What is toxicosis. Toxicosis during early pregnancy: when it starts, how to get rid of, relieve, remedies for nausea. Absence of toxicosis: is it normal

A woman with a pained expression, leaning over the sink in a very unambiguous pose... Pregnant women are often depicted in the cinema in this way: for people inexperienced in medicine, toxicosis refers to the same "duty" attributes of pregnancy as an irresistible craving for pickles. What is toxicosis really and can it be avoided?

The nature of toxicosis

First, let's define the subject of our conversation. Usually, the word "toxicosis" means only nausea and vomiting. The medical understanding of this word is somewhat different from the usual one: in textbooks on obstetrics, toxicosis is considered to be all pathological changes in a woman's body that may appear in the first trimester of pregnancy. These include not only nausea and vomiting, but also some other unpleasant phenomena.

Despite numerous studies, it has not yet been possible to find the cause of toxicosis. But some hypotheses exist. One of them is this: from the first days of intrauterine life, a baby is an organism different from its mother in its antigenic composition, to which antibodies are produced in a pregnant woman, allegedly causing toxicosis. Some believe that toxicosis may be the result of negative emotions: fear for the baby, fear of childbirth.

The most popular and most substantiated theory of the occurrence of toxicosis is the so-called neuro-reflex theory, according to which disturbances in the relationship between the central nervous system and internal organs play an important role in the development of the disease. Everyone knows that during pregnancy, many women become more capricious, irritable, whiny. This happens because during the bearing of a baby, the historically “older” subcortical structures of the brain begin to work more intensively than usual, while usually the cortex is more active in a person who is at the highest stage of evolution. But subcortical structures form the majority of protective reflexes, and wise nature, protecting pregnancy, makes this part of the future mother's brain work more efficiently. In the subcortical structures, there is a vomiting center, as well as olfactory zones and cells that "control" internal organs, including the stomach, heart, blood vessels, lungs, and salivary glands. Therefore, nausea and vomiting may be preceded by such phenomena as deepening of breathing, increased heart rate, increased saliva, pallor due to vasospasm.

In the mechanism of the occurrence of toxicosis, hormones produced by the placenta also play a role, thanks to which the placenta and the fetus begin to "manage" the metabolism of the mother's body. The appearance of a new "leader" is not always pleasant to the nervous system and internal organs of a pregnant woman, and they react to this with symptoms of toxicosis.

But, whatever the cause may be caused by this state, one thing is certain: all these causes are somehow connected with the desire of the body to preserve the new life that has arisen inside it. Having understood this, it will be easier for you to accept the manifestations of toxicosis and cope with them.

Can nausea be dealt with?

Although no one is immune from toxicosis, it has been noted that most often it occurs in expectant mothers suffering from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, thyroid gland, as well as in women who have undergone artificial abortions, chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. Predisposing factors are frequent nervous stress and malnutrition, asthenic type of constitution.

Let's try to figure out what manifestations of early toxicosis you can try to cope with yourself, and when you should seek help.

The most common manifestation of toxicosis is vomiting, which can occur with different frequency, depending on the severity of toxicosis.

With mild toxicosis, vomiting occurs no more than 4-5 times a day, may be accompanied by a prolonged or constant feeling of nausea. In this case, the loss of body weight is either absent or small - 1-3 kg (up to 5% of body weight before pregnancy). This condition is easily treatable at home.

In more severe cases, vomiting occurs up to 10-20 times a day and is accompanied by salivation, while the general condition of the woman worsens significantly, weakness and apathy occur. With vomit and saliva, a significant amount of fluid is lost, dehydration occurs, and metabolism is disturbed. The skin becomes dry, pale, blood pressure drops, the pulse quickens, it occurs, the amount of urine separated decreases, the temperature rises. The loss of body weight can be up to 5-8 kg (up to 10% of the original body weight). With the progression of this form of toxicosis, a violation of the water-salt, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, acid-base and vitamin balance, and the functions of the endocrine glands gradually develops. In such a situation, the supply of nutrients to the fetus is sharply disrupted, and it is during this period that the laying and formation of all the main organs and systems of the baby takes place.

Already with mild manifestations of toxicosis, the doctor will refer you for tests. You will need to pass on acetone and ketone bodies, biochemical and general blood tests. In severe cases, the patient will be admitted to the hospital. With a mild, most common degree of toxicosis, you will be treated at home under the supervision of a antenatal clinic doctor.

To eliminate discomfort, you need to pay attention to the diet. With toxicosis, appetite is not always disturbed, sometimes it is even increased, but more often even the type of food does not cause positive emotions, sometimes you have to make considerable efforts to force yourself to swallow at least a piece. Therefore, you can satisfy your culinary whims by introducing coveted pickles, sweet buns or exotic fruits into your diet. Food should be taken often, 5-6 times a day, but the portions should be small and the menu varied.

It should be borne in mind that very hot or very cold food will provoke vomiting more quickly. Products should be easily digestible, contain a sufficient amount of vitamins. It is better to drink mineral alkaline water, tea with mint. If you notice that the secretion of saliva is significantly increased, rinsing your mouth with tanning solutions that reduce this process, such as infusions of sage, chamomile, and mint, will help you. If you experience nausea and vomiting in the morning, right after waking up, try having breakfast in bed, putting a few crackers, lemon wedges, or mint gum next to your bed. It is especially nice if in this situation the future dad shows himself to be a gentleman and serves you a light and healthy breakfast.

If nausea begins in the afternoon, then most likely, this is due to nervous tension and fatigue. In this case, you can drink a soothing collection, motherwort or valerian.

In the event that the doctor detects changes in the analyzes, the arrow of the scales stubbornly deviates to the left every day, and the state of health worsens, most likely, you will have to go to the hospital. The task of the doctor in the first place will be to restore the lost fluid, protein, salts. You will be given a drip to ensure that nutrients and vitamins are delivered directly to your bloodstream. To suppress vomiting and nausea, drugs that block the gag reflex are used. Since, as already mentioned, the state of the nervous system has a significant impact on the severity of the manifestation of toxicosis, then for your peace of mind a medical-protective regimen will be created in the hospital. In addition, you will be prescribed drugs that have a calming effect, and with increased salivation - drugs that inhibit the action of the salivary glands. Perhaps, non-drug methods will also be used: acupuncture, hypno- and psychotherapy, phyto-, aromatherapy. This will help reduce the number of drugs that can have an undesirable effect on the developing embryo.

When, as a result of treatment, weight gain becomes apparent, daily diuresis (the amount of urine separated), as well as pulse, blood pressure and temperature, normalize, vomiting will stop or become less frequent, you can return to your usual home environment and start working. In rare cases, complex treatment for several days is completely ineffective, and then the pregnancy has to be interrupted.

Other manifestations of toxicosis

More rare forms of toxicosis include dermatoses, benign jaundice in pregnant women, rhinitis (runny nose) of pregnant women, and osteomalacia.

If at any time during pregnancy you feel itching, some areas of the skin turn red, then most likely you have eczema of pregnant women. Since skin diseases are extremely diverse, in order to exclude other ailments, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, who, together with an obstetrician-gynecologist, will help you choose the right drugs. With this pathology, it is necessary to follow a diet: give up foods such as chocolate, citrus fruits, yellow, red and exotic fruits, and eat fish and chicken meat no more than once a week.

Rhinitis (runny nose) of pregnant women is very similar to allergic, it usually disappears in the first days after childbirth. To eliminate discomfort, antiallergic drugs and nasal drops are also recommended to reduce the amount of mucus secreted.

If, after looking at yourself in the mirror, you notice that the skin turned yellow, then most likely it is jaundice in pregnancy. But you need to remember that jaundice can be a manifestation of infectious hepatitis or any diseases of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, so you must definitely find out what is the reason for such an unusual metamorphosis of the color of your skin.

