Pregnancy Nausea - When to Call the Doctor

Pregnancy Nausea - When to Call the Doctor

During the first trimesters of pregnancy, most women have been known to experience morning sickness. Although morning sickness is common and not life threatening for most women, there are some cases where morning sickness becomes a big problem. Some women are very much affected by the nausea and vomiting that they might become dehydrated, so it is very important to know the signs that women should look out for and when you should call your doctor due to morning sickness.

Morning sickness usually appears during the fourth week of pregnancy and usually ends around the sixth week. But if you are still feeling nauseated and still vomiting past that time, then make sure to inform your doctor during your next visit. If during that time frame, your morning sickness becomes really bad, you should get in touch with your doctor immediately and let him know that your nausea is not getting any better despite using some home remedies. Aside from that, make sure that you call the doctor if you haven't been able to eat or drink anything or keep anything down for twenty-four hours.

There are some rare instances during pregnancy when nausea and vomiting become so severe that a woman cannot maintain proper nutrition, fluids or gain enough weight. It may lead to a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Hyper means “over”, emesis means “vomiting” and gravidarum means “pregnant state.” It affects about one in every three hundred pregnant women. The condition is classified as vomiting that is frequent, persistent and severe. If is left untreated, the mother will not be able to get the nutrition and fluids she needs. If it goes untreated long enough it could threaten the health of the fetus. Make sure your doctor knows how much you have been vomiting during the day. If you are vomiting more then two or three times a day you should call your doctor.

Excessive vomiting can also lead to dehydration. Dehydration happens when your body eliminates more water than you can replace. Simply put, you are vomiting and loosing fluids more rapidly then you can drink and use fluids. Luckily the body lets us know in a variety of ways when we are becoming dehydrated. Make sure to call your doctor if you are feeling dizzy or feeling faint. Dizziness is due to low blood pressure caused by dehydration. You should also call your doctor if you are urinating less, and your urine appears darker in color. You should also call if your mouth, eyes, and skin are feeling dry. Dehydration can also cause headaches. You also might feel increasingly tired, weak or that your mental acuity is lessening. When it comes to dehydration, you do not need to try to be strong or tough it out. Most likely, if you are feeling any of these symptoms due to vomiting, you are already dehydrated. Dehydration can become a serious problem if it is not treated. It can cause preterm labor and other pregnancy complications. To ward off dehydration, make sure you are drinking plenty of water; at least 10 pints of water a day or more, if you can handle it.