At what gestational age does toxicosis stop? When does toxicosis in pregnant women end? The week when the toxicosis has passed ...

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness - all these signs are familiar to women who are in an "interesting position" or have already become mothers. When does toxicosis in pregnant women go away and how dangerous is this condition, should it be treated?

What week is toxicosis in pregnant women and how to deal with nausea and vomiting, which cause a lot of trouble for a woman? Expectant mothers are asked such questions quite often, because some of them feel very unwell.

What is toxicosis and is it possible to fight it? By this term, doctors mean the appearance of a whole range of unpleasant symptoms: nausea, vomiting, headache. All these gestational changes appear in the first 5-6 weeks of gestation and completely disappear only after childbirth. With toxicosis, salivation increases, drowsiness appears. But all these signs are typical for the first trimester of pregnancy. Many people think that this phenomenon can only be encountered at the very beginning of the term, but this is not entirely true. Specialists distinguish early and late toxicosis (preeclampsia). With the development of preeclampsia, dropsy, preeclampsia, eclampsia can be diagnosed, edema appears. If early toxicosis can be felt for the first time at week 5 of gestation, then late usually appears from week 26 or even after.

Experts assure that all suspicious signs can be felt only at 4-5 weeks of pregnancy. It is impossible to feel this before, since toxicosis begins to appear only after the fetal egg is attached to the wall of the uterus and the hormonal background changes. There may be several reasons for the deterioration of the condition. Scientists are still arguing about the mechanism of development of toxicosis. Some believe that it's all about the production of hCG and an increase in the concentration of other hormones in the blood, while others are sure that with the growth of the embryo in the uterus, toxic substances are released into the woman's body. There is also an immunological theory. Its supporters argue that the fetal egg is initially perceived as alien and all organs and systems begin to work to reject it, and the defense mechanisms do not allow this. Such an immunological conflict is strongly reflected in well-being.

To smooth out the manifestations of toxicosis, you need to monitor your emotional state, try not to overwork, not be nervous. Unstable mental health affects the functioning of the whole organism, which is already stressed during pregnancy.

Nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness - all this is natural for early pregnancy. This condition does not need to be treated. Walking in the fresh air, proper nutrition, and taking vitamin and mineral complexes help to improve well-being. If a woman vomits strongly, she eats almost nothing, you should immediately contact your gynecologist. Such forms of toxicosis can pose a certain danger. Vomiting up to 5-6 times a day threatens to dehydrate the body. Doctors usually prescribe drugs in such cases that can replenish the supply of water and salts in organs and tissues. In the most severe forms of toxicosis, hospitalization is required. In a hospital setting, a woman can be given a drip and support her body during such a difficult period.

When expectant mothers begin to feel sick, they think with horror about whether they can endure until the end of the pregnancy. But experts are quick to reassure them. Early toxicosis in most cases stops at 11-13 weeks of gestation. By this time, the body gets used to the changed hormonal background and increased load. In addition, at this time the placenta is already formed, which serves as a kind of barrier and prevents toxic substances from entering the woman's circulatory system. Cases where toxicosis continues throughout the second and third trimester is rare, but this also happens. Some expectant mothers are forced to feel severe discomfort throughout the entire period. Late toxicosis is even more dangerous than early, although it is not so pronounced.

Light toxicosis, according to many doctors, is a good sign. It indicates that the pregnancy is developing normally. And its abrupt cessation for up to 10-11 weeks may be due to the fact that the embryo has stopped its development. That is why doctors advise those who are at risk to monitor such changes.

Not all women have toxicosis proceeds according to the classical pattern. There are also atypical forms of this condition. In some cases, this is expressed in the development of dermatosis, jaundice, bronchial asthma. You can encounter these manifestations of toxicosis at any time.

Early toxicosis of pregnant women usually appears at 4-5 weeks of gestation and continues until the beginning of the second trimester. If women are constantly sick and vomit, she should immediately consult a doctor in order to maintain the health of the baby and not harm her body.

Almost 2/3 of pregnant women face toxicosis of varying severity. It can significantly worsen a woman's well-being and even cause her to be hospitalized. Fortunately, in most cases, toxicosis of pregnant women does not lead to disability, although this condition imposes certain restrictions on the regimen and nutrition.

What is considered toxicosis during pregnancy

Pregnancy without toxicosis is the absolute norm. But in the modern world this is not common, and the absence of any uncomfortable symptoms already in the first days after a delay in menstruation is often perceived by a woman as an alarming sign. So what is toxicosis?

This term refers to a group of pathological conditions that occur only during pregnancy, lead to a deterioration in the woman's well-being and are manifested by extragenital symptoms. They can appear even before registering a missed period and receiving a positive pregnancy test. So many women consider this condition to be the very first and quite reliable sign of a successful conception.

In fact, toxicosis refers to the dubious signs of pregnancy. After all, its symptoms are nonspecific, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish them from the signs of various somatic diseases. In addition, some complaints that appear in a pregnant woman may be of a psychogenic nature, that is, they do not have a physiological connection with the development of an embryo in the uterus. And sometimes a condition that mimics toxicosis even occurs outside of pregnancy. This is possible if a woman is very much looking forward to its onset and has a tendency to somatize her emotions due to individual psychological characteristics.

The term "toxicosis" was introduced into use at the beginning of the last century. Moreover, initially they designated pathological extragenital conditions that occur at any gestational age. Currently, toxicosis is diagnosed only in the 1st trimester. And at a later date, the term "gestosis" is used. And this is already a much more severe and potentially life-threatening condition for the fetus and woman. But even now it is sometimes called late toxicosis, which is not a completely correct term.