As a result of increased calcium intake by the fetus, the expectant mother MAY become deficient in calcium, leading to softening of the bones (this is called osteomalacia of pregnancy). As a result, bone pain MAY appear. Then, to a diet rich in calcium, recommended for all expectant mothers, it is necessary to add medications containing this element. But in order to find out that the discomfort in the arms and legs is associated with this particular complication, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Anna Tsareva
Obstetrician-gynecologist, school "Modern parents"

Article from the March issue of the magazine.

Everything is very individual, but one way or another, the restructuring of the female body in a special way is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being of varying degrees. Toxicosis is one of the most frequent companions of those same nine months.

What is toxicosis?

Contrary to the fact that most people associate the word toxicosis with the period of pregnancy, but its content is somewhat broader. Toxicosis is to some extent synonymous with intoxication, it is a painful condition that develops due to exposure to the body of substances of endogenous origin, as well as exogenous toxins. For example, toxicosis develops due to exogenous exposure to microbes or endogenously formed hormonal imbalance. Toxicosis during pregnancy belongs to the category of toxicosis of internal origin.

Toxicosis during pregnancy in medical terminology is called "gestosis". This is how doctors call disorders of the function of some organs and systems of the body against the background of a generally normal pregnancy. These are very unpleasant, and sometimes health-threatening features of the adaptation of the female body to pregnancy, a somewhat deviant reaction of a woman to transformations in her body. It is generally accepted that preeclampsia originates from generalized vasospasm, leading to subsequent changes, such as microcirculation disorders, hypoperfusion (reduced blood supply to organs and tissues), hypovolemia (decrease in blood circulation volume).

Any manifestations of toxicosis usually disappear after childbirth (or after termination of pregnancy), only long-term and severe forms can have long-term consequences.

Causes of toxicosis during pregnancy

There is no unambiguous opinion about the conditions for the development of toxicosis in pregnant women. The phenomenon belongs to some extent to the not fully understood, to date, several theories of its origin have been developed:

• beriberi- explains preeclampsia with a deficiency of folic acid and other B vitamins, which occurs mainly by the last trimester of pregnancy, when the need for these substances increases and their natural intake with food becomes insufficient;
• genetic- explains gestosis by an autosomal recessive way of inheritance from the mother to the daughter, in particular, if the latter has a history of preeclampsia;
• immunological- explains gestosis by changes for the formation of transplacental immunity, when in a woman's body T-cells are blocked by substances produced by the placenta and the process of recognition of antigenic differences between the tissues of the mother and fetus by T-cells is disrupted;
• cortico-visceral- explains gestosis by a violation of the connections between the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures, which gives rise to neuroses, and gestosis itself often develops as a result of neuropsychic stress;
• placental- explains gestosis by violations of trophoblast migration into the vessels of the uterus, resulting in spasm of the spiral arteries, hypoxia and endothelial damage, followed by disturbances in hemodynamics, central nervous system, hormonal status, metabolism;
• endocrine- explains gestosis by changes in the hormonal background, which differ in different periods of pregnancy, but find a place in the body of every pregnant woman.

In addition, an increased risk of developing toxicosis is present for women:

• with pathologies and diseases of the reproductive organs- inflammation of the genital organs (especially the uterus), abnormal development of the uterus, changes in the endometrium contribute to the emergence of abnormal impulses from the fetal egg, disruption of the receptor apparatus of the uterus and, as a result, cause toxicosis;
• with endocrine disorders and diseases- an imbalance of any hormone (both from the group produced by the gonads and others) can disrupt the internal processes in which a particular hormone participated;
• with changes in the CNS- neurological diseases, severe experiences, overwork and factors that weaken the body's resistance provoke a violation of the process of physiological restructuring of the endocrine glands, metabolism, functions of the cardiovascular system, there is a change in physiological ratios in the content of electrolytes, microelements, hormones, protein fractions and intermediate, provocative intoxication of metabolic products.

Classification of toxicosis

Toxicosis that occurs against the background of pregnancy differ in symptoms depending on the period and causes of the deviation. There are early and late gestosis, their pure and combined forms, as well as its very rare manifestations.

Early gestosis. This category includes moderate and excessive vomiting, increased salivation that occurs in the first half of pregnancy, and more precisely in the first 1-3 months. As the main cause of vomiting in pregnant women in the early stages, a violation of the relationship between the functions of the cerebral cortex, the functions of the autonomic nervous system and the activity of internal organs is considered. This can be facilitated by pathological processes that previously affect the autonomic system and uterine receptors - past infectious diseases, intoxications, diseases of internal organs, inflammatory processes and endometrial injuries, for example, those associated with abortions. The mechanism of toxicosis of this variety lies in the fact that excessive irritation of the vegetative centers of the subcortex, accompanied by a decrease in the nervous processes in the cerebral cortex and an increase in the excitability of the same subcortex, leads to subsequent irritation of the uterus receptors by the fetal egg and an increase in the reactivity of the autonomic system. Changes in the nervous and endocrine systems, in metabolism, digestive and other organs, the impossibility of physiological processes of adaptation to pregnancy make it highly likely that toxicosis will occur with subsequent complications - digestive disorders, enzyme systems, metabolism, hormonal levels, immunological reactions.

Late gestosis. This category includes dropsy, nephropathy, preeclampsia, eclampsia, vascular disorders, and circulatory disorders. The mechanism for the development of toxicosis of this variety consists in violations of the functions of the central nervous system, and against the background of them, the regulation of the functions of the vascular system is upset. Then there is a violation of the blood circulation of organs and tissues, hypoxia develops, and sometimes the functions of the brain, endocrine glands, liver, which causes the likelihood of dystrophic processes and autointoxication of the body.

Late preeclampsia is a pathological process that progresses in the following sequence:

• dropsy - the initial form of late toxicosis of pregnant women, characterized by the appearance of edema in the absence of protein in the urine and normal blood pressure;

• nephropathy - damage to the glomerular apparatus and kidney parenchyma of various origins, including endocrine disorders that are highly likely during pregnancy;
• preeclampsia - a late form of toxicosis, which usually develops against the background of obesity, hypertension, chronic nephritis and pyelonephritis; characterized by signs of nephropathy, headache, pain in the epigastric region, vomiting, visual disturbances; urgent hospitalization is indicated to prevent the development of eclampsia;
• eclampsia - a condition that develops during pregnancy, childbirth or the postpartum period, manifested in such a significant increase in blood pressure that there is a threat to the life of both the mother and the child; characterized by sudden onset of seizures and/or loss of consciousness.

Pure preeclampsia is called, developing out of connection with the diseases preceding pregnancy, against the background of a generally favorable pregnancy. Combined gestoses basically contain background diseases, such as hypertension, kidney disease, endocrinopathy. Rare forms of preeclampsia include diseases of the skin, liver, nervous, bone and other systems.

Organization of lifestyle in cases of suspected toxicosis

Toxicosis does not develop in all pregnant women, but its prevalence is very high. To varying degrees, at different stages of pregnancy, for various reasons, but toxicosis in any case determines the course of everyday life for a woman. There are a number of secrets, the observance of which will facilitate the course of pregnancy:

• it is recommended to avoid a sharp morning rise - before getting up, it is recommended to eat a handful of nuts or salted crackers prepared by the bed in the evening;
• the feeling of morning sickness can be overcome after taking a small amount (½ cup) of water, room temperature, alkaline mineral, but without gas;
• it is recommended to adhere to a fractional diet - little by little, but every 2-3 hours;
• an attack of nausea helps to overcome the chewing reflex - you can use both simple chewing gum and caraway seeds, a slice of lemon, a few nuts or dried fruits;
• signs of toxicosis should be a reason for correcting the diet - it is recommended to abandon fried fatty foods, pickles, chocolate and other hard-to-digest foods;
• the normalization of the condition is facilitated by the consumption of vitamin B 6 (sea fish, eggs, chicken, nuts, beans, lentils, avocados) and B 9 (dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, yeast, beef liver, egg yolk, cheese, melon, apricots, pumpkin );
• the basis of the diet should be light, but nutritious foods - fruits and vegetables, unleavened cereals, bread, lean meat, sea fish, sour-milk products;
• eating without subsequent vomiting can be ensured in the supine position, at least it is recommended to take a supine position after a meal;
• with toxicosis, the consumption of hot food is not recommended, but only warm or cool;
• the room where the pregnant woman spends most of her time must be kept fresh - regularly ventilate and use the hood; for maximum comfort, the temperature in the room should be 22-25 ° C, and the humidity should reach 40-60%;
• sleep should be of high quality, sufficient in time (recommended about 8 hours), in a pre-ventilated room; bed linen should be made of hypoallergenic materials.

