Ah, the joys of pregnancy! For many, the first trimester is a blissful time of wonder and anticipation. But for others? It's a nonstop ride on the dreaded nausea rollercoaster.
So, What's Nausea?
Simply put, nausea is that uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach. Many describe it as the sensation that precedes throwing up. It’s a feeling immortalized in the bathrooms of women throughout the world. One could argue there are only three certainties in life: death, taxes, and first trimester nausea.
It's no joke, with roughly 70% of women experiencing this not-so-delightful symptom during the first trimester. And while it’s commonly referred to as 'morning sickness', anyone who’s gone through it knows it can strike at any time of day.
Decoding NVP and Why We Should Care
NVP or Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy usually kicks off around 6–8 weeks into the pregnancy and hits its peak between weeks 10 and 16. But it’s not all bad news! Interestingly, a review of studies has linked NVP to positive fetal outcomes, reducing the risk of miscarriage.
The first trimester, however, is a big deal. It's when your baby forms all its major organs, so staying nourished is key. Severe nausea can cause Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which may result in complications like intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, dehydration, ketonuria, ketonemia, and more scary complications for both mom and baby. Knowing the difference between regular nausea and HG is crucial for the health of both mother and child.
How to Measure for HG
The Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis Index (PUQE)
To figure out the gravity of your NVP, clinicians add together the results of the following three questions.
A mild case of NVP ranges between a score of 3-6, a moderate case 7-12, and a severe case (HG) 13-15.
Is it a Global Affair?
Surprisingly, NVP appears more frequently in western countries and urban areas. African, Native American, Inuit, and most Asian populations seem to experience it less. Various factors, including age, education, smoking habits, and obesity, might play a role in its prevalence.
What’s Behind the Nausea?
Multiple culprits can contribute to first-trimester nausea:
- HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): Your body sends out this hormone signal saying, "Baby on board!" It prepares your body for the little one and stops egg maturation. Its levels rise until the end of the first trimester, coinciding with nausea.
- GDF15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15): This is still under research, but GDF15, a protein coding gene, is considered a key player in nausea and HG. It's an exciting area of research and can potentially pave the way for targeted interventions.
- Thyroid Gland: Pregnancy kicks your metabolism into high gear. Sometimes, the stimulating effect of hCG might even cause transient hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism may increase nausea, since thyroid hormone stimulates progesterone release and is known to up-regulate the expression of GDF15.
- Progesterone: one of the hormones created to support pregnancy, mostly by increasing vascularity of the uterine lining. Though it is produced by the corpus luteum in the first ten weeks of pregnancy, the adrenal cortex also play a role in its production. It might be involved in nausea, though the specifics are still under investigation.
- H. Pylori: Some studies suggest a link between this infection and HG. It's complicated, and the verdict is still out.
- Esophageal Factors: Hormonal changes affect the lower esophageal sphincter function. This can manifest as heartburn or yes, nausea.
Ditching the Drugs: Non-Pharmaceutical Nausea Busters
Aromatherapy: Certain scents, like lemon, ginger, and lemongrass, can work wonders in alleviating nausea. These scents stimulate the limbic system, which plays a role in emotions and memory, leading to a calming effect. Other scents to consider include eucalyptus, citrus, and lavender.
Acupressure: Pressure on the PC-6 acupoint can be beneficial. This point is located about 2 cm above your wrist's crease.
Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese method, this involves inserting needles into specific points, including PC-6, to alleviate nausea.
Ginger Therapy: This root isn't just for your sushi! Ginger can naturally combat nausea, either as a tea, candy, or even in food. Just be cautious and stick to less than 1000 mg per day. Be warned, ginger is not recommended for pregnant patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.
Meditation: Meditation activates the parasympathetic system, which is responsible for the body's rest and digest functions. This leads to a decrease in heart rate, lower blood pressure, relaxation of the muscles, and better GI tract motility, all known influencers in decreasing nausea.
Breathing: Deep and controlled breathing techniques help alleviate nausea and activate the parasympathetic system by ensuring better oxygen delivery to the blood, providing distraction from nausea, stimulating the vagus nerve for relaxation, reducing stress hormone levels, and stabilizing CO2 levels. These techniques transition the body from a stress state to a relaxed state, aiding in nausea relief and relaxation.
Music: much like meditation, listening to and performing music can stimulate the parasympathetic system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Calm and soothing music can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce cortisol levels, indicating decreased stress. Conversely, high-tempo music can have energizing effects. When performing music, the focused concentration and emotional expression can also engage the parasympathetic system, promoting a sense of calm and connection. Group music with breathing and/or meditation for a holistic approach.
Exercise: Moderate exercise alleviates nausea and activates the parasympathetic system by releasing endorphins, stimulating the digestive system, reducing stress hormone levels, providing distraction, enhancing blood circulation, and promoting parasympathetic dominance during recovery.
Diet: A proper diet can mitigate nausea and boost GI motility by ensuring balanced nutrient intake, emphasizing fiber, maintaining hydration, avoiding known irritants, opting for smaller frequent meals, incorporating probiotics, limiting fatty foods, and including nausea-relieving ingredients like ginger and peppermint.
Wrapping Up
Navigating through the first trimester is both exciting and challenging. And while nausea might seem like an inevitable part of the journey, remember that there are non-pharmacological ways to ease the discomfort. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any remedies. Here's to smoother days ahead and the joy of the journey!
HW
After consulting your healthcare provider, please follow up on at least one of these home remedies for nausea. Reach out with any concerns or questions our specialists at Espire Wellness are here for your convenience.
Further Links
Diffuser
Music Exploration
Breathing
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