausea and vomiting. However for the majority of mothers, there is some degree of nausea and vomiting associated with their pregnancy. The intensity of the symptoms of morning sickness can cover a wide range; the nausea and vomiting experienced can range from mild to very serious. It appears that women who suffer severe nausea and vomiting tend to be women who have a history of migraine headaches or motion sickness.

While the exact causes of morning sickness have not been established, the majority of doctors have come to the consensus that the fluctuation of hormone levels after conception is a major contributing factor. One of the results of these hormone adjustments that occur in pregnancy is that a woman’s digestive system functions differently. This altering of the digestive system can result in the production of higher levels of acid.

Due to a pregnant woman’s increased sensitivity to both tastes and smells, it is likely that this also plays a role in the feelings of nausea many women experience. It is also possible that the extreme tiredness and stress that are felt by many expectant mothers contributes to their morning sickness.

The majority of women tend to experience morning sickness during the first trimester of their pregnancy; they find that around the 14th week of their pregnancy the nausea subsides. This may be the result of the stabilization of their hormone levels at approximately this point in time.

There is not a singular cure to morning sickness; rather there are many solutions that are offered as a way to at least ease the effects of morning sickness. Since every woman’s body reacts differently to pregnancy, there is not one solution that will work for all women. There are many commonly shared ideas on the best ways to help a woman cope with the nausea and vomiting.

One cure to morning sickness that is frequently suggested is to eat small meals throughout the day instead of eating a few larger meals. Since an empty stomach is thought to be one of the triggers for nausea, eating small snacks during the day can be helpful. Many women keep crackers next to their bed so that they can eat something as soon as they awaken.

Many women find that fizzy drinks help to relieve the nausea. Ginger is considered a natural calmer for the stomach. Fresh ginger can be crushed to make tea; ginger ale made from real ginger can also produce a calming effect on the stomach.

Another possible reliever for morning sickness is the magnetic wristband that is suggested for those who suffer from motion sickness. While the remedies for motion sickness may also prove to be a cure to morning sickness, it is important to note that any medications prescribed for motion sickness should not be taken until the pregnant mother has consulted her health care provider.

While morning sickness is a natural occurrence during pregnancy, there are extreme cases when it can prove harmful to both mother and baby. If the mother is unable to keep any food or liquids down, she runs the risk of becoming dehydrated. If left untreated, dehydration can be very harmful to the unborn child. It is important for any expectant mother who thinks she may be suffering from dehydration to contact her doctor immediately. The symptoms of dehydration include infrequent urination, urine that is darkened in color, headaches, dizziness and dried out skin and eyes.

While maintaining a well balanced diet is critical for any woman expecting, there are times when eating or drinking whatever appeals to her is more important. If a woman suffering from a bout of nausea and vomiting, craves junk food then she should indulge. Once the morning sickness subsides, it is important that she return to a healthy diet.

Typically, morning sickness will begin between the fourth and sixth week of pregnancy. For the majority of women, the symptoms of nausea and vomiting will have eased up by the end of their first trimester of pregnancy. If your nausea is severe during this time or if it should continue beyond the first few months, it is important to inform your doctor about your symptoms. You should also contact your doctor immediately if at any time you have been unable to eat or drink during a 24-hour period of time.

While it is rare, there are cases when a woman suffers from extreme nausea and vomiting which prevent her from maintaining a healthy diet and proper fluid intake. This condition is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyper means “over” and emesis is the term for vomiting; gravidarum refers to the “pregnant state”. This condition affects approximately one in every 300 women who are pregnant.

Due to the severity and frequency of the vomiting, if HG is left untreated the mother will become malnourished and dehydrated. Eventually, the mother’s lack of proper nutrition and sufficient fluids will also affect the health of her fetus. Pregnancy nausea when severe warrants a call to your doctor. If it reaches the point that vomiting is occurring more than 2-3 times per day, it is important to inform your health care provider.

Since dehydration can cause serious problems for both the mother and the child, it is important to recognize the symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration, which occurs when the body eliminates more fluids than are being replaced, often results in dizziness. This dizziness is caused by low blood pressure that has resulted from dehydration. Headaches are also often the result of dehydration. Some of the other symptoms that are experienced due to this severe lack of fluids are infrequent urination, a darkening in the color of urine being eliminated, dry skin, dry eyes or mouth, or a feeling of weakness or tiredness. As dehydration intensifies, you may experience confusion and a lack of mental acuity.

In all probability, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms as a result of vomiting, then you are already in the process of becoming dehydrated. It is crucial to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day; it is recommended that you drink 10 glasses of water daily. Dehydration if not given medical attention will become a serious problem. It can result in preterm labor as well as other complications. If you are unable to keep fluids down due to pregnancy nausea, it is necessary to inform your doctor immediately.

There is not a single remedy that is effective for all women; consequently, it may be necessary to try several remedies in order to find one that is helpful. Among the more commonly known pregnant nausea remedies are avoiding those foods and smells that seem to trigger nausea during pregnancy. Some women find it helpful to eat foods that are either cold or at room temperature; this may be due to the fact that hot foods tend to have more of an odor. Additionally, staying away from spicy foods can help to prevent morning sickness.