It is important to assess toxicosis during pregnancy adequately, but not pessimistically. Such a condition should be a reason to consult with your doctor, but it must be perceived as a temporary condition. It is noteworthy that early toxicosis usually develops in the first trimester, and in the second they no longer remind of themselves. Late toxicoses may be more unexpected, since they occur by the last trimester and are not always preceded by their early counterparts. Ignoring such deviations can be dangerous to health, but only a doctor should determine the feasibility of constant medical monitoring of the condition of a pregnant woman, he can also prescribe medications for both symptomatic and etiological treatment.

Professional treatment of toxicosis during pregnancy

Minor toxicosis is considered by doctors within the framework of the norm. For example, mild bouts of nausea in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening, slight dizziness and clouding of consciousness, especially in early pregnancy, are quite expected. If the condition progresses, affects the general health of the woman, her mood, quality of life, is accompanied by weight loss or the development of other deviations that are obvious to the professional view, the doctor should take measures to normalize women's health. This is partly taking medications, and non-drug therapy, as well as adjusting the daily regimen, lifestyle, diet, the ratio of physical and intellectual stress.

Taking medication. It sets itself the task of stopping attacks of nausea and vomiting, preventing the development of dehydration and weight loss, normalizing the function of the heart, nervous and circulatory systems, and preventing the occurrence of conditions that threaten health and life (pathologies of the kidneys, liver, etc.). The doctor prescribes medications with specific names only after a thorough diagnosis to understand the mechanism for the development of toxicosis in a particular case.

For the treatment of toxicosis, it may be sufficient to adjust the consumed vitamins and trace elements, in particular, an additional course of folic acid may have an effect. Medications are prescribed with extreme caution due to their toxicity, however, if their use cannot be avoided, then the probable benefit and risk to the mother and fetus is preliminarily assessed by a specialist. When it comes to the treatment of such dangerous manifestations of toxicosis as nephropathy or eclampsia, it is difficult to avoid drugs even with minimal toxicity for a future woman in labor.

The requirements for this kind of treatment is the need to be complex, minimally toxic, often it is carried out in a hospital, combined with bed rest, active drinking regimen, fractional nutrition.

Aromatherapy. A pleasant and effective way to overcome toxicosis. To improve well-being, the use of the following aromatic essential oils is recommended:

• peppermint - you can put 1 drop on a pillow for sleeping or a handkerchief for use outside the home;
• lemon - rubbing 1 drop of ginger oil on the palm or wrist, and then inhaling its aroma in a short time brings to life after an overtaking attack of nausea;
• tea tree - can be used for steam inhalation by adding a drop of oil to ½ liter of boiled water;
• ginger - a mixture of any vegetable oil (1 tbsp) and 1 drop of ginger is recommended for rubbing into the supra-navel area.

It is important to give preference to high-quality aromatic oils purchased in specialized stores or pharmacies.

Homeopathy. A very safe way for both the pregnant woman and the fetus to overcome toxicosis is to consult a good homeopath. The choice of a truly excellent specialist is also important, probably on the recommendation of friends or based on their own experience. In this case, you will be provided with an individual approach, the selection of drugs to eliminate the causes of toxicosis, and to normalize general health. The advantage of the chosen method is its full compliance with the individual needs of the body, the absence of side effects, and the inability to be addictive.

Among other methods used to eliminate toxicosis, I use acupuncture, physiotherapy, herbal medicine. If toxicosis progresses to life-threatening and life-threatening conditions (which is likely in the later stages if symptoms are ignored), the doctor will prescribe the patient for urgent hospitalization and round-the-clock medical monitoring aimed at normalizing her condition.

Alternative methods of treatment of toxicosis during pregnancy

The body of a pregnant woman is very sensitive to the most diverse groups of medicines. Most of them are contraindicated for use because of the risk of affecting the body weakened by pregnancy and only the developing fetus. Many women are biased towards drug treatment at this stage and prefer folk recipes. However, it must be understood that a drug of synthetic or natural origin is still a drug, with its own action and side effect. There are groups of medicinal plants, the use of which is contraindicated for pregnant women, as well as some pharmaceutical preparations. Among folk remedies, there are many that can alleviate toxicosis in a pregnant woman, but its complex forms are not amenable to such an effect, and therefore, without delay, should be the reason for seeking professional help.

Among folk remedies, in this case, preference is given to recipes that differ in antiemetic and calming the nervous system, normalizing blood pressure and blood microcirculation:

• ginger- severe vomiting can be overcome with ginger tea or ginger biscuits; to make tea, it is necessary to brew a finely chopped or grated slice of ginger root (1-1.5 cm 3) with boiling water, strain after 5 minutes, season with a slice of lemon, a few leaves of mint;
• chamomile- stops the gag reflex and calms the nervous system; for making tea 1 tsp. dried inflorescences, it is necessary to brew ½ liter of boiling water, cover with a napkin, hold for 5-10 minutes; take in small sips to relieve nausea;
• freshly squeezed apple juice, cranberry or rosehip juice, green tea or plain water with lemon- can be an alternative to chamomile tea if taken as often and in small sips;
• sage- effective for excessive salivation; 2 tsp brew dried leaves in a glass of boiling water, strain after half an hour; use for rinsing, but can be taken orally;
• mint- calms the nerves, has a positive effect on the function of the digestive tract; for making tea, you can use both dry and fresh mint, in any dosage that suits your taste;
• mint leaves, valerian root, calendula flowers, yarrow herb- used to prepare an excellent drug for toxicosis; 2 tsp mint and calendula, combine with 1 tsp. valerian and yarrow, pour 2 cups of boiling water, strain after half an hour; take 2 tbsp. 6 times a day for 20 days, then take a 15-day break and conduct two more similar courses.

Only after becoming pregnant does a woman realize that she really had very far ideas about this. Sometimes pregnancy presents completely unexpected and hardly explainable surprises. And only nausea and vomiting, along with some other first signs, do not surprise anyone. Moreover, many women, upon learning about pregnancy, expect these symptoms to appear.

Meanwhile, toxicosis during pregnancy remains a phenomenon that has not been studied enough. It can be accompanied by a number of disorders and ailments, in addition to vomiting with nausea. As for the reasons for its occurrence, it is still more difficult here: scientists disagree, but offer many versions as to why toxicosis occurs in early and late pregnancy.

In the vast majority of cases, toxicosis annoys pregnant women in the first trimester and in the second half of the term, and therefore it is divided into early and late.

As a rule, early toxicosis begins from 7-8 weeks of pregnancy and disappears with the beginning of the second trimester, after 12-13 weeks. A woman experiences various kinds of ailments that can be a manifestation of toxicosis: weakness, impotence, fatigue, drowsiness;

• depression, apathy;
• increased nervous excitability, nervousness;
• lowering blood pressure;
• exacerbation of smell;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• loss of appetite, weight loss;
• increased salivation;
• rhinitis of pregnant women;
• dermatosis of pregnant women;
• asthma in pregnancy;
• osteomalacia (softening of bone tissue);
• tetany (convulsions), etc.

Of course, some disorders appear more often, others - only in rare cases. But in general, this is a very extensive and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be fully studied.