Main clinical forms

According to the modern classification, toxicosis includes:

Vomiting of pregnant women is the most common form, accounting for up to 85% of cases. It is she who is most often called.
Salivation.
Dermatoses or "pruritus of pregnant women."
Chorea of pregnancy.
Bronchospasm and bronchial asthma.
Hepatosis, acute yellow liver atrophy.
Osteomalacia.

In terms of severity, toxicosis can have 3 degrees of severity: mild, moderate, severe. This is decisive when deciding on the hospitalization of a pregnant woman, even if she does not show signs of a threat of interruption and deviations in the development of pregnancy.

Why does he appear

For quite a long time, the development of toxicosis was associated with the poisoning of the woman's body by metabolic products (toxins) formed during the development of the embryo. Currently, this theory is recognized as untenable, as it does not explain the disappearance of the main symptoms as the pregnancy progresses. Subsequently, many other assumptions were made, and some of them are reflected in the modern understanding of the pathogenesis of toxicosis of pregnancy. The study of this condition is still underway, because the final mechanisms for the development of key symptoms have not yet been established.

To date, it is believed that the main causes of toxicosis during pregnancy lie in the developing hormonal imbalance in the woman's body and in the change in the functional state of her central nervous system (especially the diencephalic region and the parasympathetic part). Subsequently, secondary dysmetabolic disorders occur. This aggravates the condition and may contribute to the formation of not functional, but structural changes in some internal organs with the appearance of new symptoms. In severe toxicosis, dystrophic changes develop.

For example, vomiting leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This can already secondarily provoke a violation of the digestive tract, convulsions, a violation of the functioning of the central nervous system and the heart. Starvation or low absorption of essential nutrients associated with toxicosis contribute to hypoproteinemia and the accumulation of ketone bodies. In an unfavorable scenario, this can cause severe progressive hyperlipemia with subsequent fatty infiltration of the liver.

In some cases, signs of toxicosis can be explained by the allergization of the body of a pregnant woman by trophoblast proteins.

Clinically significant hormonal changes

Pathogenetically important dyshormonal disorders of early pregnancy:

Relative estrogen deficiency. By itself, this does not lead to toxicosis, but in combination with other disorders it becomes clinically significant and contributes to the development of autonomic reactions.
An increase in the concentration of progesterone in the blood. This hormone is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary, which remains in place and continues to function after the implantation of the embryo. Its main task is to prolong pregnancy, prevent spontaneous abortions and ensure adequate growth of uterine tissues. But the effects of progesterone are not limited to the reproductive system. It acts on smooth muscle fibers in the walls of the digestive tract, relaxing them. This can lead to an imbalance in the functioning of the stomach and various parts of the intestine, which causes unpleasant symptoms in toxicosis.
Progressively increasing production of chorionic gonadotropin in the first weeks of pregnancy. There is evidence that the peak values of this substance often act as a provoking factor for the development of vomiting. This may explain the prevalence of complaints of nausea in the morning, when the concentration of hCG is usually highest.
Decreased secretion of glucocorticosteroids by the adrenal cortex. This leads to a decrease in the reaction of blood vessels to vasoconstrictor substances, contributes to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces.

Currently dishormonal changes are considered key in the pathogenesis of toxicosis.

What affects the likelihood of developing toxicosis

Not all pregnant women develop toxicosis. Even for the same woman, the period of bearing the first and subsequent children may differ. And if she has already experienced toxicosis earlier, during the second pregnancy, his symptoms may not bother. And it is impossible to predict its appearance.

There is also an opinion that there is a relationship between the likelihood of toxicosis and the sex of the conceived child. But it has no scientific evidence. In the earliest stages of pregnancy, when toxicosis usually appears, all embryos develop in the same way. They do not yet have a differentiation of the reproductive system, this will only happen from the 8th week of gestation. Therefore, the sex of the child cannot affect the development of early toxicosis.

Predisposing factors include:

. The hormonal "surge" in a pregnant woman is usually higher than when conceived with a single embryo.
Tendency to neurosis-like and somatoform reactions, migraines. Indeed, in these cases, even before pregnancy, there is a change in the interaction between the brain, the autonomic part of the nervous system and target organs.
Transferred shortly before conception infectious diseases and surgical interventions, especially on the reproductive organs.
The presence of chronic diseases of internal organs. The onset and prolongation of pregnancy can become a factor that disrupts the existing balance and leads to decompensation of the existing pathology. This is especially true for diseases of the digestive tract.
hereditary predisposition.
Age. Pregnant women over 35-40 years old are more likely to develop toxicosis. This is due to a decrease in their general compensatory capabilities of the body, a decrease in the functional activity of the endocrine and reproductive systems, and the accumulation of chronic and not always diagnosed pathology of internal organs.

It is important to understand that the presence of predisposing conditions only increases the likelihood of developing toxicosis. And their absence does not guarantee good health in the first months of pregnancy. Absolutely healthy and quite emotionally balanced women often face toxicosis. This is no exception to the rule and only speaks of the development of their reaction to the changes occurring during pregnancy.

When does toxicity begin?

How long after conception does toxicosis occur?

The timing of the development of this condition is quite individual, but in any case, it appears only after the implantation of the fetal egg into the functional layer of the endometrium of the uterus. And this process occurs no earlier than 5 days after the fusion of the egg and sperm, most often on the 9th day after ovulation.

But in a number of women, for various reasons, the timing of implantation shifts and can be either 7-8 or 11-14 days. At the same time, a long time interval between fertilization and the introduction of the fetal egg is fraught with non-preservation of pregnancy, the woman's body simply does not have time to adequately respond and prevent the onset of menstruation.

What explains such a period?