It is commonly suggested that eating frequent, small meals through out the day is beneficial. By eating more often, the stomach is never completely empty or too full. Many women find that snacking on crackers during the day helps to alleviate the nausea. Many women crave carbohydrates when they are experiencing morning sickness; they feel that it helps to relieve the nausea and prevent vomiting.

Getting enough fluids is vital especially when a woman is vomiting. It is best to drink small amounts of water throughout the day. Drinking a large quantity of water at one time can cause the sensation of fullness consequently affecting the amount of food eaten at meals. In cases where the woman has experienced a great deal of vomiting, it may be advisable to try drinking a sports drink. The sports drink should contain glucose, salt and potassium; these are necessary to replenish the electrolytes that have been lost.

Some of the other recommendations for relieving nausea during pregnancy are to learn relaxation techniques to relieve stress, to take time during the day to read or watch TV, or to take a nap. Getting enough rest and avoiding stress can help to minimize nausea for many women.

The prenatal vitamins women are required to take can be a cause for stomach distress. This can be aided by taking the vitamins at mealtime. The iron, which is contained in most prenatal vitamins, can cause irritation to the digestive system. You can consult with your doctor about the possibility of either switching to a prenatal vitamin with a low dose of iron or no iron during the first trimester.

There are also several alternative remedies that may help to relieve the symptoms of nausea during pregnancy. In both Eastern and Western medicine a pressure point on the body is recognized for relieving nausea. The pressure point is located approximately two inches above the crease of the inner wrist. Stimulation of this pressure point results in relief from nausea and vomiting for some pregnant women.

One means of stimulation of this pressure point is through an over the counter band that can be purchased at many pharmacies. The band provides pressure to the appropriate point on the wrist. Another device that also provides stimulation is available through your doctor. This device will stimulate the pressure point on your wrist with a mild electric current; it has been deemed safe to use. Some women have experienced positive results from using this prescribed method. This prescribed device will cost around $75.

Another common alternative solution used to aid in the relief of nausea is ginger. There are some ginger ales that are made with real ginger. While most grocery store ginger ales do not contain ginger, you can often find brands made with actual ginger in health food stores. Another possibility is to purchase fresh ginger at the store; the ginger can be grated and used to make ginger tea.

Ginger root supplements are also available in capsule form. However, it is important to consult with your health care provider before you take these supplements. It is advisable to bring the supplements in the original container to be examined by your doctor before you commence taking them. Due to the fact that it is not certain how much ginger is contained in the capsules, many health care experts advise against their use.

While morning sickness is considered a normal part of pregnancy, there is no reason to suffer needlessly. There are many suggested pregnancy nausea remedies that may at least alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness. With the help and advice of your medical care provider, you can hopefully find a solution that will work for you.

After conception, a woman’s body releases several different hormones. In the same manner as many drugs, the hormones that are released at the onset of pregnancy can result in several unpleasant side effects. One of these side effects is nausea and vomiting.

Generally, it is thought that the hormone HCG is the likely culprit for causing nausea during pregnancy. The initials HCG are short for human chronic gonadotropin. HCG is produced shortly after conception by the embryo; eventually, the placenta makes HCG. It is the function of HCG to maintain the production of progesterone; progesterone is another hormone that is essential during pregnancy.

There is also the possibility that progesterone may be what causes nausea during pregnancy. The production of progesterone in pregnant women increases because it relaxes the uterine muscles as a means of preventing premature childbirth. It is possible that progesterone also causes the stomach and intestines to relax; subsequently, this could lead to the production of an excess of stomach acids that result in nausea and vomiting.

Estrogen, which is a hormone that is always present during a woman’s childbearing years, is also considered a possible cause for morning sickness. The levels of estrogen rise rapidly during the early stages of pregnancy.

Another theory about why morning sickness occurs is that it is the result of a vitamin B deficiency. It has been noted that taking a vitamin B6 supplement appears to alleviate the nausea of early pregnancy. However, it is unclear as to why B6 supplements provided relief to pregnant women. One of the studies that were conducted indicated there was not a significant difference in the amount of B6 in women suffering from nausea and those not experiencing nausea.

There has also been some indication that taking a multivitamin beginning at the time of conception and continuing through early pregnancy aids in the prevention of severe morning sickness. Once again it is not clear why this is the case.

There also exists the opinion that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy might not be the reason for the nausea and vomiting associated with early pregnancy. There is the possibility that these symptoms are the result of other changes occurring in the body. It is possible that morning sickness is due to a woman’s heightened sense of smell as well as to her increased sensitivity to these smells. It is not uncommon for an expectant woman to be affected by certain aromas that may trigger her gag reflex.

