Third Trimester Nausea – Causes, Remedies & Preventive Measures

Pregnancy brings about a host of changes in your body; one of them is nausea. This usually goes away by the second trimester; however, in some cases, it may exist until delivery. The nausea is awful in the first trimester, as many women claim, but it can also occur in the third trimester and sometimes worse.

You also need to manage the additional discomforts that come with the third trimester. It’s awful, we know that. But don’t worry; we researched and tried the most effective treatments for nausea in the third trimester and have compiled a list of them. 

Video: Third Trimester Nausea – Causes and Preventive Measures

Is Nausea in the Third Trimester Normal?

As you enter the third trimester of pregnancy, your baby starts growing at a much faster pace. You may experience occasional bouts of nausea during this stage of pregnancy. However, if you are going through constant bouts of vomiting, we consider that you get in touch with your doctor for the same. The cause can range from something simple like overeating or gastric collection to a more serious one, which should be checked as soon as possible.

What Causes Third Trimester Nausea?

These things may trigger nausea in the third trimester of pregnancy:

1. Changing Hormones

In the first trimester, nausea happens due to the high levels of hCG in the body. However, sometimes they may remain high throughout your pregnancy, which may lead to third-trimester nausea.

2. Your Growing Baby

Yes, your baby may be the cause of nausea, too. As your baby grows, he puts pressure on your stomach, making the food move back up into the oesophagus. This condition, also known as acid reflux, is one of the reasons for nausea.

3. Diet

Certain foods that are too spicy, fatty, or acidic in nature might worsen nausea and vomiting. Keep a food diary and stay away from foods that make you sick.

4. Body Changes 

Your uterus’ development may cause some significant changes in your body. Vomiting and nausea may be caused by tension from the enlarging uterus, sleep issues, worry and anxiety about labour, childcare, etc.

5. Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a condition that may be indicated by the abrupt return of nausea and vomiting in the middle of pregnancy. Preeclampsia can cause high blood pressure, and proteinuria, which is a high level of protein in the urine. Preeclampsia, if untreated, can result in significant, potentially fatal problems for both the mother and the unborn child.

6. HELLP Syndrome 

HELLP syndrome stands for the following issues with the blood and liver. This is another dangerous condition that can make you feel sick. Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelet Count are referred to as HELLP. In the third trimester, this illness becomes more prevalent, and if you also have preeclampsia, your risk is increased.

7. Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy

A rare but significant issue in pregnancy is the acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP). There is no recognised cause for AFLP. But it doesn’t begin until late in the third trimester of pregnancy, and it can make you sick.

Ways to Prevent Third Trimester Nausea

The feeling of wanting to puke can be very annoying. We suggest you try some of the following measures to prevent nausea in the third trimester:

1. Get Ample Rest

It’s important to rest and sleep well.

2. Say No to Caffeine

Caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee may aggravate your symptoms. So, avoid such beverages or limit their intake.

3. Eat at Regular Intervals

You shouldn’t take long gaps between meals; eat five to six small meals to keep nausea at bay.

4. Drink Lots of Water

Keep yourself hydrated during pregnancy.

5. Sweat It Out

Exercising not only keeps you healthy during pregnancy, but also equips you to combat various ailments like nausea.

6. Don’t Go to Bed Immediately After a Meal

Eating late at night or just before bedtime can lead to heartburn and make you feel nauseous. Have dinner approximately 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

7. Avoid the Trigger Foods

Spicy, oily and sugary foods are the most common triggers of nausea. Limit the intake of such food items during pregnancy.

When Should You See a Doctor?

In most cases, nausea is pretty harmless. However, severe nausea during the third trimester may be indicative of various medical complications. Therefore, if you notice any of the following symptoms along with nausea, visit your gynaecologist.

• Severe vomiting
• Decreased foetal movement
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about nausea in the third trimester of pregnancy:

1. Can I Take Medication for Nausea in the Third Trimester?

If nausea affects you in the 8th and 9th months of pregnancy, then you can take medication. However, always consult your doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

2. How Long Does Nausea Last in the Last Months of Pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting typically begin before the ninth week. By 14 weeks of pregnancy, it usually disappears for most women. However, it may linger for several weeks or months for some ladies.

3. Can Nausea Come Back in the Third Trimester?

After the first trimester, morning sickness may stop, but if it returns later, there may be cause for concern. The first step is to look for a set of symptoms and determine if they correspond to the illnesses. In that case, don’t wait to call your doctor or visit the hospital.

4. Can Nausea in 3rd Trimester Be a Sign of Labour?

Nausea in the third trimester does not always indicate the onset of labour. However, it can be a sign of labour if it is frequently accompanied by other symptoms, such as nasal plug loss and excessive mucus production, pelvic pressure, water breaking, and contraction. 

Nausea is very common during pregnancy, and many women may also get affected by it during the later months. However, with proper care and advice from your doctor, you may be able to manage and control your condition better.

Infographic: How to Prevent Third Trimester Nausea?

Also Read: Third Trimester Scan during Pregnancy