Fertilization of the egg most often occurs in the lumen of the fallopian tube. Therefore, for proper implantation, the resulting fetal egg must reach the endometrium. It also needs to go through certain successive stages of development and be transformed into a blastocyst in the process of active cell division. Therefore, even if fertilization occurs in the uterine cavity, implantation is still possible only after a strictly defined number of days.

Only after the introduction and fixation of the fetal egg in the endometrium, the woman's body receives a signal about the onset of pregnancy and begins to produce hormones for its prolongation. And a pronounced increase in the level of progesterone and a progressive increase in the synthesis of hCG are just capable of provoking the onset of toxicosis. But this usually does not happen immediately after implantation, but only after reaching a certain concentration of hormones and a secondary change in the functional state of the nervous system. In addition, each pregnant woman has her own sensitivity to the processes taking place in her body.

So what week does toxicosis begin?

The majority of women begin to experience its symptoms within about 1.5 weeks after a missed period. Most often, they are preceded by other signs of an increase in progesterone levels: breast engorgement, increased nipple sensitivity, and others. But in some pregnant women, they appear almost simultaneously with nausea, already a week and a half before the expected date of menstruation.

The pregnancy that came after can also proceed with toxicosis. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the later implantation of the fetal egg due to the technical features and timing of the procedure for transferring embryos into the uterine cavity. Therefore, the symptoms of toxicosis usually occur after confirmation of the fact of pregnancy using a laboratory test for hCG and ultrasound.

It is important to understand that toxicosis is not excluded and with. After all, the place of implantation does not affect the functioning of the corpus luteum, the synthesis of hormones is supported by the signals coming from the developing fetal egg. Therefore, it is impossible to assume an ectopic pregnancy only by the severity of toxicosis; other symptoms indicate this pathology.

Main manifestations

The most common form of toxicosis is nausea and vomiting of pregnant women. They are usually combined with increased salivation, increased sensitivity to odors (both food and household), the appearance of taste preferences, and a change in appetite.

Nausea is an uncomfortable, but not at all dangerous symptom for a woman’s health and for the development of an embryo. It can be almost constant, disturb with influxes in response to external taste and aromatic stimuli, or appear mainly in the first hours after waking up in the morning. But evening toxicosis is also possible, which is not a gross pathology. The deterioration of the state at the end of the day is explained by the fatigue of the pregnant woman with the depletion of the functional reserves of the nervous system.

Vomiting most often accompanies nausea and develops at its peak. In the first half of pregnancy, morning urges usually occur on an empty stomach. But vomiting can also appear after eating. Its frequency and abundance depend on the severity of toxicosis and the presence of concomitant chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The diet of a pregnant woman is also of some importance. Abundant, irritating, fatty foods usually aggravate the situation and provoke vomiting more often.

In addition, gastric emptying may not be spontaneous. Wanting to alleviate the condition, reduce the severity of nausea and feelings of heaviness and fullness in the abdomen, some pregnant women deliberately induce vomiting. This is fraught with the appearance of traumatic linear tears of the mucous membrane of the esophagus at the place of its transition to the stomach, which causes some discomfort and can even cause the appearance of individual streaks of fresh blood in the vomit.

Early toxicosis can also be accompanied by heartburn - a burning sensation behind the sternum with a sour taste in the mouth, and sometimes with a feeling of irritation in the throat. The appearance of this symptom is explained by the relaxation of the cardiac sphincter between the esophagus and stomach with the reflux of acidic contents into the upper sections and even into the oral cavity. The likelihood of heartburn increases with intentional provocation of vomiting. But in general, heartburn usually appears at more pronounced gestational ages.

The change in the general condition, the nature and severity of metabolic changes in toxicosis of the first half of pregnancy depend on the severity of its course. With repeated, debilitating vomiting, other symptoms appear and increase. They are associated with dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, protein deficiency and deterioration in the functioning of internal organs. Severe toxicosis is actually multiple organ failure.

Basic severity criteria

There are 3 degrees of severity of vomiting of pregnant women:

Light. Vomiting occurs 2-4 times a day, while the discharge is not abundant and without pathological impurities. The pregnant woman does not have weight loss, there are no deviations in the biochemical and general blood tests. Her general condition is assessed as satisfactory.
Medium. The frequency of vomiting is 10 or more times a day. The pregnant woman loses weight, she has obvious autonomic disorders and signs of dehydration (dry skin, decreased urine output with acetonuria, severe asthenia, tachycardia and a tendency to lower blood pressure). But there are no critical changes in the general and biochemical analysis of blood yet, the existing hypochloremia and mild anemia can be corrected. The temperature is usually subfebrile. With inadequate treatment, the condition progresses, disorders of carbohydrate and fat metabolism develop.
Heavy. Indomitable vomiting (more than 20 times a day) is one of the many polymorphic symptoms caused by multiple organ failure. Body temperature may be subfebrile or febrile. There is a progressive decrease in body weight with signs of dystrophy of internal organs and tissues. The functioning of the kidneys is disturbed, persistent oliguria, proteinuria, acetonemia and acetonuria develop. Liver damage causes jaundice due to bilirubinemia. The balance of minerals is grossly disturbed, there are obvious violations of all types of metabolism. With an increase in symptoms, the level of consciousness is disturbed, subsequently a coma develops.

Fortunately, intractable vomiting of pregnant women with progressive deterioration of the condition is now rarely diagnosed. After all, such a severe form of toxicosis develops by gradually worsening the symptoms, so that there is the possibility of timely correction of emerging disorders.

When to Worry

Most pregnant women experience a mild form of toxicosis, manifested by nausea and mild morning vomiting. This condition is not dangerous and does not even require special treatment. However, symptoms may develop that require immediate medical attention.