Scientists continue to explore the mechanism of development of toxicosis, expressing new assumptions. The most likely causes of early toxicosis during pregnancy are as follows:

• Hormonal changes . How could it be without this: hormones are to blame here too. Their increased activity during this period, among other things, is the cause of signs of toxicosis. The organs and systems of the expectant mother, due to changes in the hormonal background, function in an unusual mode for themselves, which leads to a deterioration in the woman's well-being. Separately, it should be said about the hCG hormone, which is normally produced only in pregnant women. A direct relationship was observed between the severity of signs of toxicosis and an increase in the level of hCG in the woman's blood: the higher it is, the more severe the condition. This explains why after 12-13 weeks, when the concentration of hCG decreases, the well-being of the expectant mother stabilizes. However, it is likely that the reason that toxicosis passes by the second trimester lies in a completely different ...
• The period of formation of the placenta . There is an opinion among physicians that toxicosis is a natural mechanism for protecting the developing embryo in the very early stages of pregnancy from potential harmful external influences. So, along with medicines, food and other ways, pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate into the body of the mother, and then the fetus, interfering with the normal development and growth of the child. To a large extent, the placenta is able to retain them, but by 12-14 weeks it is only being formed, and only after this period will it begin to properly perform its functions. And because nature, according to some scientists, is trying to protect the embryo in this way: mommy is sick and vomits from many products and even smells. Another likely reason for this is the rise in insulin levels in the blood after each meal. Since insulin in high concentration is also potentially dangerous for the fetus, toxicosis occurs in order to prevent this factor influencing the development of the embryo.
• Response of the immune system . Embryo cells are perceived by the female body as foreign. In some cases, fetal rejection may occur, in others, the mother experiences early toxicosis until her body gets used to the new “guest”.
• chronic diseases . It was noticed that in women with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, organs of the genitourinary system, heart and blood vessels, and other ailments, toxicosis occurs more often than in healthy pregnant women. The lifestyle and nutrition of the mother also plays an important role: bad habits and an unbalanced diet exacerbate the manifestations of toxicosis.
• Increased activity of the central nervous system . All processes occurring in our body are guided by the central nervous system, and it also does not stand aside and is influenced - this affects the work of all organs and systems.
• Age of the pregnant woman . It is a well-known fact that after 35 years of pregnancy, all risks increase. The risk of developing toxicosis also increases.
• Heredity . Toxicosis during pregnancy in the early stages is more likely to occur if other women (primarily the mother) suffered from the same "ailment" in the relative line of the pregnant woman. In addition, if a woman is not carrying a child for the first time, and in previous times she suffered from toxicosis, then this time it will almost certainly appear and very likely - it will be more difficult to bear.
• Psychological factors . And, of course, the psychological mood of the expectant mother is also of no small importance. Any experiences and fears can lead to a deterioration in well-being, and pregnant women do not need to look for reasons for unrest. Often they are overly worried about the changes that await them in connection with conception: in relations with their husband, in their own appearance, in career growth, in their usual life, and even in the budget. It is impossible not to remember that some women suffer from toxicosis only because they decided for themselves: since I am pregnant, it means that I should feel sick.

In addition, practice shows that when carrying a multiple pregnancy, toxicosis develops more often and more pronounced. But scientists have come to the conclusion that the risk of miscarriage is significantly reduced.

In general, there is no consensus among physicians. Some believe that this is definitely a pathological condition that does not occur in healthy women who are carrying a pregnancy. Others tend to see it as a blessing: in such a simple way, nature tries to protect the unborn baby from possible problems.

Be that as it may, toxicosis in a mild degree does not threaten pregnancy. But if its manifestations become pronounced, conditions dangerous for the health of the woman and the fetus develop, then medical measures have to be taken.

Late toxicosis during pregnancy is called preeclampsia, and it appears at the end of the second - at the beginning of the third trimester. The symptoms already listed above may be accompanied by others. The most characteristic and dangerous among them are the formation of edema, increased blood pressure, the appearance of protein in the urine during pregnancy. The combination of all three signs is dangerous for the fetus and mother and requires urgent treatment.

As for the actual reasons for the development of preeclampsia, then in the later stages, the state of health of the expectant mother acquires particular relevance. Preeclampsia often develops in women with a variety of chronic diseases (primarily diseases of the kidneys, heart, intestines, stomach, liver), endocrine disorders, as well as in smoking pregnant women.

And although the causes of toxicosis during pregnancy remain not fully understood, it is still possible to reduce the risk to some extent and reduce the degree of its manifestation. The risk group mainly includes women with the following circumstances aggravating pregnancy, and especially with a combination of several of them at once:

• carrying multiple pregnancies;
• chronic diseases;
• endocrine disorders (obesity, diabetes mellitus);
• poor, improper, harmful nutrition;
• chronic fatigue, lack of sleep;
• age over 35;
• smoking, alcohol abuse, etc.

To increase the chances of a favorable pregnancy, doctors advise planning and carefully preparing for conception, undergo a medical examination, take vitamins, cure all chronic ailments, give up any bad habits, balance the diet, optimize the daily routine, ensure a good night's sleep, reduce to a minimum of nervous shocks.

If toxicosis nevertheless arose, then you will have to look for methods to alleviate it. Every woman is forced to find ways to combat toxicosis that are effective in her case, because there are no universal recommendations for all.

Be healthy!

Especially for - Elena Semenova

Update: November 2018

Toxicosis during early pregnancy causes a lot of problems for the expectant mother, disrupts her usual lifestyle and sleep, and in severe cases requires inpatient treatment. Early toxicosis during pregnancy is a fairly common phenomenon and is observed in 50 - 60% of expectant mothers, which is why many refer to the phenomena of early toxicosis as the first signs of pregnancy. In reality, pregnancy without toxicosis is absolutely normal, because pregnancy is not a disease and therefore it should not worsen a woman's condition.

Early toxicosis: define the concept

Early toxicosis refers to gestational complications, that is, due to the emergence and development of a new life in a woman's body. Early toxicoses are based on pathological conditions that reflect the negative impact of pregnancy on a woman's body. Toxicosis develops due to a violation of the adaptive processes of the female body to bear the fetus. This complication is manifested by numerous neuroendocrine disorders (disorders of the autonomic nervous system and brain, endocrine system and circulatory system, metabolic processes and immunological failures).

Classification of toxicosis

Toxicosis of pregnant women is also called gestosis and is divided into early and late. For convenience, the disorders that developed in the first half of pregnancy are called early toxicosis, and the occurrence of this complication after 20 weeks is called preeclampsia (late toxicosis).

Early toxicosis include:

• vomiting of pregnant women (mild or moderate);
• excessive (indomitable) vomiting of pregnant women;
• ptyalism or hypersalivation (drooling).

Gestoses include:

• dropsy (massive swelling);
• nephropathy of mild, moderate and severe degree;
• preeclampsia;
• eclampsia.

There are still rare forms of toxicosis that can occur at any gestational age, but, as a rule, develop in the first trimester:

• dermatoses or pruritus;
• jaundice or acute yellow liver atrophy;
• osteomalacia (softening of the bones);
• tetany (cramps of limbs, face);
• bronchial asthma.

Terms of occurrence

The timing of the development of toxicosis during pregnancy is different and falls on the first half of it, that is, up to 20 weeks. It is difficult to answer definitely when toxicosis begins, since its occurrence may be due to various additional factors. In a small number of women, signs of this condition appear even before the delay of menstruation, that is, about 2 weeks after unprotected intercourse, when the fertilized egg is attached to the wall of the uterus and begins to actively secrete hormones. But, as a rule, the symptoms of toxicosis begin to appear from 5 to 6 weeks of gestation.

How long does toxemia last during pregnancy? And there is no definite answer to this question. The duration of toxicosis depends on the number of fruits, the time of its appearance, concomitant diseases and other factors. Usually, the signs of complications gradually disappear by the end of the first trimester, that is, by 12-13 weeks. If there is a multiple pregnancy, then the effects of toxicosis are more pronounced and disappear by 15-16 weeks. The condition of a woman who does not have toxicosis is not considered a deviation from the normal course of pregnancy. Rather, it indicates her physical health and balance. Only the fact that the pregnancy proceeded, for example, with very strong toxicosis, which suddenly stopped, should alert. In such cases, a frozen pregnancy should be excluded when the fetus has stopped developing, but the miscarriage did not occur.

