Treatment Of Nausea And Vomiting In Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are common symptoms that accompany many women during the gestation period, especially during the first three months of pregnancy or the first trimester.
It is considered that up to 80% of pregnant women suffer from these symptoms to a greater or lesser degree. Generally, they usually appear in the morning and decrease as the day goes by. However, in each woman they manifest themselves in a different way.
In general, they usually disappear around the 20th week of gestation, although, in some exceptional cases, they remain throughout the entire pregnancy.
An extreme case of these symptoms is hyperemesis gravidarum. It is a serious disorder characterized by the presence of severe and persistent vomiting. It can lead to dehydration and weight loss. In these cases, medical treatment is necessary to readjust the body’s electrolyte balance.
Why does nausea and vomiting occur in pregnancy?
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes that occur during this stage of pregnancy. Although its causes are not exactly known, they are mainly attributed to the increase in the concentration of two hormones:
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone (hCG).
- Estrogens
Other hormones also contribute to these symptoms. An example is the slowing down of the peristaltic movements of the intestine caused by the increase in progesterone, which also influences the genesis of gastrointestinal symptoms.
How to cope with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy?
The fundamental treatment to combat or alleviate these symptoms is to make some changes in eating habits, such as:
- Eat small amounts of food every little time. That is, eat smaller but more frequent meals, about 5 or 6 times a day. The goal is to prevent the stomach from becoming completely empty at some point throughout the day.
- Don’t wait to be hungry to eat.
- Eat soft foods that digest well, such as rice, banana, apple, toast, cereals, etc.
- Avoid heavy meals that are very rich in fat and spices.
- Chew well and rest after the meal, before lying down.
- Eat a snack before getting out of bed in the morning, such as a couple of crackers.
- Do not drink a lot of fluids at once, but small amounts every so often.
- Drink carbonated or slightly sugary drinks, as they tend to feel better.
- Avoid coffee, as well as alcohol and tobacco.
- Avoid strong or unpleasant odors.
Pharmacotherapy
Currently, for the most severe cases of nausea and vomiting, especially during the first part of pregnancy, there is a pharmacological alternative that the specialist can consider: the drug Cariban.
According to its technical data sheet, it is indicated for the treatment of symptoms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in adults, when they have not responded to other types of more conservative treatments.
It cannot be used in all women, so the doctor has to prescribe it when he sees it necessary and considers that the risk is less than the benefit. Especially, it is contraindicated in patients who present :
- Asthma and breathing problems.
- Cardiovascular disorders.
- Hypertension .
- Alteration of liver or kidney function.
Its composition combines two different compounds in a dosage form of capsules for modified release and for oral administration. These compounds are:
- Doxylamine succinate : it is a derivative of ethanolamine, a first-generation antihistamine. Its main mechanism of action is the blockade of central cholinergic receptors and H1.
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride : it is vitamin B6, a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an enzymatic cofactor in many reactions in the body.
Cariban side effects
Generally, the adverse effects of this drug are similar to those that normally occur in treatment with sedative antihistamines. The most common adverse reactions in treatment with Cariban are:
- Drowsiness.
- Anticholinergic effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Constipation.
- Urinary retention.
- Blurry vision.
- Increased bronchial secretion.
Studies carried out with this drug ensure its efficacy and safety in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This is also demonstrated by his extensive clinical experience.
However, it must not be forgotten that it is a drug and, as such, must be prescribed by the doctor. In no case should resort to self-medication. Pregnancy is a process that must be controlled by the specialist to avoid unwanted complications.
