Vomiting during pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy.

The cause appears to be the rapid increase in estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit (beta-hCG) levels.

Vomiting usually appears at 5 weeks of gestation, peaks at 9 weeks and disappears between 16 and 18 weeks. If this vomiting progresses to more severe forms where no food is tolerated, it is called hyperemesis gravidarum. 

The nausea and pregnancy vomits treatment is based on hygienic and dietetic measures:

• Avoid carbonated (alcohol, caffeine) or acidic beverages
• Avoid hot beverages 
• Avoid fatty and fried food
• It is preferable to eat soft foods, steamed, boiled or grilled
• Eat several small meals a day; between 5 and 7 meals
• Rest after meals in a seated position for 30-45 minutes.

In refractory cases, treatment with drugs (usually doxylamine + pyridoxine) may be necessary.