Severe toxicosis in early pregnancy: causes, how to fight, ways to alleviate the condition

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Carrying a child for any woman is the most exciting and at the same time desirable period. After all, how amazing it is to realize that a new life begins to develop inside you! However, this joy is often overshadowed by a deterioration in the well-being of the expectant mother, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, intolerance to odors and increased salivation. Of course, not all women suffer from such symptoms, which usually develop in the first trimester, but about 80% of them. However, most expectant mothers have to experience the influence of this pregnancy companion, which is called "toxicosis".

What is this?

Toxicosis, which occurs in early pregnancy, is a general condition of a woman. Its appearance is explained by the fact that the fetus that has begun its formation, having no other channels, still throws out the waste of its vital activity directly intomother's body. In the future, they enter the blood of a pregnant woman, causing mild intoxication in her. It is she who finds its manifestation in the form of nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. In a woman, metabolic processes are also disturbed. Nausea haunts the expectant mother in the morning. This happens immediately after waking up.

Sometimes toxicosis is considered the norm. However, doctors say that this is a pathology of the course of pregnancy. After all, such a condition, especially if there is severe toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy, brings a lot of trouble to a woman. Doctors consider it as a set of signs indicating a violation in the body of the expectant mother of the processes of adaptation to a new state. Toxicosis manifests itself in functional disorders of the cardiovascular, immune, as well as endocrine and nervous systems. Moreover, depending on the age of the woman, her individual characteristics, the presence of chronic diseases of blood vessels, heart, kidneys, etc., it can be of varying severity, occurring with one symptom or another.

Signs

How does toxicosis manifest itself in early pregnancy? It is simply impossible not to notice the occurrence of this problem. Her appearance is accompanied by the following signs:

1. A pregnant woman has a decrease in appetite. At the same time, it can be both insignificant and in the form of an absolute disgust for any food. This also applies to those dishes that were the most favorite for a woman before pregnancy. Sometimes disgust arises only to certain foods. For example, often pregnant women cannot even bear the smell of fried fish or freshly brewed soups.
2. Increased salivation. A similar phenomenon, which is also often a companion of toxicosis, manifests itself, as a rule, in the form of short attacks. With severe toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy, salivation practically does not stop.
3. The emergence of an inadequate perception of familiar flavors. Women who are preparing to become mothers also complain about a similar phenomenon. For example, the smell of their favorite toilet water can cause nausea in them.
4. Bouts of vomiting. This unpleasant symptom is the main sign of the development of toxicosis. For some women, it only appears in the morning. With severe toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy, vomiting torments expectant mothers almost around the clock.
5. "Perversion" of appetite. Pregnant women often experience such a phenomenon when they suddenly want to try a dish that they either did not like or never ate before. Or vice versa: those dishes that were familiar and loved to them become very unpleasant in taste. It should also be borne in mind that if a woman carrying a child happily inhales the smells of household chemicals and paint, or suddenly asks to bring her ordinary chalk to chew on, then you should not attribute this to the quirks of this period. In most cases, this indicates iron deficiency anemia. Special complexes will help get rid of it, the intake of which will allow you to supply the body with the substances necessary for its normal functioning.
6. Reducing blood pressure. Similarthe phenomenon is also one of the symptoms of toxicosis.

Degrees of severity

In medicine, toxicosis is considered based on how the disease itself proceeds.

In this case, the pathology is delimited based on the severity of the resulting vomiting. On this basis, toxicosis happens:

1. First degree. She is the lightest. It is characterized by vomiting, the frequency of which reaches 5 times per day. At the same time, a woman constantly feels nausea caused by eating or smells that are unpleasant only for her. With the first degree of toxicosis, the expectant mother has a slight (up to 3 kg per week) weight loss. The general condition is normal, as indicated by her urine and blood tests. Toxicosis of the first degree stops itself around the end of the 19th week of gestation. There is no need for serious treatment in this case.
2. Second degree. In this condition, which is considered moderate, disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system increase. There are vegetative and metabolic pathologies. Attacks of vomiting increase up to 10 times a day. The process of weight loss is also accelerated, which is reduced by about 10%. The woman begins to complain about the deterioration. This is expressed in an increase in temperature, weakness, and also in a decrease in the emotional background. There is a high chance of constipation, as well as a decrease in the volume of urine released. Such a condition is often accompanied by failures in the heart rhythm, in a decrease in pressure indicators. Prevent further development of pathology in this casetimely therapeutic measures carried out in a hospital will allow.
3. Third degree. This is a rather serious condition caused by excessive vomiting. The third degree is a rather rare form of early toxicosis. It is accompanied by a violation of all systems of the female body. Eliminate severe intoxication will allow only the immediate provision of medical care. Failure to take the necessary therapeutic measures can cause serious complications, sometimes resulting in coma or death.

