Patient's question:
Doctor: Hello! I'm 6 weeks pregnant and have had stomach pain for a week. It feels like something is churning inside, and the pain is severe, making it hard for me to straighten my back. I've never had such bad stomach issues before, but I can't get any tests done at the hospital. The Chinese medicine doctor said it's gastritis. Is this related to pregnancy symptoms? I'm really hungry, but I'm afraid to eat because it doesn't digest well and causes acid reflux. What should I do to get better? Will this affect the fetus? Will the baby be malnourished if I don't eat?Doctor's answer:
Early pregnancy symptoms usually begin around 6 weeks after the menstrual period stops, such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. They generally subside gradually after the third month of pregnancy, though this can vary from person to person. It is recommended to maintain a light diet and eat small, frequent meals during this time. If the early pregnancy symptoms are particularly severe and prevent you from eating, it is important to seek medical treatment, such as intravenous fluids, to prevent nutritional deficiencies that could affect both the fetus and the pregnant woman's health.