Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can have a negative impact on both the mother and the baby’s health if it occurs frequently and lasts for a long time. Most women experience morning sickness in the early stages of pregnancy, but some may have severe and prolonged symptoms that last for more than three months or even throughout the entire pregnancy. So, what can be done when a pregnant woman cannot eat or drink due to nausea and vomiting?

Does nausea and vomiting affect the baby?

If a pregnant woman experiences normal morning sickness, she does not need to worry about it affecting the baby. In fact, it is considered one of the signs that the fetus is developing normally. However, if the condition lasts for a long time and frequently causes the mother to be unable to eat or drink, it will affect the baby if there is no timely intervention.

During pregnancy, the fetus receives nutrients from the mother through the placenta. Therefore, the mother’s diet directly affects the baby’s development. If the pregnant woman cannot eat or drink due to severe nausea and vomiting, it means that she is not providing enough nutrients, which negatively affects both the mother and the baby’s health.

When a pregnant woman cannot eat or only eats very little and vomits everything out, she will lack essential nutrients, causing weight loss. In addition, excessive vomiting causes the loss of stomach acid, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be harmful to both the mother and the baby. Without intervention, some dangerous complications may arise, such as premature birth, malnutrition, slow fetal growth, and more. Moreover, if a woman has been experiencing severe nausea and vomiting but suddenly stops, she should seek medical attention to ensure the baby is developing normally.

What can be done to alleviate nausea and vomiting?

Natural ways to reduce nausea

To reduce nausea naturally at home, pregnant women can consider the following simple tips:

• Rest more. Sleep early, get enough sleep, especially at night to keep the body healthy, avoid stress, and fatigue.
• Avoid odors and flavors that trigger nausea, such as spicy, greasy, or strong-smelling foods, or perfumes.
• Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of three large meals, to avoid an empty stomach and feeling nauseous.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated.
• Try acupressure or acupuncture, as some studies suggest they can reduce nausea.
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, to reduce stress and calm the mind and body.

Medical intervention for severe cases

If the natural remedies are not effective or the nausea and vomiting are severe, medical intervention may be necessary. The doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication or vitamin B6 supplements. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous (IV) fluids and medications may be required to prevent dehydration and malnutrition.

In conclusion, morning sickness is a common experience during pregnancy, but it should not be ignored if it becomes severe and lasts for a long time. Pregnant women should seek medical attention if they experience severe nausea and vomiting to prevent potential harm to both themselves and their babies. Natural remedies can alleviate symptoms, but medical intervention may be necessary for severe cases.