Toxicosis during pregnancy

Expecting a baby is an unforgettable time for future parents. However, there are factors that overshadow this period – for example, the toxicosis that a woman experiences during pregnancy. We tell you everything you need to know about this complication

Approximately every second pregnant woman suffers from toxicosis. FROM obstetrician-gynecologist, candidate of medical sciences Angelina Malsagova, we will understand the causes of toxicosis, and also find out what to do to alleviate this condition and when you need to see a doctor.

What is toxicosis in pregnant women

The word “toxicosis” is familiar to almost every woman who has given birth. This is one of the most common pregnancy conditions. The main symptoms are nausea and vomiting (or gagging). Toxicosis manifests itself differently in everyone.

Mild degree of toxicosis	Nausea and urge to vomit occur no more than five times a day. A pregnant woman can lose up to 3 kg
The degree of toxicosis of moderate severity	A pregnant woman can lose up to 4 kg in weight. Vomiting occurs up to ten times a day and leads to a decrease in blood pressure
Severe degree of toxicosis	Vomiting attacks occur up to 25 times a day. The weight loss is more than ten kilograms. The temperature may rise, the heart rate may increase.

Causes of toxicosis in pregnant women

There are several main causes of toxicosis.

Changes in the hormonal system

The fact is that from the moment of fertilization in pregnant women, the composition of hormones changes. This can not but affect the well-being and health of women. She can become whiny, touchy, her mood changes dramatically. After some time, the level of hormones will return to normal, the body will learn to calmly perceive the embryo, and toxicosis will recede.

Development of the placenta

Signs of toxicosis disappear after the placenta finishes forming. It begins to perform some functions, including the retention of toxic substances.

Chronic diseases

When a woman decides to become a mother, it is advisable for her to undergo a complete examination in order to eliminate the risk of infections.

Age

Toxicosis occurs more often in women after 30-35 years. The risk increases if the pregnancy is the first. According to experts, the younger the woman, the easier she tolerates toxicosis. But there are exceptions.

Genetics

If a mother suffered from toxicosis at week 16, her daughter has a 70% chance of developing the same condition.

Multiple pregnancy

The likelihood of toxicosis in women pregnant with twins or triplets is greater than in women expecting one child.

Signs of toxicosis in pregnant women

Toxicosis can be identified by the following signs:

increased salivation;
drowsiness;
irritability;
change in taste buds
nausea, vomiting;
weakness;
headache;
dizziness;
weight loss.

Terms of toxicosis in pregnant women

Doctors still cannot answer why some women develop toxicosis, while others do not. There are two main types of toxicosis: early and late. According to WHO statistics, about 50% of pregnant women suffer first, and about 18-20% suffer second. The manifestation of toxicosis in the 2nd trimester is extremely dangerous; for any symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

When does early toxicosis begin?

Early toxicosis of pregnancy is a condition that brings a woman a lot of discomfort. For someone, everything starts at 5-6 weeks, and someone feels unwell even before the delay in menstruation. Late toxicosis may also occur, in the third trimester.

When does early toxicosis end?

Early toxicosis usually ends by 13-14 weeks, but in each case it is individual.

Treatment of toxicosis in pregnant women: how to relieve symptoms

Obstetrician-gynecologist Angelina Malsagova talks about effective ways to deal with toxicosis.

Introduce ginger into the diet (brewed ginger root, ginger tea). Ginger affects the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata and inhibits its activity.
Drink vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).
Stagnation of bile can be one of the causes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, so it is necessary to establish an outflow of bile at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Eat in small portions 5-6 times a day, preferably every 2-3 hours (light snack in the morning without getting out of bed).
Be sure to walk in the fresh air.
Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after eating.
Take antiemetics.
Drink alkaline mineral water, after releasing gases.

It is important to know that vitamins and medications can only be taken after consulting a gynecologist.

Also, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy exercises, physiotherapy procedures or laser therapy.

During treatment, it is also important to ensure the comfort of the pregnant woman, as it is believed that the psychological state affects the occurrence of toxicosis (1).

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of toxicosis begins with a doctor’s appointment. After the examination, the gynecologist will refer the woman to an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, prescribe a urine test for acetone and ketone bodies, biochemical and general blood tests (2). If toxicosis is severe, the patient will be placed in a hospital for observation and treatment.

Hospitalization

If the gynecologist did not like your tests, you are rapidly losing weight, your health is deteriorating, if you want it or not, you will have to go to the hospital.

Doctors will take up the treatment, and will restore the lost fluid, protein, salt. You will be given a drip to ensure that nutrients and vitamins are delivered directly to your bloodstream.

To suppress vomiting and nausea, drugs that block the gag reflex are used. Since, as already mentioned, the state of the nervous system has a significant impact on the severity of the manifestation of toxicosis, then for your peace of mind a medical-protective regimen will be created in the hospital.

Also, a pregnant woman is prescribed drugs that have a calming effect, and with increased salivation, drugs that inhibit the action of the salivary glands (3).

When the weight is added, the tests will return to normal, as well as the pulse, blood pressure and temperature, vomiting will stop or become less frequent, it will be possible to return to the usual home environment.

What can you eat with toxicosis

With a mild form of toxicosis, vomiting usually occurs on an empty stomach. Therefore, a light snack is recommended without getting out of bed. In general, nutrition corresponds to the usual diet. It is important that the food is easily digestible, rich in vitamins and minerals. There should be small portions, but often, approximately every 2-3 hours. When reacting to odors, it is better to eat chilled food. Drinking is recommended about an hour before meals. The diet should include:

dishes from low-fat varieties of meat or fish;
a small amount of pickles;
light soups;
wholemeal bread;
citrus fruits;
dairy products;
vegetables, fruits and herbs.

With the development of edema, a diet with a limited amount of salt is prescribed (up to 3-4 g per day). It is important that eating does not cause discomfort. Some, through force, “shove” into themselves, for example, dairy products, as a source of calcium. As a result, vomiting occurs and food does not bring any benefit.

Prevention of toxicosis in pregnant women at home

To prevent toxicosis is not always in our power, but some general recommendations will benefit health.

Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Maintain water balance.
Monitor your weight.
Don’t eat junk food.
Drink only those drinks that are right for you. It can be plain water, herbal teas.
Eat fruits with plenty of fluids: grapes, watermelon, melon.
You can occasionally treat yourself to ice cream.
Instead of fried, spicy food, it is better to choose first courses – vegetable and meat broths, mashed soup.