These include:

vomiting more than 10 times a day;
severe adynamia and asthenia, significantly disrupting the daily functioning of a pregnant woman;
violation of the depth of consciousness (in the form of stunning and even stupor), the main symptom of this condition is motor and mental retardation with a violation of the level of contact with the outside world;
weight loss;
dryness and decrease in skin turgor;
the appearance of the smell of acetone in the exhaled air;
a clear decrease in the amount of urine excreted per day;
the appearance of yellowness of the sclera, visible mucous membranes and skin;
sudden disappearance of complaints, which may be a sign of a progressive drop in hCG levels due to.

Strengthening of existing symptoms, the appearance of new disorders - all this also requires a consultation with a doctor.

What is included in the survey

Examination of pregnant women with complaints of the presence of symptoms of toxicosis is aimed at assessing their somatic condition and excluding diseases that can lead to similar complaints.

Diagnostics includes laboratory and instrumental studies:

a general blood test to detect anemia and signs of an inflammatory process;
a biochemical blood test with a mandatory assessment of the functional state of the kidneys and liver, indicators of total protein and protein fractions, the ratio of key ions;
urinalysis, determination of daily diuresis and daily loss of protein in the urine;
Ultrasound of the organs of the hepatobiliary system, pancreas and kidneys, which allows not only to identify existing chronic diseases, but also pregnancy-related hepatosis;
consultation with a neurologist (if a neuroinfection is suspected, with the development of impaired consciousness);
according to indications - smears and, if necessary, a serological examination to exclude food poisoning.

Pregnant women with toxicosis must regularly monitor the level of blood pressure. After all, nausea and weakness can be due to its significant fluctuations both upward and towards a clear decrease.

Pregnant women with a sudden disappearance or a sharp weakening of the main symptoms require special attention. They are shown an unscheduled ultrasound to confirm the viability of the embryo. The fact is that during a frozen pregnancy, toxicosis often decreases rapidly due to the cessation of the synthesis of supporting hormones.

How to deal with toxicosis during pregnancy

Treatment of mild toxicosis is usually not carried out. Only with the development of neurosis-like reactions and a decrease in working capacity can a woman be offered therapy in a day or round-the-clock hospital. Moderate forms of toxicosis are the basis for resolving the issue of the advisability of hospitalization. And severely expressed options require the speedy placement of a pregnant woman in a hospital or even in an intensive care unit.

It is important to understand that all prescribed remedies are not able to completely eliminate the main symptoms, since it is impossible to get rid of toxicosis while maintaining its only cause (pregnancy). The drugs used help to stop potentially life-threatening complications, alleviate some of the manifestations and thereby alleviate the woman's condition. Moreover, each prescribed remedy for toxicosis has its own point of application and certain indications. Therefore, only a doctor should select the optimal therapeutic regimen.

Possible directions of therapeutic effects in toxicosis:

Elimination of existing dehydration, the choice of technique depends on the severity of dehydration and the patient's condition. Drinking is practiced using special saline solutions, infusion therapy based on rheopolyglucin, Ringer-Lock and others.
Correction of electrolyte disturbances and metabolic acidosis. In severe vomiting of pregnant women, the administration of a glucose-insulin-potassium mixture, sodium bicarbonate is often required. The selection of solutions to compensate for the deficiency of electrolytes is based on a dynamic assessment of their level in the blood plasma.
Replenishment of a clear nutrient deficiency. In severe cases, special nutrient mixtures are prescribed, plasma, albumin, serotransfusin can be administered intravenously.
Reduction of endogenous intoxication caused by multiple organ failure. Intravenous administration of gemodez is shown, sometimes extracorporeal blood purification procedures are performed.
Maintaining the function of the hepatobiliary system. In mild and moderate cases, with a hepatoprotective purpose and to improve the functioning of the biliary system, Hofitol, Essentiale are often prescribed. With severe disorders, treatment regimens for non-infectious hepatitis are used.
Fight against kidney failure.
Fight against vomiting. For this, Cerucal is most often used. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) preparations, such as Navidoxin, also have an antiemetic effect. For the relief of severe emetic attacks, injections of neuroleptic and antihistamines can be used.
Stabilization of the neurovegetative background, regulation of the activity of the central nervous system. With indomitable vomiting in the first days of treatment, potent substances (tranquilizers, some antipsychotics, anesthetics) can be used to quickly reduce the excitability of the main structures of the brain. Subsequently, it is recommended to take herbal preparations, magnesium. The very fact of hospitalization often has a stabilizing effect, which makes it possible for a pregnant woman to create a protective regimen. Psychotherapeutic and some physiotherapeutic methods are actively used (electrosleep, color and light therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, massage of the cervical-collar zone and hands, darsonvalization, etc.).

In severe toxicosis with the development of life-threatening conditions that cannot be at least partially corrected during the day, the issue of abortion for medical reasons is decided. This measure is also necessary in the development of acute yellow atrophy of the liver.

How to relieve toxicosis without drugs

Drug therapy for toxicosis is by no means an everyday measure. For mild (and sometimes moderate) vomiting of pregnant women, non-drug measures are sufficient. These include diet, work and rest regimen, a variety of folk remedies for toxicosis. Some women during this period resort to the help of homeopaths.

Herbal infusions based on mint, chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, sage, rosehip, oregano, ginger are widely used. Some of them have a slight sedative effect, others help reduce the severity of the gag reflex. But do not forget that herbal medicine is potentially allergenic. In addition, without the consent of a doctor, plants that can affect blood clotting should be avoided.

Helps with toxicosis during pregnancy and aromatherapy, despite the woman's increased sensitivity to smells. You can reduce the severity of nausea by inhaling a small amount of essential oils of peppermint, lemon, anise, ginger oil. They are usually used not in a pure (concentrated) form, but in a mixture with a neutral base oil. For such inhalations, you can use aroma lamps, aroma pendants, or simply apply a few fragrant drops on a handkerchief.

