Patient's question:
Pregnant women vomiting, what's the difference between it and ordinary gastrointestinal vomiting?Doctor's answer:
Hello, vomiting during pregnancy is a self-defense response where the fetus absorbs nutrients and avoids harmful substances. Other types of vomiting occur due to reverse peristalsis in the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by strong contractions of the abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles, forcing the contents of the esophagus or stomach to be expelled from the mouth. There is no significant difference in symptoms.In early pregnancy, women may experience nausea, vomiting, salivation, cravings for sour or spicy foods, aversion to greasy foods, bloating with a burning sensation, a full upper abdomen, and constipation. This is caused by physiological factors, such as hormones secreted by the placenta and changes in the autonomic nervous system, which lead to relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that controls the passage from the esophagus to the stomach—resulting in gastric reflux. The smooth muscle tone of the gastrointestinal tract decreases, the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin decreases, gastric emptying time prolongs, and gas accumulates in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to poor digestion, slowed intestinal motility, and prolonged retention of feces in the large intestine.
When a woman experiences early pregnancy symptoms, it is important to:
- Maintain a positive mental and physical state and get sufficient rest.
- Eat solid foods like soda crackers before getting up in the morning, avoiding fluids for the next half hour.
- Eat small, frequent meals with a light diet, avoiding gas-producing foods like beans and onions.
- Develop a habit of daily bowel movements and engage in appropriate exercise.
Generally, early pregnancy symptoms will disappear around week 12 of pregnancy. If the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor.