Nausea of ​​pregnancy, what drugs to stop them?

Very common during pregnancy, nausea affects 80% of pregnant women. Simple disgust for smells or food, they can cause vomiting that is very unpleasant to bear. So, how to take care of yourself when you are pregnant? How to find remedies for pregnancy nausea?

Among the inconveniences of pregnancy, nausea comes first! Nearly 8 out of 10 future mothers are confronted with it... This lack of appetite or this disgust for certain foods, which can go as far as vomiting, is generally linked to the hormonal upheaval of the first trimester of pregnancy.

When does pregnancy nausea start? Until when ?

Nausea can start as soon as the period is late, or more often, from the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy, the timing being quite random from one woman to another. If the nausea decreases then usually disappears from the 12th week of pregnancy, it can happen that it lasts until delivery. When they are violent and continuous, they can even cause weight loss for the future mother, or even retarded growth of the fetus. This is why, as soon as pregnancy nausea causes too much discomfort and disrupts eating, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will prescribe a drug treatment adapted to our condition.

In most cases, despite the inconvenience it causes, pregnancy nausea is harmless for the future baby.

Nausea in pregnancy, multiple causes

Where does this nausea come from? Thanks to hormones, these great disruptors of pregnancy which have, among other "advantages", that of causing the famous nausea so dreaded by future mothers! ...And that of making us hypersensitive to strong smells and upsetting our relationship to food, whether it's new food cravings, sudden disgust for dishes or ingredients or sudden vomiting. But they can also be the cause of a lack of appetite or a feeling of having eaten too much... During pregnancy, nausea can also be triggered by psychological factors, such as strong anxiety, repeated sources of stress. If this nausea is too disabling or causes weight loss, we talk to our midwife or doctor.

What to do in case of morning sickness? What does pregnancy nausea look like?

In general, the nausea of ​​pregnancy manifests itself as soon as you wake up. To tame them before jumping out of bed, adopt a new morning ritual. Which ? Nibble in our bed some crackers and swallow a hot drink, like a ginger infusion, then wait 15 to 20 minutes after this first snack to get up and go about our business. In any case, we avoid tea and coffee, with exciting properties, which can maintain and promote nausea and gastric reflux.

How to avoid nausea and vomiting during pregnancy?

Unfortunately, there is no miracle treatment to avoid these discomforts, which should however decrease at the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Nevertheless, you can adapt your lifestyle and habits to this inconvenience.

How to relieve pregnancy nausea? Natural remedies

Beyond the drugs prescribed by your doctor and delivered by prescription, there are different ways to prevent or reduce pregnancy nausea, with tips and natural remedies.

- By dividing meals: having eaten too much, or conversely staying on an empty stomach, promotes the onset of pregnancy nausea. You can therefore split your meals with light and balanced snacks, but also neutral in taste, at regular times: mid-morning or mid-afternoon for example. With: a handful of almonds, yoghurt, compote... Also remember to eat in small quantities, several times a day.- By modifying the content of your plate: bet on certain foods rich in vitamin B6 and zinc, such as veal, chicken, broccoli, spinach, banana... By limiting cream dishes or fried foods. You can also eat cold and/or easy-to-digest meals such as soups, purées, steamed vegetables...- Remembering to hydrate yourself well: at least 1.5 liters to 2 liters of water per day, but preferably outside meals.- By concocting fresh ginger infusions: the World Health Organization (WHO) admits their usefulness against nausea (Source: Vidal). You can consume up to 4 infusions per day.- By listening to you: the mere sight of a piece of bread disgusts you today? So, listen to your body and let your stomach rest, while remembering to hydrate yourself well. And if the lack of appetite persists, turn to your doctor.

How to stop nausea during pregnancy?

If these natural remedies do not help you or if they are not sufficient, only your doctor can prescribe a medicinal or homeopathic treatment adapted to your needs.

Which anti-emetic drugs to treat pregnancy nausea?

Medications called “anti-emetics” can help you avoid vomiting. To be taken only on medical advice. We know, no self-medication when expecting a baby! Only your doctor will prescribe the right medications without risks for your pregnancy and the health of your baby.

To reduce pregnancy nausea, you can also use acupuncture or sophrology sessions. In addition, you can try acupressure bracelets, sold in pharmacies. Without guarantees, but without side effects!

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Some mothers-to-be (1 to 5%) unfortunately suffer from extreme vomiting during their pregnancy. Beyond the “usual” nausea, it is then a real pathology, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (or Hypermemesis gravidarum). In question, the action of hormones, or the weight problems of the future mother. Hyperemesis gravidarum is characterized by constant and uncontrollable vomiting, and resistance to antiemetics prescribed by the doctor during pregnancy.

The risks of hyperemesis gravidarum

This severe form of pregnancy nausea and vomiting can have serious health implications and last until the baby arrives. Among the risks: significant weight loss for the mother, malnutrition, dehydration that may require hospitalization, and exhaustion linked to repeated vomiting and total food intolerance. You must consult without delay in order to have you followed up, with meticulousness, to take good care of your health and that of your baby. This little-known pathology was partly highlighted by the successive pregnancies of Kate Middleton, who was also affected by hyperemesis gravidarum.

The return of nausea at the end of pregnancy

It happens, during the last trimester of pregnancy, that some pregnant women suffer again from nausea, whereas these had disappeared for several three months. Don't panic, it could be due to poor digestion (your uterus takes up a lot of space and it upsets your whole body), or hormones. In this case, don't hesitate to start splitting your meals again and putting your morning rituals back in place. Do not forget to seek the advice of a health professional!