How to eat

Nutrition for toxicosis is a very important aspect. Food should be taken fractionally, which will avoid overeating and long "hungry" intervals. Many women manage morning sickness with a light snack right after waking up, right in bed. Such a meal will increase the level of glucose in the blood, because the natural morning subhypoglycemia for a pregnant woman can become a factor provoking vomiting.

During the day, to reduce the symptoms of toxicosis, you can use crackers, a slice of lemon, a teaspoon of honey, a small amount of sunflower seeds, cranberry juice. The composition of such a snack is selected individually, empirically.

Food during the period of toxicosis should be easily digestible, appetizing looking, freshly prepared, with a minimum of artificial flavoring and preservative additives. At the same time, it should provide the supply of essential nutrients and have adequate calorie content. It is advisable to abandon frying and deep-frying, the use of fatty sauces, smoked meats and factory-made sausages. Preference should be given to baked, boiled and stewed dishes, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. Marinades and pickles can be used to a limited extent, if there are appropriate taste preferences.

It is recommended to include in the menu products with a high content of well-digestible protein, vitamin B6, polyunsaturated fatty acids. But freshly baked bread, products made from yeast dough and premium flour, legumes should be discarded - they can increase gas formation in the intestines, which will negatively affect the well-being of a pregnant woman.

When to expect relief

How long does toxicosis last in pregnant women and at what gestational age should its symptoms disappear? This question is one of the most common at the reception of an obstetrician-gynecologist. After all, nausea and other symptoms are very uncomfortable and can even disrupt the social life of a pregnant woman.

Toxicosis is typical for the first trimester of pregnancy, in most cases it begins to fade at 12-14 weeks of gestation. But sometimes his symptoms persist for some time (up to about 20 weeks), which is quite acceptable. Therefore, to refer to this condition, it is more correct to use the term "toxicosis of the first half of pregnancy."

The disappearance of symptoms is explained by physiological changes that occur starting from the 12th week of gestation. We are talking about the formation of the placenta. It not only forms a semi-permeable selective barrier between the blood of the mother and the fetus, but also performs an endocrine function. At the beginning of the first trimester, she begins to actively synthesize hCG and other hormones that were previously produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary. And at 14-16 weeks, this function completely passes to the placenta. At the same time, the concentration of hCG in the woman’s blood gradually decreases, which explains the improvement in her well-being.

Therefore, at the beginning of the second trimester, toxicosis usually passes. Of course, this happens gradually, with a gradual depletion of symptoms and an improvement in the general well-being and activity of the pregnant woman.

Morning toxicosis is a fairly common occurrence in early gestation. And in many cases, this does not require the use of any drugs. As the pregnancy progresses, its symptoms disappear, which usually allows a woman to fully enjoy the period of bearing a child.

Weakness, constant fatigue, frequent nausea and vomiting - often this is how toxicosis occurs during pregnancy. Often, these symptoms are complemented by irritability, changes in taste, loss of appetite. Signs of early toxicosis do not pose a danger to the expectant mother and child. But preeclampsia - complications of pregnancy in the later stages, poses a threat to both women's health and the fetus.

Nausea is one of the signs of pregnancy

What is toxicosis in pregnant women?

Toxicosis or intoxication is a pathological condition that is provoked by the poisoning of the body of the expectant mother with endogenous toxins that are produced during the development of the fetus. The nervous system suffers the most, metabolism is disturbed, problems in the work of the heart and blood vessels are observed.

In 90% of pregnant women, intoxication occurs, but there is also late toxicosis, which occurs at the end of the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Depending on the intensity of symptoms, mild, moderate and severe degrees are determined. The complete absence of negative signs is a sign of a normal pregnancy and good health of a woman.

Why does toxicosis occur during pregnancy?

Why toxicosis occurs is not fully understood. The main causes of the pathological condition, due to which unpleasant sensations appear, are considered to be:

change in the hormonal background;
immune reactions of the body - protective cells in the first half of pregnancy take the fetus for a foreign body and produce an increased amount of antibodies to eliminate it;
unformed placenta - until the protective shell is fully formed and protects the body from intoxication, the systems independently try to cope with harmful substances;
defensive reaction - often appears in the later stages and acts as the body's response to cigarette smoke, the smell of coffee, fish, eggs - all that can harm the mother and unborn baby;
chronic pathologies - untreated infections and diseases of internal organs (enlargement of the thyroid gland, ulcers, pancreatitis) weaken the woman's immunity, which leads to a deterioration in the condition during pregnancy;
increased work of the subcortical structures of the brain - during the gestation of the fetus, the body tries to protect the fetus and activates those centers that are responsible for the gag reflex, sense of smell, the work of the heart, stomach, salivary glands, blood vessels.

Toxicosis often occurs due to changes in the hormonal background.

The psycho-emotional state of the expectant mother influences the development of toxicosis. Fears about the health of the unborn baby, fear of childbirth, constant worries, stress and, as a result, lack of sleep, overwork - all this provokes a deterioration in the well-being of the pregnant woman.

In addition to the reasons contributing to the development of toxicosis in the early and late stages, there are risk factors for this condition:

infectious pathologies of the genitourinary system of a chronic nature;
the presence of multiple abortions;
multiple pregnancy;
heredity;
bad habits - smoking, alcohol, drugs;
improper and unbalanced diet;
age from 30–35 years.

If a woman has no health problems, she leads an active lifestyle and monitors her emotional background, the risk of developing toxicosis is minimal.