Causes

The causes of toxicosis during pregnancy come down to one thing - the presence of a fetal egg in the uterine cavity, which grows and develops. To date, there are many theories that try to explain the mechanism of the ongoing disorders in the mother's body with early toxicosis:

• Neuroreflex theory

According to this theory, the occurrence of early toxicosis is caused by a growing fetal egg, which irritates endometrial receptors, which leads to an increase in the excitability of subcortical formations. In these subcortical structures are the vomiting center and the center of smell, as well as areas that are responsible for the regulation of the digestive tract, blood circulation and respiration, and other body functions. As a result of irritation of the receptors of the uterine mucosa, vegetative reactions occur in the form of nausea and vomiting, tachycardia and salivation due to vasospasm. But by the end of the 1st trimester, the mother's body adapts to these irritations and the symptoms of toxicosis disappear.

• Hormonal theory

Proponents of this theory explain the appearance of toxicosis by hormonal changes, in particular, an increase in the secretion of chorionic gonadotropin, which stimulates the growth and strengthening of chorionic villi, their penetration into the uterine wall and tissue decay in the placenta on the maternal side. By 12-13 weeks, the concentration of hCG in the blood begins to decrease and the symptoms of toxicosis subside.

• Psychogenic theory

It has been noticed that early toxicosis develops much more often in emotional and impressionable women, whom the very fact of the onset of pregnancy plunges into an abyss of emotions.

• immunological theory

This theory is based on the foreignness of the fetal egg for the mother's body. As a result, the pregnant woman's body begins to produce antibodies against the embryo, which provoke the appearance of toxicosis.

• Toxic theory

This theory has existed for a long time and explains the signs of toxicosis (nausea and vomiting) by poisoning the mother's body with harmful substances, the production of which is produced by the fetus or placenta, or during metabolic disorders.

All existing theories have the right to exist and complement each other.

Predisposing factors

Why do half of the women have early toxicosis, while the other half is free from this unpleasant condition? A number of certain factors increase the risk of development and severe course of early toxicosis:

• chronic somatic diseases (kidney pathology, hypertension, gastritis, peptic ulcer, colitis, obesity, CNS pathology, cardiovascular diseases);
• overwork and prolonged or constant stress;
• poor nutrition, starvation;
• bad habits;
• asthenic physique of a woman;
• social disadvantage;
• chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
• history of abortion;
• age (under 17 and over 35);
• disturbed swallowing reflex and antiperistalsis of the esophagus in history;
• increased activity of the vomiting center;
• unwanted pregnancy or too desired (for example, after long-term fertility treatment).

Clinical manifestations

The onset of toxicosis, as already mentioned, coincides with the moment when a woman finds out about pregnancy, that is, approximately 5 to 6 weeks. The expectant mother experiences weakness, drowsiness during the day and insomnia at night, she is irritable and depressed. She also suffers from drooling and nausea, vomiting, and olfactory quirks. The appetite of a pregnant woman is reduced or absent, weight loss is also possible up to serious losses.

Early toxicosis cannot be classified by weeks of pregnancy, it is either there or not. The only thing that can be noted is that with an increase in the gestation period, the signs of complications appear more pronounced, but by the end of the 1st trimester they gradually disappear. The most common sign of complications is vomiting. It occurs no more than 3 times a day, often in the morning, on an empty stomach, but does not lead to a violation of the general condition of the pregnant woman.

Vomit

If there is vomiting, which happens more than three times a day and is not associated with food intake, plus there is a decreased appetite, changes in taste and smell sensations, lethargy and weight loss, they indicate early toxicosis. Vomiting of pregnant women is classified according to severity:

• Light degree

The frequency of vomiting attacks reaches 5 per day, the woman loses weight from 1 to 3 kg per week, but the general condition does not suffer. Apathy and decreased work capacity are possible. Some shift in hemodynamics is noted: slight tachycardia (up to 90 per minute) and hypotension (110/60). Stool and diuresis do not suffer, general blood and urine tests are normal.

• Average degree

With an increase in vomiting attacks up to 10 times a day, which is accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition, a metabolic disorder up to the development of ketoacidosis, they speak of moderate severity. Against the background of vomiting, salivation is often present, which exacerbates the loss of fluid and nutrients. The weight loss of a pregnant woman in a week is from 3 to 5 kg, exhaustion is possible. The expectant mother is experiencing significant weakness, apathetic. The skin is pale, the tongue is lined and dry. It is possible to increase the temperature to 37.5 degrees. The heartbeat increases to 90 - 100 per minute, blood pressure decreases (100/60). There may be a decrease in hemoglobin in the KLA (anemia), and a study of the acid-base composition of the blood confirms acidosis. Diuresis is reduced to 800 - 700 ml per day, some pregnant women have constipation.

• Severe degree

Severe or excessive vomiting is accompanied by the development of severe multiple organ disorders. The frequency of vomiting reaches 20 times a day, there is profuse salivation, constant nausea. The condition of the pregnant woman is severe, food and liquid do not stay in the stomach, sleep is disturbed. The woman complains of headaches and muscle pain, dizziness. There is adynamia, the pregnant woman quickly loses weight, up to 3 kg per week. The subcutaneous fat layer becomes thinner, the skin is flabby and dry, the tongue is dry, lined, the smell of acetone is felt from the mouth. There is an increase in temperature up to 38 degrees. Tachycardia and hypotension are significant (below 90/60 and above 110 beats per minute). Diuresis is reduced and is less than 700 ml per day.

In the biochemical analysis of blood, residual nitrogen, urea and bilirubin increase. In KLA and leukocytes. Albumins, cholesterol, potassium and chlorides are also reduced. OAM contains protein and casts, urobilin and bile pigments, erythrocytes and leukocytes. Significant ketonuria (reaction to acetone).

Ptyalism

In second place among the signs of early toxicosis is salivation, which can be either an independent form of complication or accompany vomiting. With intense salivation, a pregnant woman loses more than one and a half liters of saliva, which is accompanied by severe dehydration, a decrease in proteins and mineral salts, and psychological discomfort.

Dermatosis

It is rare and, as a rule, manifests itself as diffuse or local (in the region of the vulva) skin itching. Intense itching disturbs sleep, causes depression and irritability. Differential diagnosis is carried out with thrush, allergic reactions and diabetes mellitus.

Bronchial asthma

Cases of the development of bronchial asthma in pregnant women as one of the forms of toxicosis are quite rare. The course of the disease is severe. Manifested by attacks of suffocation and dry cough. Differentiate from ordinary bronchial asthma, which took place before conception.

Osteomalacia and tetany

These complications develop due to a violation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in a woman's body. With osteomalacia, the bone tissue loosens, which is fraught with bone fracture. With tetany, muscle cramps are noted: spasm of the muscles of the arm (“obstetrician's hand”) and spasm of the muscles of the leg (“ballerina's leg”), with spasm of the facial muscles - “fish mouth”.

The relationship between toxicosis and the number of pregnancies

Most women believe that if there was a first toxicosis, that is, during the first pregnancy, it will definitely occur in the next period of gestation. Actually this is a delusion. All pregnancies (meaning the same woman) proceed differently, which depends on many factors (the age of the expectant mother, the number of embryos, past illnesses, chronic pathology, living conditions, etc.). For example, in the first pregnancy, which proceeded without complications and ended in spontaneous childbirth, this complication was not. But this does not mean that there will also be no toxicosis during the second pregnancy.

Are toxicosis and the sex of the child related?

Future mothers are superstitious people and firmly believe in all the signs associated with the period of gestation. Many believe that early toxicosis necessarily occurs during pregnancy with a girl, although this statement has not been scientifically confirmed. Guessing who will be born, a boy or a girl, is certainly interesting, but relying on the shape of the abdomen, the severity of certain signs of pregnancy, the intensity of toxicosis is a futile exercise. To date, it is possible to determine the sex of the unborn baby only by ultrasound, but this method does not provide a 100% guarantee. The doctor may mistakenly take the loops of the umbilical cord in the perineal region of the fetus for the scrotum and say that the pregnancy is a boy, or, conversely, not see the testicles in the male fetus, as he “hid” them (located in an uncomfortable position for examination).

