Toxicosis during pregnancy —causes, risks, solutions of the problem
Many pregnant women perceive morning sickness as inevitable fact: this is the body's response to serious processes occurring in it during the first weeks and months of pregnancy. The only thing that they can do in a situation like this is to wait patiently for it to end. Well, this widespread belief is not entirely correct, since toxicosis requires essential attention of a doctor.
The first trimester of pregnancy is the most important one; during this period, all the internal systems and organs begin their formation in the baby. Therefore, if the Mother of a child experiences any health problems it can negatively affect such an important "formation term". In addition, more serious problems may hide behind toxicosis, nausea and vomiting —some obvious, while others hidden, detected only with the help of laboratory tests. This can be, for example, various skin lesions, convulsions and in the most severe cases —jaundice of pregnancy, bronchial asthma, disorders of water-salt balance, metabolism, etc.
Therefore, a thorough medical assessment of the health state of the woman, suffering from toxicosis in the first trimester of pregnancy, is obligatory. This is the most important rule, the one that cannot be neglected in any way.
What are the reasons for toxicosis in the first trimester?
There is no sole, scientifically proven hypothesis on the causes of toxicosis. Some people believe that early toxicosis is a reaction of the immune system. Some people believe that this condition can be caused by hormones, namely – by the high hormone HCG concentration in the blood. At the same time, all the causes of toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy are due to naturally determined causes. Why, then, some women have toxicosis, while others don’t? It can be explained by the general state of health: in the presence of bad habits, chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, thyroid gland and after artificial abortions, 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 to a urine analysis, the result of which will determine the severity of toxicosis and dehydration, biochemical and general blood examinations. Depending on the test results and the degree of toxicity (mild —no more than vomiting 5 times a day, severe —10-20 times a day), the doctor will recommend a hospital stay or following special rules at home.
How can help an inpatient treatment?
Hospital stay may be necessary, since frequent vomiting can cause dehydration, metabolism disorder, decrease in blood pressure and urine output, increase in pulse rate and constipation. Without timely treatment, serious disorders of water-salt, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, acid-base and vitamin balance, functions of the endocrine glands can develop. All this conditions can negatively affect the development of the baby.
What treatment is recommended in case of mild toxicosis
A mild form of toxicosis (vomiting not more than 5 times a day) can be taken under control using simple instructions:
1. Diet is a very important factor. Avoid too hot or too 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, allow yourself that. However, remember that your diet plan during this period should be well balanced and contain enough proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
2. Follow the drinking regime. Many women suffering from toxicosis enjoy drinking mint tea during this period —it not only quenches their thirst, but also calms them down.
3. Breakfast —in bed. If vomiting usually occurs in the morning, have breakfast in bed without getting up. Tea with lemon and a few crackers may help to avoid nausea.
4. Avoid exhaustion —both physical and nervous. Sometimes fatigue can provoke nausea —it happens more often in the afternoon. Soothing tea will help to relieve nervous tension. Upon your doctor’s agreement, you can also use motherwort or valerian.
Early toxicosis usually disappears completely after 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.
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