Another suggestion that is offered as a cause of morning sickness is that the nausea is a response to the bodily stress caused by pregnancy. It is possible that the gastrointestinal tracts of some women are more sensitive and thus affected to a greater degree by the changes of early pregnancy. While there is not any conclusive evidence, it is possible that the vomiting and nausea occurring may contribute to increased stress levels for some women. This increase in stress may in turn exacerbate the morning sickness.

Fortunately, in the majority of instances nausea during pregnancy does not persist for the entire pregnancy. Characteristically, the nausea and vomiting have subsided by the end of the first trimester. At this time, the many changes occurring as a result of being pregnant seem to level off; this in turn seems to result in a lessening of the symptoms of morning sickness.

One of the causes of nausea late in the pregnancy is related to hormonal changes that occur throughout the pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses a woman’s hormones will fluctuate. In much the same manner as early hormonal changes frequently cause nausea, fluctuations in hormone levels during the third trimester can also result in nausea and vomiting.

Another factor that can contribute to morning sickness during the third trimester of pregnancy is the rapid growth of the baby during this time. The size of the baby has increased significantly causing them to take up more space within the mother. This increased growth will result in pressure on the mother’s organs including the stomach. Along with nausea many women will also suffer from heartburn during the last trimester.

It is beneficial to eat smaller meals more frequently. This will help to relieve the nausea of late pregnancy. Eating small meals will also aid in the reduction of heartburn. It is vital that the mother maintains healthy eating habits; both the baby and the mother need to be getting the necessary nutrients that are provided by a well balanced diet. Equally important is keeping well hydrated. A lack of hydration can cause the onset of preterm labor.

During pregnancy it is crucial to call your doctor if at any time you experience severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. A pregnant woman should always consult her doctor if nausea and vomiting are preventing her from eating a healthy diet. At times this may be an acute problem due to a virus; however, it is always in the best interest of mother and child to consult the doctor.

Fortunately, it is rare but there are women who suffer from severe morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy. This condition is known at hyperemesis gravidarum – HG. The definition of HG is nausea and vomiting that is frequent, persistent and severe; as a result, the woman’s body does not absorb sufficient nutrients and fluids. This in turn puts the mother and her baby at risk for complications.

The following are the recognized symptoms for hyperememsis gravidarum: excessive nausea and vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, headaches, dizziness, and weight loss. Some women will also experience confusion, headaches, and fainting. Due to the risks of dehydration and malnutrition any woman afflicted with HG should be considered a medical emergency.

Not only is the mother at risk as a result of HG, but the fetus is also endangered by this condition. The baby may be born with neurobehavioral issues resulting from the malnutrition and dehydration experienced by the mother. The unborn child may also suffer from either diabetes or heart disease during their lifetime.

Women who suffer from extreme nausea late in pregnancy may be required to take antiemetic medications to help alleviate the nausea and vomiting. In some cases, it is necessary to hospitalize the woman in order to stabilize her condition. Intravenous fluids and tube feeding may be prescribed for treatment while in the hospital.

Fortunately, severe morning sickness in the last trimester of pregnancy is a rare occurrence. Anyone who suffers from it needs to be very cautious; it is important to make your doctor aware of your condition. If pregnant and experiencing dehydration, it is critical to seek help immediately. Receiving appropriate care will help to insure the health of both the mother and the baby.

For the majority of expectant women, pregnancy nausea in the first few weeks begins somewhere between the fourth and the eighth week. In most cases the nausea and vomiting will subside by the 14th to the 16th week. While it is referred to as morning sickness, the nausea and accompanying vomiting of early pregnancy can be present throughout the entire day.

Most experts concur that morning sickness does play a functional role in pregnancy. Many believe that morning sickness protects the fetus. It is theorized that unlike adults who have defenses against toxic substances the fetus does not have a well-developed defense system. While a small dose of toxins may have an adverse effect on an adult, the same does could be lethal to the fetus. Hence it is thought that nausea in pregnancy may occur when women are exposed to the smell or the taste of foods that may contain toxins, which would cause harm to the fetus.

It is also thought that pregnancy nausea in the early weeks may serve as a protection to the mother. During pregnancy, the immune system of the woman is suppressed most likely as a defense against rejecting the tissue of her unborn child. As a result, the consumption of foods, particularly animal products, could expose the pregnant woman to harmful parasites and/or bacteria that her system is unable to protect her from. Hence, her body may be trying to provide protection by rejecting those foods through nausea and vomiting.

Fortunately, the mild to moderate nausea that is occasionally accompanied by vomiting is not a threat to the health of the mother or the unborn child. Even if the pregnant woman does not experience a weight gain during the first trimester this is not considered dangerous to the well being of the baby or the mother. If the expectant mother is able to maintain a healthy diet and to stay well hydrated, the fetus will continue to develop healthily. In the majority of cases of morning sickness, the woman recovers her appetite and is able to maintain a healthy weight gain.

Particularly among young women who are pregnant for the first time and among women experiencing a multiple birth pregnancy, the level and length of morning sickness may be greater. There are women who continue to suffer from morning sickness well beyond their first trimester. A small percentage of women will continue to be plagued by nausea and vomiting for the entire pregnancy.