The first signs and symptoms of manifestation

The beginning of the first half of pregnancy in many women is accompanied by a deterioration in well-being, weakness and irritability. The first and most common signs of successful conception are:

morning sickness;
frequent vomiting;
drowsiness, lethargy, constant fatigue and apathy.

Morning sickness is one of the most common side effects of morning sickness.

The expectant mother loses her appetite, salivation increases, weight decreases, taste preferences change. Sometimes there is a skin rash, asthma, softening of the bones, and an involuntary spasm of the skeletal muscles is felt.

In the later stages of gestation, in addition to vomiting and nausea, edema of the lower extremities develops, the body weight of the future woman in labor rapidly increases (up to 450 g in 7 days), and pressure rises.

Unpleasant symptoms should not increase. If vomiting intensifies, and health worsens, a severe form of toxicosis develops, in which pressure drops, the body becomes dehydrated. The likelihood of a threat to the life of the child and the expectant mother increases.

When does toxicity start?

The onset of toxicosis in each woman develops individually, but most often this period comes:

6-10 days after conception;
at the beginning of the 2nd month of pregnancy - from 5-6 weeks;
at the end of the 3rd trimester - 8-9 months.

5-6 weeks of pregnancy is considered the start for the onset of toxicosis

In the middle of pregnancy, at the end of the 2nd trimester, toxicosis is rare. His appearance at this time is dangerous, as it threatens to collapse due to a severe deterioration in his condition.

When does toxicosis in pregnant women pass?

Unpleasant symptoms last about 2–3.5 months. The peak of toxicosis occurs at 8-10 weeks. Signs decrease from 11 weeks, but continue until the protective shell of the fetus (placenta) is fully formed and harmful substances no longer enter the body. On average, this process ends in 3-3.5 months - 12-13 weeks.

How to deal with toxicosis during pregnancy?

Manifestations of mild intoxication of the body during pregnancy are reduced with the help of folk remedies and dietary adjustments. With moderate and severe forms of toxicosis, it is possible to remove the symptoms with medications.

Medicines

It is realistic to get rid of severe toxicosis if you comprehensively influence the cause of its occurrence. Several groups of drugs help to normalize the work of the central incorrect system and reduce the main manifestations of intoxication.

Regulators of the function of the nervous system that inhibit the gag reflex- Cerucal, Tavegil, Atropine. Tablets reduce morning sickness and vomiting, establish an adequate response of the body to external stimuli.
Dehydration medications- Ringer's solution, solutions of amino acids. Infusion therapy replenishes the loss of fluid by the body due to frequent and profuse vomiting.

Ringer's solution is needed to restore the water balance in the body

Tablets that improve metabolism- folic acid, Riboxin, vitamin C, Cocarboxylase.
Hepatoprotectors- Essentiale, Methionine, Hofitol. The drugs create a protective barrier for the liver, protecting it from the toxic effects of metabolic products.

Treatment of toxicosis with drugs is indicated when vomiting occurs 3 to 10 times a day, severe weakness develops, body temperature rises, pressure drops and rapid weight loss occurs.

Folk remedies

What to do with frequent bouts of nausea, weakness, fatigue in the morning, in the middle of the day or before bed? Use traditional medicine recipes. Safe and simple methods help get rid of unpleasant symptoms and normalize the condition of a pregnant woman.

Rosehip decoction helps to cope with toxicosis

Pour 1 liter of boiling water 2 tbsp. l. rose hips, boil for 5 minutes and let it brew for half an hour. The drink helps reduce morning sickness, remove toxins from the body and prevent vomiting. The decoction is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, then at lunch and in the evening, 1 glass.

White clay will relieve the pregnant woman from the symptoms of toxicosis

In 2/3 cup of warm water, stir ¼ tsp. clay. The remedy is drunk in the morning before breakfast. The substance has a sorbing effect, which helps to remove harmful substances from the body and minimize signs of intoxication.

Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice

Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice stops the urge to vomit

During the day, you need to drink 1 glass of pomegranate juice, diluted with water or beetroot juice. A healthy drink normalizes the functioning of the circulatory system and heart, improves appetite. The desire for nausea and vomiting stops after 1-2 doses of sour juice.

Lemon and mint

Lemon with mint is needed to improve the general condition of the body

Cut 1 lemon, 2-3 sprigs of mint into small pieces, pour boiling water over and leave for 25 minutes. Add honey to taste in a warm drink. The remedy is drunk during the day in a glass. The recipe helps to improve the general condition of a woman - nausea disappears, drowsiness and a feeling of fatigue decrease.

Ginger with lemon

Combine crushed lemon with 1 tsp. grated ginger root, place in a two-liter jar and pour warm water to the top. Ginger-lemon drink is infused for at least 10 hours, after which it is taken 1 glass in the morning and evening. The infusion refreshes, gives strength, fights nausea, prevents vomiting.

Infusion of ginger with lemon perfectly copes with toxicosis and refreshes the body

Peppermint candies, ginger tea, honey with water (per 200 ml of 1 tsp of honey), orange and grapefruit juices help to overcome morning attacks of nausea and weakness. Each woman herself determines which methods are more suitable for her, trying this or folk recipe.

How to alleviate the condition in other ways?

It is really possible to get rid of a mild form of toxicosis with the help of effective methods.

Adjust nutrition. Exclude fatty, spicy foods from the diet, limit sweets and flour products. Eat more fruits, vegetables, drink mineral water, mint tea. Eat small meals 5-6 times a day.
Lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Moderate physical activity, morning exercises, long walks in the fresh air, swimming - stimulate the normalization of all metabolic processes, strengthen the immune system and improve the general condition of the expectant mother.
Keep a sleep schedule. A pregnant woman should sleep at least 9-10 hours a day. Adequate sleep is the key to good health, cheerfulness and good mood.
Avoid stress and emotional overwork. During pregnancy, a woman should protect herself from bad emotions, try to be positive.