It becomes clear that neither the likelihood of this complication nor the intensity of symptoms depend on the sex of the child. The severity of toxicosis rather depends not on the sex of the embryo, but on their number.

Treatment

I was tormented by toxicosis, how to deal with it? A similar question is often heard by gynecologists of antenatal clinics, in addition, expectant mothers ask relatives and friends. Of course, constant nausea and vomiting is not a pleasure, but following simple recommendations will help alleviate toxicosis:

• dieting;
• taking multivitamin complexes;
• creating a calm environment, taking light sedatives (infusion of valerian and motherwort);
• walks in forest park areas, frequent trips out of town;
• frequent airing of the room, especially before going to bed;
• full sleep (at least 8 hours a day);
• physiotherapy;
• aromatherapy;
• observance of the regime of the day with obligatory daytime rest;
• giving up bad habits, including being in smoky places.

Diet

Compliance with certain rules in the diet of a pregnant woman with this complication will help get rid of or at least reduce nausea and vomiting:

• food temperature

Do not take too hot (more than 60 degrees) or cold (less than 15 degrees) food. Food should be at room temperature or slightly warm. Hot or cold food not only disrupts digestion, but also irritates the stomach lining and provokes nausea and vomiting.

• Diet

Eating with toxicosis should be fractional, the frequency of meals should be up to 5-6 times a day and in small portions. Such a diet allows better absorption of nutrients, does not increase the load on the digestive tract, helps to normalize the stool and alleviates the symptoms of this complication (unpleasant sensations increase on an empty stomach). It is important to observe the time of the last meal, no more than two hours before bedtime.

• Culinary processing

It is recommended to give preference to boiled, baked or steamed food. Quenching is allowed. Fried foods should be excluded, as they not only inhibit the process of digestion and absorption of food, but also increase the load on the liver and stomach, thereby provoking bouts of vomiting. All foods in dishes should be pureed or finely ground, which contributes to their better absorption.

• Drinking regime

Free fluid intake is not 2 liters per day. Preference should be given to mineral alkaline waters without gas, herbal teas and decoctions, ordinary boiled water. It is worth giving up tea, coffee and cocoa, as well as sugary carbonated drinks. You should not consume liquid 30 minutes before meals, during meals and 1.5 hours after. A good remedy for toxicosis is green tea and infusions of chamomile, mint or sage.

• Refusal of semi-finished products, spicy foods and smoked meats

All preservatives, dyes and stabilizers contained in semi-finished products are chemicals that disrupt digestion and exacerbate the effects of toxicosis. It is worth refusing to take fatty and spicy dishes, smoked meats, sausages, canned food and fast food.

• Little fasting

Even if thoughts about food provoke nausea and vomiting, it is useful to starve for 3-4 days and not take medication.

• There is only what you want

Do not suppress your desires by forcing yourself to eat. If you do not want this or that dish, then you do not need it. You can pamper yourself and eat what you want at the moment - there is a high probability that the food will be digested.

• Thorough chewing of food

Slow and thorough chewing will not only make you feel full with less food, but also promote better absorption of nutrients and suppress nausea and food aversion.

• "Dry Diet"

With moderate vomiting, when food is only partially digested, it is useful to switch to the so-called dry diet, that is, to give up soups and semi-liquid cereals. They can be replaced with boiled potatoes and eggs, bread (preferably dried or yesterday's) with butter or pate (fish, meat). It is advisable to take food in a reclining position.

• First breakfast

Take care of the first breakfast should be in advance. In the evening, you need to put dry biscuits, a banana or a handful of dried fruits on the bedside table. Immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed, you should have a snack. This is especially useful for those women who are overcome by nausea in the morning.

With salivation, rinsing the mouth with a decoction of oak bark, infusion of chamomile, mint or sage is effective. Chewing mints and hard candies will also help reduce salivation and nausea. A future mother suffering from constant nausea and vomiting will be helped out by an “ambulance kit”, which is not difficult to always carry in her purse. It can be a bag of crackers, crackers or nuts, the same dried fruits (dried apricots and prunes) and a bottle of slightly acidified drink (low-brewed tea with a slice of lemon, water with a little lemon juice and honey, diluted cranberry juice). Sour drinking undoubtedly increases salivation, but effectively suppresses nausea.

Particular attention should be paid to fresh fruits and vegetables. With moderate vomiting, fruits are best consumed baked. Vegetable fiber is necessary for the normal functioning of the intestines, regular stools, in addition, fresh fruits (cranberries, kiwi, currants, cherries, lingonberries, pomegranates - that is, berries and fruits “with sourness”) and vegetables contain a large amount of vitamins.

Physiotherapy and non-traditional methods

From physiotherapeutic procedures, endonasal electrophoresis with B vitamins, electrosleep and brain galvanization are used. Such procedures suppress the activity of the vomiting center in the brain.

Of the non-traditional methods, acupuncture, aromatherapy (inhalation of citrus oils, peppermint and sea buckthorn oils) and homeopathic remedies are used, but only after consulting a doctor.

Hospitalization

Pregnant women with moderate and indomitable vomiting are subject to hospitalization. Expectant mothers with severe vomiting are in the intensive care unit. In the hospital, intensive infusion therapy is prescribed to restore the volume of circulating blood (eliminate dehydration), detoxification and parenteral nutrition. Crystalloids (Ringer's and glucose solutions, trisol, disol) and fat emulsions with amino acids are prescribed. Also shown is the introduction of vitamins (riboflavin and thiamine, ascorbic acid) and actovegin.

Therapeutic and protective regime and the exclusion of negative emotions in the hospital allows you to normalize the work of the central nervous system. In order to block the gag reflex, the following are prescribed:

• atropine;
• neuroleptics (droperidol, haloperidol);
• diphenhydramine and pipolfen (due to a pronounced sedative effect);
• hofitol, essentiale (improve liver function);
• splenin (normalizes nitrogen metabolism);
• tablets for toxicosis: polyphepan and activated charcoal (adsorb toxins from the intestines);
• metoclopromide (cerucal) is prescribed only in extreme cases, as it is contraindicated in the 1st trimester (it can provoke spontaneous abortion).

Question answer

How to get rid of toxicosis, in particular, constant nausea?

If only nausea, without vomiting, bothers you, you should not resort to drugs. It is worth following the general recommendations (diet, frequent walks, good sleep).

I vomit even while brushing my teeth. What to do?

You need to change your toothpaste. If vomiting continues to bother, for a while, abandon this procedure, we will replace rinsing the mouth with infusions of medicinal herbs or tooth balms and elixirs.

I constantly want pickles or tomatoes. Isn't it harmful?

If you want salty, then the body does not have enough sodium. If pickles or tomatoes do not provoke nausea and vomiting, then they are not prohibited, but, of course, within reason.

I am already 23 weeks old, but I still have nausea and vomiting, as in the early stages. What to do?

It is necessary to undergo an examination by a gastroenterologist and a neurologist, who will rule out diseases of the digestive tract and disorders of the nervous system. If the pathology is not detected, you should reconsider your diet.

Toxicosis is a fairly common condition of pregnant women, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It occurs due to poisoning with toxins and other harmful substances that are formed in a pregnant woman during the development of the fetus.

It can also lead to the manifestation of many symptoms, the most permanent are considered to be disorders of the central nervous system, cardiovascular system and metabolism. How long toxicosis lasts during pregnancy, so much the manifestation of symptoms continues.

There are several degrees of toxicosis:

• The first - the urge to vomit is observed infrequently, up to 5 times. Weight loss is negligible up to 3 kg.
• The second is vomiting up to 10 times and weight loss can be 3-4 kg over a two-week period, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
• The third is prolonged and frequent bouts of vomiting, reaching up to 25 times a day, there is a significant weight loss - more than 10 kg, the temperature rises and the pulse quickens.

When does toxicosis begin in pregnant women?