Causes of toxicosis

What causes nausea in pregnant women in the first trimester has not yet been precisely determined. According to some doctors, the causes of severe toxicosis in the early stages of gestation or a mild degree of the pathological condition lie in the changes that occur in the woman's central nervous system. After all, the expectant mother begins to worry and constantly think about the upcoming birth. Other doctors consider toxicosis to be a normal phenomenon caused by a protective reaction of the body to the appearance of a foreign body inside it.

However, there are scientifically proven causes of mild, moderate and severe morning sickness in early pregnancy. Among them are the following:

1. Hormonal changes. They begin to occur from the very first hours after the fertilization of the egg. Changes in the hormonal background affect the he alth, behavior and well-being of a woman. The future mother becomes touchy and whiny. She hasthe sense of smell and taste buds are sharpened. All this causes nausea. And only when three months have passed after conception, the body begins to fully accept the cells of the embryo inside it. He loses the desire to reject them, which allows toxicosis, in its normal course, to pass on its own by the second trimester of gestation.
2. Protective properties. The natural reaction of the body is the emergence of aversion to certain smells. Among them are smoke and nicotine, raw meat and eggs, fish and much more. Thus, the body individually and selectively excludes the use of certain foods in which the presence of pathogenic or infectious bacteria is possible. During vomiting, an unnecessary and harmful toxin is released, which in certain cases indicates the need for such a phenomenon.
3. Maturation and development of the placenta. The formation of this organ occurs at the 13-14th week of pregnancy. Further, the placenta itself begins to retain toxic substances secreted by the fetus. After that, the expectant mother stops vomiting.
4. Chronic diseases. The causes of severe toxicosis in early pregnancy are often untreated infectious diseases that contribute to a sharp decrease in a woman's immunity. As a preventive measure, in this case, even in preparation for pregnancy, it is recommended to use complex vitamins, coordinating their composition with the doctor.
5. Psychological changes. Severe toxicosis in the early stages can also develop due to the emotional state of the futuremothers. Especially often this happens when the pregnancy was not planned and the woman still has doubts about its preservation. This provokes irritability, reduces the quality of sleep and contributes to the emergence of nervous tension. The cause of severe toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy is sometimes just a woman's confidence that such a condition must be mandatory. This is deposited in her subconscious, causing false symptoms of a non-existent problem.
6. Age. Severe toxicosis in early pregnancy most often occurs in women under the age of 30. Especially often the problem occurs during the first pregnancy or previous abortions. According to doctors, the ideal emotional and physical age for a future mother is the period from 19 to 28 years. But, without any doubt, there are exceptions to this rule.
7. Genetics. For this reason, toxicosis most often occurs in the second half of the child's gestation period. In the case when the mother or grandmother of the pregnant woman suffered from vomiting at the twentieth week of the term, then she is likely to have such a problem.
8. Multiple pregnancy. It occurs when several eggs are fertilized at once. Of course, in this case, a woman has to face great difficulties in bearing. This causes the development of very strong toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy.

Period of symptom development

When does morning sickness start in early pregnancy? This phenomenon occurs afterattachment to the wall of the uterus of a fertilized egg. It begins to secrete substances that later enter the bloodstream. This usually happens in the fifth or sixth week. Sometimes women begin to feel nausea almost from the first days of delay. When toxicosis begins in the early stages, how long it will last and when it stops bothering is difficult to answer. This is individual for each expectant mother. But in general, the situation returns to normal at the end of the first trimester.

Starting from the 15-16th week of gestation, the body completely accepts it, which allows the hormonal background to return to normal. At the same time, the woman calms down and emotionally. Nevertheless, a situation is also possible in which toxicosis does not recede during the entire pregnancy. However, the manifestations of very strong toxicosis in the early stages by the second trimester will still subside a little.

What can be done when pregnancy is overshadowed by morning sickness? To eliminate or alleviate an unpleasant symptom, you can try to use natural remedies. Consider the most popular of them.

Ginger

Judging by the numerous reviews, toxicosis in the early stages can be eliminated by this rather effective and popular remedy. A cup of freshly brewed ginger tea, which is recommended to be sweetened with honey, will greatly alleviate the condition of a woman.

What helps with toxicosis in the early stages? A mixture will ease the condition of a woman, the ingredients of which are grated ginger, honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice, taken in equal proportions. This drug should be takenone spoonful regularly at regular intervals. This will help prevent nausea and vomiting. You can also try sucking on ginger candy or the candied root of this plant.

However, it should be borne in mind that it is necessary to use all the means described above in moderation. When used in excess, ginger can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy.

Mint

How to get rid of toxicosis in the early stages? Mint leaf tea will help in eliminating this problem. Dried raw materials in the amount of 1 tablespoon should be poured with 225 ml of boiling water and insisted for 20-30 minutes. Such mint tea will perfectly relieve stomach cramps. However, it is not recommended for women who are prone to heartburn during pregnancy.