Morning awakenings should not be abrupt. After sleep, it is useful to lie in bed a little, eat 2-3 slices of orange or tangerine, drink mint tea. More rest during the day, drinking sedative preparations (motherwort, valerian), if stressful situations could not be avoided - all this helps to minimize discomfort and improve the well-being of a pregnant woman.

How does toxicosis affect the fetus?

Mild forms of early toxicosis do not pose a danger to the health and development of the unborn child. With an average course of intoxication, anemia develops in a woman, which leads to abnormalities in the development of the fetus. Severe degrees of toxicosis pose a threat to the life of not only the child, but also the mother.

Late toxicosis is also very dangerous. Its severe forms lead to placental insufficiency, which causes:

Oxygen starvation of the fetus due to toxicosis can be dangerous

oxygen starvation of the fetus (hypoxia);
lag in the development of the unborn child;
the threat of fetal death (premature placental abruption).

To prevent the negative effects of toxicosis and preeclampsia, a woman is prescribed individual treatment, which includes certain medications, vitamin complexes, dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

If you feel sick right up to vomiting, you feel bad from smells or the mere mention of some products, and the pregnancy test shows two stripes - you have begun.

The main signs of toxicosis of pregnant women are as follows:

nausea;
vomit;
salivation;
depressed state;
bad feeling;
irritability;
drowsiness;
weight loss.

There are also rare forms of early toxicosis: dermatoses of pregnant women, tetany, osteomalacia, acute yellow liver atrophy, bronchial asthma of pregnant women.

At what stage of pregnancy does toxicosis begin?

Basically, women suffer from toxicosis in the early stages of pregnancy. Most often, the symptoms of early toxicosis appear at 5-6 weeks, sometimes already on the days of delayed menstruation, and in some cases even earlier - starting from the first week of conception.

Some women claim to feel nauseous and even experience vomiting the very next day after unprotected intercourse. But experts are skeptical about such claims. "Toxicosis" in such cases, most likely, has other causes that are completely unrelated to pregnancy: for example, poisoning or malaise due to changes in blood pressure. A psychological factor is also not excluded: the girl begins to worry, worry, and experiences “signs” of pregnancy on emotions.

Toxicosis in the first trimester of pregnancy is observed most often. But there are also much more dangerous late toxicoses. Toxicosis is also called gestosis, but the term "preeclampsia of pregnancy" is more often used to refer to just late toxicosis.

Toxicosis during pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon and does not require treatment (unlike preeclampsia). But if you feel very bad, vomiting is repeated often and weight loss is observed, then you need to seek help from a gynecologist.

The absolute norm is also the absence of any toxicosis and even the slightest hint of it. The opinion that a pregnant woman must certainly feel sick is erroneous.

How long does toxemia last during pregnancy?

Everything is very individual: starting from the manifestations of toxicosis, ending with its duration. Some women feel only mild nausea, others are forced to go to the hospital for treatment. It is the same with the duration: toxicosis during pregnancy in different women is observed for a different period, but most often it gradually disappears by the beginning of the second trimester.

Toxicosis during pregnancy lasts until the period when the placenta is fully formed, that is, weeks up to the 12th-14th. Then comes the second trimester, which is calm in terms of well-being. By the third trimester of pregnancy, toxicosis can resume, and then it is already called preeclampsia. It also happens that toxicosis during pregnancy first manifests itself at the end of the term. Preeclampsia is much more dangerous than early toxicosis, so it is imperative to warn the doctor about its appearance.

Signs of gestosis are also somewhat different. In particular, there is an increased formation of edema and an increase in blood pressure.

Sometimes late toxicosis can begin as early as the second trimester, which is not safe for the fetus and expectant mother. But, fortunately, everything will pass after childbirth - that's for sure!

Causes of toxicosis during pregnancy

It is believed that toxicosis is a consequence of ongoing hormonal changes in the mother's body, necessary for the normal development and bearing of the child. Why toxicosis annoys pregnant women, it is still not possible to answer exactly. But it has been established that pregnant women with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, thyroid gland, as well as women who smoke, work hard and experience nervous strain are susceptible to toxicosis.

Among other probable causes of the development of toxicosis during pregnancy, various researchers call the following:

chronic diseases;
pregnancy at a very young age;
psychological unpreparedness for motherhood;
hereditary predisposition.

Some scientists believe that toxicosis is a natural defense of the fetus from the likely effects of negative factors (for example, bad habits and unhealthy diets).

Many people think that nausea and vomiting is quite normal for a pregnant woman. But in fact, such a condition can be dangerous for both the mother and the fetus. It’s good if you just constantly want to sleep and you become extremely irritable for a minute. But debilitating vomiting, systematic starvation and rapid weight loss are not at all a condition that can be called normal. Even and especially for a pregnant woman.

In principle, it is considered normal if for some time a pregnant woman feels bouts of nausea and vomiting no more than twice a day - in the morning, mostly on an empty stomach. But only on condition that the general condition of the woman does not worsen. If you get worse, you can't eat, and you have frequent seizures, plus you're losing weight, it's very dangerous. Therefore, it is better not to allow such a state to occur, but to start treating toxicosis on time.

Remedies for toxicosis during pregnancy

There are many different treatments for toxicosis. But not all of them are harmless, safe and effective. So, we repeat once again: it is better not to start the disease.

