Many ladies have some nausea and throwing-up in the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Appetite usually changes a lot in early pregnancy.  It is usually reduced although some lucky ladies have normal or even increased appetite.  It is usually called morning sickness, but it may occur in other time of the day or even last through-out the day.  Food and smells accepted by the pregnant lady one day may not be tolerated the next week.  The condition is worse with multiple pregnancy and possibly travelling.

It is the most important to monitor and maintain water intake.  Water can be taken as plain water but usually some mildly tasting drink is better accepted.  It may take the form of juice, or lightly prepared soup.  Alcohol is not good.  Concentrated soup is not recommended in heavy vomiting.  A taste preferred in one day may cause vomiting on the next day, when food preference of the body changes quickly.

Severe vomiting may dry up the body.  The level of water adequacy may be examined with wetness of the tongue, and the husband’s tongue may serve as a healthy comparison.  The amount of urine definitely drops when less water is taken.  In very severe conditions, the eyes may sink.

In the doctors’ clinic, apart from taking the history, urine tests help.  A substance called ketone body is noticed when very little water is taken by the person.  Blood tests may be performed in very heavy vomiting.

Any source of oral water accepted by the lady is beneficial.  It is useful to try a variety of fluids, and let the body decide.  Rest is important, and sick leaves are needed if vomiting is severe.  Solid food is less important than water intake.  It is even acceptable if body weight drops slowly.  It will pick up again after 3 months of pregnancy, when morning sickness usually disappear, and the mother eats probably too heavily.

Drugs may used to reduce tendency to vomit, and they are usually safe.  It is customary that doctors prescribe very old drugs because past statistics already showed safety records.  Experienced doctors understand that patients feel having control with some drugs around.  This psychological support reassures the mothers a lot even if they try to avoid using the drugs.  Sick leaves may be necessary in severe vomiting.

Very occasionally care in hospital is necessary.  Hospitalization provides rest, chances to investigate blood chemistry and correct deviations, and fluid intake via injections.  The added fluid intake maintains body control and stability, even when the mother continues to vomit. If dehydration is very severe, replacement may have to take a controlled pace instead of very quick manners, to allow the body to adapt.  The mother can usually go home after such correction for rest in a familiar environment.

It is unusual that the vomiting affects the fetus in modern medicine, unless the condition goes beyond control.  Looking from another perspective, a healthy fetus affects the host (the mother) and causes vomiting in early pregnancy.  The fetus grows well even when body weight of the mother drops – the baby’s need takes priority over the mother’s body.