Toxicosis during pregnancy is perceived by many women as an inevitability: this is the reaction of the body to really serious processes occurring in it in the first weeks and months of pregnancy. And all that remains to be done is to wait patiently for the end of this difficult period. Such an installation is not entirely correct, since toxicosis requires the mandatory attention of a doctor.
The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important, it is at this time that the baby is laying all internal systems and organs. Therefore, any health problems with mom are not a very good foundation for such an important “construction”. In addition, the external manifestations of toxicosis, nausea and vomiting, may hide more serious problems, in overwhelming cases – obvious, sometimes – hidden, detected only with the help of laboratory tests. These can be, for example, various skin lesions, convulsions, in the most severe cases – jaundice of pregnant women, bronchial asthma of pregnant women, violations of the water-salt balance, metabolism, etc.
Therefore, a doctor’s close monitoring of the condition of the expectant mother experiencing toxicosis in the first trimester of pregnancy is necessary. This is the most important rule, which should not be ignored in any case.
Why does toxicosis occur in the first trimester?
There is no single, absolutely proven hypothesis about the causes of toxicosis. Some believe that early toxicosis is a reaction of the immune system. Some say that it is caused by hormones, namely, an increase in the content of the hCG hormone in the blood. At the same time, all the causes of toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy are due to natural, natural causes for the position of a woman. Why then do some women have toxicosis, while others do not? Everything is explained by the general state of health: in the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, thyroid gland, after artificial abortions and against the background of bad habits, the occurrence of toxicosis is more likely.
How to deal with toxicosis?
In case of toxicosis, the doctor observing your pregnancy will give a referral for a urine test, according to which it will be possible to determine the severity of toxicosis and dehydration of the body, biochemical and general blood tests. Depending on the results of the tests and the degree of toxicosis (mild – vomiting no more than 5 times a day, severe – 10-20 times a day), the doctor will recommend staying in a hospital or following special rules at home.
How will inpatient treatment help?
Being in a hospital may be necessary, since with frequent vomiting, dehydration may occur, metabolism may be disrupted, there may be a decrease in blood pressure, an increase in pulse rate, a decrease in urine excretion, constipation. If you do not take measures in time, a violation of water-salt, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, acid-base and vitamin balance, functions of the endocrine glands may develop. All this can negatively affect the development of the baby.
What treatment is recommended for mild form of toxicosis?
A mild form of toxicosis (vomiting no more than 5 times a day) can be controlled using simple methods:
1. Diet is a very important factor. Avoid too hot or cold food – it provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often – at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions. Trust your intuition – if you feel that pickles or exotic fruits are what you need, let yourself do it. But remember that your diet during the period of toxicosis should be balanced, and the menu should be complete in terms of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
2. Observe the drinking regime. Many women suffering from toxicosis are happy to drink mint tea during this period – it not only quenches thirst, but also soothes.
3. Breakfast – in bed. If vomiting usually occurs in the morning, have breakfast in bed without getting up. Tea with lemon, a few crackers will help to avoid an attack of nausea.
4. Avoid overwork – both physical and nervous. Sometimes nausea provokes fatigue – it happens more often in the afternoon. Nervous tension will help relieve soothing tea. You can also, after consulting with a doctor, take motherwort or valerian.
Early toxicosis usually disappears completely around the 12th week of pregnancy, less often it can last until the 16th week. Be patient and be extremely attentive to the nuances of your well–being – this is very important not only for your health, but also for the health of your baby.