Many women try to determine the absence or, conversely, the presence of pregnancy and begin to listen to their body, to its every change. Not every woman knows exactly when toxicosis can begin during pregnancy. Doctors set the following time frames:

• Early toxicosis can begin in the first days of delay or at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. And toxicosis ends early by 13-14 weeks, but everything can end earlier, each case is individual.
• Manifestations of late toxicosis begin in the very last trimester of pregnancy, and sometimes in the middle of the second trimester, which is much more dangerous for the fetus and mother.

Signs of toxicosis in pregnant women

As soon as a child is conceived, the body of the future mother begins to adjust the rhythm of work for two: the mother herself and the baby. From which, at first, a woman begins to experience discomfort called toxicosis. How to deal with it, you can find out on the forum, where every mom shares her secret.

First of all, a woman manifests irritability, increased salivation, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, drowsiness, changes in taste buds, vomiting, and weight loss. Very rarely, with early toxicosis, one can observe the development of dermatosis, asthma, osteomalacia - softening of the bone substance, tetany - spasmodic manifestations of skeletal muscles. Signs of severe toxicosis appear regardless of who mommy is waiting for: a boy or a girl. Symptoms of toxicosis can also be observed during a frozen pregnancy, which can be distinguished by the absence of fetal movement and heartbeat.

The most dangerous and unpleasant signs of toxicosis, both in the first trimester and in the third.

Gag reflex in pregnancy

Vomiting is one of the most striking manifestations of toxicosis in late and early pregnancy. Most often, vomiting is active for 20 weeks, and the earlier it starts, the more severe it is. There are several degrees of severity of the gag reflex in a pregnant woman:

1. Mild nausea and a small amount of vomiting, which occurs no more than 5 times a day, usually after meals. The woman's condition is unchanged, weight loss is about 3 kg, but no more.
2. Gagging increases up to 10 times a day, regardless of food intake, and weight loss in 2 weeks can already reach 3 kg or more. The well-being of a pregnant woman worsens significantly: weakness occurs, the pulse rate increases, and blood pressure decreases.
3. There is excessive vomiting, which can reach up to 25 times a day. Such a transient process leads to dehydration of the body and a sharp weight loss (more than 10 kg.). The temperature rises, bad breath appears, the pulse quickens, blood pressure drops and the woman becomes inhibited. In some cases, there may be a violation of the kidneys and with prolonged vomiting, which is already becoming life-threatening for the mother, doctors recommend artificial termination of pregnancy.

Dermatous rashes

This is the most unpleasant manifestation of toxicosis at the 13th week of pregnancy, in the form of scattered itching of the skin, it can reach the genitals. This leads to irritability, sleep disturbance and depression.

Dangerous development of tetany and osteomalacia

Progressive development occurs due to the violations of the exchange of phosphorus and calcium in the body of the expectant mother. Osteomalacia causes softening of the bone tissue, which threatens with bone fractures. Tetany is dangerous with cramps in the muscles of the upper extremities, very rarely observed in the lower extremities and on the face.

Why is there no toxicosis

Women are so accustomed to the idea that toxicosis is a normal course of pregnancy that its absence began to evoke fear and apprehension. Do not worry, such suspicions are completely unfounded and not dangerous. On the contrary, it means that the expectant mother is absolutely healthy. If there is no toxicosis, this is normal. The body easily adjusted to the new rhythm of work, perfectly coping with the loads, it adapted to the new state without the manifestation of nausea, vomiting and violations of its general systems.

The advantageous aspects of "non-toxic" pregnancy are obvious:

• there is no threat of miscarriage, subsequently severe toxicosis;
• timely replenishment of vitamins developing the fetus, which improves its development, without any pathologies;
• excellent mood and well-being, allows you to enjoy the unique state of the body.

Types of toxicosis

During pregnancy, there are several types of toxicosis:

• Staphylococcal toxicosis - is activated by enterotoxigenic strains, which, during reproduction, can release heat-resistant exotoxin into food products. An urgent consultation with a doctor, examination and further treatment is necessary.
• Evening toxicosis - after an exhausting and stressful day and without taking enough food, the body becomes exhausted and succumbs to the attack of toxicosis. Toxicosis in the evenings makes it difficult to fall asleep and rest in peace. Evening walks, freshly prepared juice or fruit drink from fresh sour berries have a beneficial effect on the body.
• Toxicosis in the first half of pregnancy - This is approximately the period from 1 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors recommend calmly experiencing the symptoms of toxicosis in the first trimester. In the event that the signs intensify, then specialists can prescribe safe soft herbal remedies, which will greatly alleviate the condition of the pregnant woman and reduce intoxication. But it is worth noting that while mommy uses prescribed drugs, she feels great, but when you stop taking these drugs, the signs of toxicosis immediately resume. To reduce toxicosis during pregnancy, you can resort to folk remedies, which will be safer for the baby.
• Late toxicosis - with the normal development of pregnancy, the re-emergence of toxicosis in the second trimester is excluded. But there are times when late toxicosis causes bouts of vomiting and nausea, if the symptoms increase, then a complication occurs called preeclampsia. It is manifested by swelling, the presence of protein in the urine, high blood pressure and weight gain up to 400 grams per week. The more toxicosis progresses in late pregnancy, the more difficult and dangerous it is for the health of a pregnant woman. But mom, who regularly visits the doctor, will be notified of preeclampsia in time, and hospitalized in time. Treatment is prescribed individually, it all depends on the specific situation and the degree of symptoms.
• Toxicosis before delay - Did you feel nausea immediately after conception? This is not a sign that you are already pregnant. Toxicosis can begin 7-10 days after the development of the fetal egg. But nausea and vomiting may not always occur, on the contrary, many women begin to experience a brutal appetite.

Causes of toxicosis during pregnancy

Why toxicosis occurs during pregnancy is still a mystery and an unexplored phenomenon. In absolute accuracy, it is impossible to say what causes the symptoms of toxicosis in the early and late stages.

But still, doctors identify several causes of toxicosis in pregnant women:

1. Changes in the hormonal system. From the first hours of fertilization of an egg in the uterine cavity, cardinal hormonal changes occur in a woman. The composition of hormones changes dramatically, which is reflected in the behavior and health and well-being of a pregnant woman. Against the background of these changes, she becomes irritable, touchy and whiny, nausea is provoked, and her sense of smell is aggravated. In the first months, the fetus for the mother's body is considered a foreign body, which he would like to get rid of, which also affects the well-being of the future mother. But when does toxicosis in pregnant women end? After some time, the level of hormones stabilizes, and the mother's body calmly accepts the embryo, and the fight against toxicosis will stop by the second trimester.
2. Development of the placenta. The likelihood of this theory is quite logical. It was found that toxicosis exhausts the female body in the first trimester, up to about 13-14 weeks. The sharp disappearance of toxicosis is associated with the fact that the placenta is already completing its formation. And now the performance of many functions passes into her duties, this number includes the retention of toxic substances. In the meantime, the process of placental development is not completed, the body of a pregnant woman itself protects itself from possible intoxication by vomiting.
3. Defensive reaction. The refusal of the expectant mother from many products and late toxicosis during pregnancy is nothing more than a natural act of protection. Mommy develops nausea primarily on cigarette smoke, coffee-containing drinks, on fish, meat and eggs. They can be hazardous to health due to the pathogens they contain. The gag reflex and nausea protect the fetus and the mother's body from the ingress of substances harmful and dangerous to them, in which case toxicosis in pregnant women is biologically necessary. In addition to the toxins and poison contained in the food consumed, the development and growth of the embryo is negatively affected by insulin produced after each meal.
4. Chronic infections and diseases. Infections and illnesses that have not been fully cured lead to a weakening of the immune system of a pregnant mother. This can provoke toxicosis in the first trimester, and then what to do? It is necessary to connect the full complex of vitamins at the planning stage, as well as contact a specialist and undergo a full examination. Then undergo a course of treatment, especially for infections.
5. Psychological changes. Severe toxicosis in the 3rd trimester may begin due to the psychological and emotional state of the mother. Nervous experiences, stress, lack of sleep, emotional upheaval and irritability are the causes of severe toxicosis, leading to nausea and vomiting. According to doctors, late toxicosis develops in women who become pregnant unexpectedly and unplanned. Moreover, many women set themselves up in advance for the fact that all pregnant women have severe toxicosis in the first trimester or in the later stages. And the principle of self-hypnosis is known to all. According to scientists, with the onset of pregnancy, the nervous system undergoes great changes, and the centers of the brain that are responsible for the functioning of the sense of smell and the gastrointestinal tract are currently activated.
6. Age Criteria. Pregnancy that occurs after 30-35 years is considered dangerous, especially if this is the first conception or there have been multiple abortions before. The development of toxicosis can manifest itself much stronger and more risky. Experts say that the younger the future mother, the easier it is to tolerate the possible symptoms of toxicosis. But this is not in all cases, there are exceptions.
7. Genetic background. The occurrence of toxicosis in the second trimester due to heredity has a greater chance of developing it. In the event that someone from the previous generation suffered from toxicosis at week 16 or any other period, there is a 70% chance that this problem will not bypass you either. The risk of an increase in symptoms increases if a woman had toxicosis in a previous pregnancy.
8. Multiple pregnancy. There is certainly more joy from such news, but there will also be more difficulties in bearing. For example, toxicosis in the second half of pregnancy in a mother with twins manifests itself much more often and more progressively than in a woman with a singleton pregnancy. But for pregnant women who have undergone early toxicosis, the threat of miscarriage is practically not threatened, which is important.