Fresh mint can be used to relieve nausea. You should put in your mouth and chew 3-4 leaves.

A good remedy for toxicosis is a soothing drink. It is prepared from lemon and mint.

Still how to alleviate toxicosis in the early stages of gestation? Mint candies will help with this. It is necessary to purchase those that do not contain sugar or include a minimum amount of it.

Raspberry leaves

How to get rid of morning sickness in early pregnancy? This will allow tea made from raspberry leaves. In addition to eliminating nausea, it will strengthen the woman's immunity and the muscles of her uterus, activate blood circulation and allow the body to prepare for childbirth.

It is worth bearing in mind thatduring the third trimester, a pregnant woman is allowed to drink 4-5 cups of this tea. But in the first one, you will have to limit yourself to one cup, which will alleviate nausea.

Fennel

What can help a woman when toxicosis begins in the early stages of bearing a child? You can alleviate the condition by using fennel seeds, which have a pleasant taste and aroma. They will need to be poured into a teaspoon and chewed after eating. This will prevent nausea. Fennel seeds can also be used to make a decoction. To do this, they will need to be brewed in 230 ml of boiling water. The volume of raw materials is 1 tsp. You should drink such a drug by adding a little honey and juice squeezed from a lemon.

Coca-Cola

Surprisingly, this drink, when consumed in moderation, will relieve a woman of nausea during pregnancy. To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, it is enough to drink just a few sips of Coca-Cola.

Lemon

This citrus will also get rid of nausea in the early stages. It is enough for a woman to simply smell a cut lemon. An excellent remedy for toxicosis can also be a drink from this fruit. You will need to prepare lemonade with honey, mint and lemon.

To relieve toxicosis, it is recommended to drink it three times a day. If desired, you can buy lemon drops. They will need to be sucked for nausea.

Cumin

There is a very effective and time-tested remedy for toxicosis, which is not at all difficult to prepareat home. This is a drug that is prepared by adding 0.5 tbsp. l. cumin seeds in a glass of warm water.

Another healing drink can be prepared from this plant. For him, you need to take cumin seeds in the amount of 1 tbsp. l., add a little nutmeg to them, and then pour this mixture with a liter of boiling water. The decoction should be infused for 5 minutes. After that, it is filtered and used for toxicosis.

In order to relieve morning sickness, a woman is recommended to chew a mixture of 0.5 tsp. cumin seeds and 0.25 tsp. cardamom with honey.

Frozen food

What will help a pregnant woman eliminate morning sickness? To get rid of an unpleasant symptom, she is recommended to eat ice cream. Only 2-3 tsp will help fix the problem. You can also try freezing fruit juice or just sucking on an ice cube.

Carnation

These dark brown stick-shaped spices have antiseptic and anesthetic properties that improve digestion and prevent nausea and vomiting. The method of using cloves is quite simple. It is enough to chew two or three things after eating. You can also make clove tea by steeping 4 sticks in hot water. You need to drink such a drug in small sips.

Pomegranate

How else to avoid nausea in the early stages of bearing a child? A grenade will fix the problem. The woman will need to eat his grains. It is also useful to drink the juice made from them.

You can take a handful of grains of thisfruit, chop them and mix with the same amount of honey. It will turn out to be an excellent remedy for toxicosis, which will instantly relieve morning sickness and vomiting.

Medicated treatment

With a very strong manifestation of toxicosis in the first trimester occurs:

• vomit up to 20 times a day;
• dehydration;
• apathetic state;
• hypotension;
• arrhythmia;
• drastic weight loss.

A woman has a deterioration in clinical blood counts, an increase in the level of leukocytes, an increase in hemoglobin concentration, urea and creatinine levels. With such a strong toxicosis, what to do in the early stages of pregnancy? In this case, urgent medical intervention is required. Frequent vomiting and deterioration of a woman's condition, which occurs from the fifth to the twelfth week, threatens not only with a serious deterioration in the he alth of the expectant mother, but also with a miscarriage.

What to do in the early stages with severe toxicosis? Eliminate this condition will allow treatment in a hospital. And in the future, the expectant mother will need to be especially attentive to her condition, since she will have a high probability of developing negative symptoms during the third trimester.

With severe toxicosis, which manifests itself in the early stages of pregnancy, doctors, as a rule, prescribe special drugs to their patients that normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which allows them to remove toxins from the body. After admission to the hospital and examination, the woman in mostcases appoint "Cerucal". It eliminates the urge to vomit. In the absence of temperature and with blood counts that are not too different from normal, this drug is prescribed in tablets, using it in combination with enterosorbents (for example, Enterosgel).

To eliminate the symptoms of dehydration and intoxication, doctors prescribe droppers with the introduction of saline solutions, as well as glucose, saline and some other means.

In the case of a rare form of toxicosis, which is observed without vomiting, but is clearly manifested on the skin, the treatment is adjusted with the participation of narrow specialists (allergist and dermatologist).