It can also be said with confidence that a healthy woman is less susceptible to the manifestation of toxicosis during pregnancy than a mother with chronic diseases, infections and leading an unhealthy lifestyle.

What week does toxicosis go away?

All cases associated with toxicosis of the first half of pregnancy and subsequent trimesters are individual, therefore, to accurately answer the question: “When will toxicosis end?”, No one can answer absolutely exactly. Some mothers experience a slight sign of nausea, while others are forced to spend weeks in the hospital in order to overcome toxicosis. The same factor applies to the duration, because in pregnant women, toxicosis is observed in different trimesters, but in most cases, toxicosis at week 14 goes away on its own.

Signs of toxicosis can continue until the placenta is formed, and this process ends at about 12 or 14 weeks. After that, the calm course of pregnancy of the second trimester begins. Toxicosis in the third trimester can resume again, then it already has a completely different term - preeclampsia.

There are times when a future mother's toxicosis begins in the last trimester, which is much more dangerous than toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy. With signs of late toxicosis, you should immediately contact a specialist.

How to reduce toxicosis during pregnancy?

What exactly helps with toxicosis and how to alleviate its symptoms can only be determined by the pregnant woman herself, each has its own method of dealing with toxicosis. The main symptoms of toxicosis during pregnancy appear in the morning, because the level of glucose in the blood is lowered during this period of time. If you adhere to the tips listed below, then perhaps the activity of toxicosis will subside.

How to avoid toxicosis during pregnancy:

• Before you get out of bed, you should eat a small piece of bread, biscuits, or preferably dried fruit. Make mint tea, add a slice of lemon and a small amount of sugar to it, which normalizes blood glucose levels. All of these methods will help relieve the symptoms of toxicosis in the early period or in the last trimester, there is no difference.
• You can dissolve a slice of lemon or orange, sour fruits usually smooth out the manifestations of nausea. But for many, on the contrary, toxicosis increases, so you need to listen to your body and check all methods gradually.
• You need to drink only those drinks and juices that are right for you: herbal tea, chilled drinks, plain water, vegetable broth.
• Instead of drinks containing a large amount of dyes, you can eat fruits with a high liquid content - melon, watermelon, grapes and ginger, with toxicosis will be the best option. Sometimes you can treat yourself to a serving of ice cream.
• Heavy, spicy and fried foods should be replaced with steamed dishes. Also, light foods in the form of dairy foods, fruits and raw vegetables are less taxing on the stomach and are much healthier.
• It is necessary to divide the meal into several servings and eat smaller amounts of food, but more often. During the day, you can connect crackers, a banana or an apple so that the stomach is not empty. The fight against toxicosis will not be in vain if you do not allow vomiting and nausea to become a habitual manifestation of your body.
• It is not recommended to go to bed immediately after eating. It is worth waiting a few hours before falling asleep or just lying down.
• A proven grandmother's recipe for toxicosis during pregnancy is a spoonful of honey at the beginning of the first symptoms of toxicosis.

Nutrition for toxicosis of pregnant women

So how to make up the diet of the expectant mother, with toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy? The erroneous opinion of many is to limit oneself in food, the less we eat, the less nausea and vomiting. First, it is in the initial months that the embryo needs various trace elements and vitamins. Secondly, even the shortest diet, which is aimed at eating only one product, can soon cause an allergic reaction, both in mommy and in the fetus.

Therefore, it is important to make a balanced diet during this period:

• From the very beginning of toxicosis, it is necessary to exclude exactly those products that cause nausea. These are mostly dairy products.
• And what foods are needed, despite the progression of nausea and vomiting? To replenish minerals - sodium and chlorine - table salt is recommended, but in moderation. Therefore, salted fish and cucumbers will even be useful during this period, but do not forget about the measure, especially for women with chronic kidney diseases.
• The menu for toxicosis in late pregnancy is significantly different. First of all, it is important to remember the enemy of the last trimester of pregnancy - salt. Therefore, refrain from taking herring and cucumbers, this can provoke fluid retention in the body. And less salt in all dishes.

The best prevention for late toxicosis is moderate food intake. The most unloved products for the body in this period are smoked meats, pickles and marinades. Therefore, it is very important to follow a healthy and healthy diet before late toxicosis begins.

Protein plays an important role in late toxicosis, and the lack of protein leads to its decrease in the blood. In this connection, it is recommended to add boiled fish, cottage cheese and boiled lean meat to the healthy diet.

Treatment of toxicosis

There are many remedies for toxemia, and some only reduce the symptoms, while others fight it. But it is worth taking into account that not all drugs for toxicosis are safe and effective.

• Treatment of toxicosis with the help of a drug method. In the fight against toxicosis, among a wide range of drugs used, only valerian, nosh-pa and trace elements are among the harmless means. But in some situations, the use of more serious drugs is simply necessary for the health of the mother and child, if inactive, a miscarriage may occur. Drug treatment of early and late toxicosis should be comprehensive and include various drugs: enterosgel, Essentiale, cerucal and many others.
• Immunocytotherapy is a modern invasive method of treatment. The principle of its action is as follows: the husband's lymphocytes are injected into the skin of the forearm of a pregnant woman. Relief of symptoms of toxicosis occurs after 24 hours. This method of treatment requires a thorough examination of the father for infections. It is important to know that immunocytotherapy can be dangerous, as it increases the risk of contracting hepatitis and other infections.
• Homeopathic method of treatment. This type of fight against toxicosis is considered the safest and most effective. Homeopathy allows you to select individual preparations that can treat not only the female body, but also the children. Side effects and overdose are excluded, and addiction does not occur from the drugs used.
• aromatherapy has been used since ancient times and has a beneficial effect on the well-being of a pregnant woman. So, for example, during the morning exacerbation of toxicosis, you can drop a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief and put it next to you. If you do this procedure for several nights in a row, the result will not be long in coming.

You can carry ginger oil with you and at the moment when the attack of nausea worsens, you need to drop ginger oil on your palms, rub it well and bring your palms to your nose, and take a deep breath. You can also carry out steam inhalation, they reduce the urge to vomit.

For preventive purposes, every morning it is necessary to rub the oil solution into the umbilical region: one drop of ginger is added to a dessert spoon of vegetable oil.

In addition to the above methods of treating toxicosis, phytotherapy is also used, and someone prefers unusual methods: acupuncture, hypnosis, electrosleep, and others.

You should not set yourself up for the fact that the manifestations of toxicosis during pregnancy will not let you through. Tell yourself more often: “Everything will be fine, both with me and with the child!”

Checking the article: Lada Sergeeva,
practicing gynecologist

Useful video about toxicosis during pregnancy

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