Medical treatment. Among all the drugs used to treat toxicosis (and there are about 20 of them), only vitamins and trace elements are harmless to a certain extent during pregnancy. The rest are very dangerous and toxic. But under certain conditions, one has to resort to their help - when the benefit of such treatment for the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Drug treatment of toxicosis must necessarily be comprehensive and include a number of different drugs. Such treatment is always carried out in a hospital, but, unfortunately, not always successfully.

Usually, if the treatment was started on time, the toxicosis successfully passes and the woman is discharged. But in rare cases, there is no improvement:

vomiting does not stop;
increasing dehydration;
progressive weight loss;
acetonuria progresses within 3-4 days;
pronounced tachycardia is observed;
the functions of the nervous system are impaired (adynamia, apathy, delirium, euphoria);
icteric staining of the sclera and skin is characteristic.

This condition of a pregnant woman is an indication for termination of pregnancy. But, fortunately, today this happens extremely rarely.

Immunocytotherapy refers to modern invasive methods of treatment. It consists in the fact that a pregnant woman is injected into the skin of her forearm with her husband's lymphocytes. Improving the well-being of a pregnant woman occurs, as a rule, after 24 hours. Immunocytotherapy also requires hospitalization and even a thorough examination of the child's father for infections (hepatitis B and C, HIV, Wasserman reaction). But still, this method is dangerous: there is a threat of infection with hepatitis, for example.

Homeopathy is absolutely safe for the pregnant woman and the fetus and very effective, and therefore the preferred method of treating toxicosis. It allows you to select drugs individually and at the same time treats the whole body as a whole, not only for women, but, if necessary, for children. The likelihood of side effects and toxic overdose is excluded, and the homeopathic preparations themselves are not addictive.

Aromatherapy. Peppermint can help prevent morning sickness: put one drop of this essential oil on your pillow or on a handkerchief that you place near the head of the bed. This extract has a beneficial sedative effect not only on the entire body as a whole, but also specifically on your stomach, preventing its morning “riots”. Do this procedure for several nights in a row, and you will notice a clear relief.

Carry ginger essential oil with you: when you suddenly become ill and start to feel sick, put a drop of ginger oil on your palms, rub it, bring it to your nose and inhale calmly several times. This oil also helps with vomiting: drop a drop into 0.5 liters of boiled water and perform steam inhalation.

To prevent nausea and vomiting during the day, it is recommended to rub the oil mixture into the suprapubic area in the morning: add one drop of ginger oil to a dessert spoon (10 ml) of any vegetable oil.

When using aroma oils, pay attention to their quality: you can buy only those essential oils for which there is a hygiene certificate and a certificate of conformity. It is better to do it in a pharmacy.

In addition to the described types of treatment during toxicosis, physio- and herbal medicine are used. They also often resort to more exotic methods of treatment: hypnosis, electrosleep, acupuncture.

However, with mild manifestations of toxicosis, pregnant women can successfully curb it at home.

How to deal with toxicosis during pregnancy at home?

Don't get out of bed abruptly in the morning. First, eat a handful of nuts or cookies prepared by the bedside in the evening.
Eat during the day fractionally, little by little, preferably every 2-3 hours.
Frequent chewing helps a lot with nausea. Snack on lemon, nuts, dried fruits, mints, tangerines. It is useful for nausea to chew cumin seeds or regular chewing gum.
Try to eliminate fried foods, pickles, chocolate, and indigestible foods from your diet.
It has been proven that vitamin B6 reduces the manifestations of toxicosis, so foods rich in it should be included in the diet: fish, eggs, skinless chicken, nuts and legumes (beans, peas, lentils). Avocados contain a large amount of vitamin B6.
Ginger has an antiemetic effect: it can be added to tea or simply chewed. Any foods that contain ginger (such as gingerbread cookies) will help overcome the urge to vomit.
Food should be light, but nutritious and contain all the useful substances: fruits, unleavened cereals on the water, bread.
But if you really want to - eat what you want.
You need to eat lightly lying down. Or immediately after the meal, lie down for a while to rest.
With toxicosis, it is necessary to eat warm or chilled food.
Get into the habit of drinking a glass of water every morning on an empty stomach - this will reduce the feeling of nausea and help to cope with malaise.
Drink alkaline mineral water without gas, preheating it.
In general, drink plenty of fluids, but in small portions. Especially useful are chamomile tea, cranberry juice, freshly squeezed apple juice, green tea with lemon, rosehip infusion, water with lemon juice and honey.
When drooling, it is good to rinse your mouth with infusion of chamomile, sage, mint.
Also take infusions of calendula, valerian, yarrow and mint: these plants stop spasms, have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract and perfectly calm the nerves.
A proven remedy for combating toxicosis is mint. Based on it, you can prepare a tincture for toxicosis. Take two teaspoons of dry mint, a teaspoon of valerian root, two teaspoons of marigold flowers and the same amount of yarrow herb. The mixture should be poured with 400 ml of boiling water, insisted for 30 minutes and strained. Take two to three tablespoons six times a day in three courses of 25 days with 15-day breaks.
Get outdoors more.
Keep your kitchen well ventilated and use a range hood to keep odors at bay.

Do not despair and believe in the best: very soon it will end. Early toxicosis, as a rule, stops by the beginning of the second trimester of pregnancy. However, late toxicosis also occurs -

For every woman, the birth of a child is an important and long-awaited event. But, unfortunately, this expectation cannot always be called pleasant, since expectant mothers often face such a complication of pregnancy as toxicosis.

Toxicosis is a state of the body caused by the action of toxins. It manifests itself in the form of unpleasant dyspeptic conditions - nausea, vomiting, weakness. Sometimes skin reactions occur. Blood pressure may drop.

Women suffering from vegetative-vascular dystonia are especially susceptible to changes in the cardiovascular system. There may be fainting, loss of strength. Often, toxicosis is accompanied by anxiety, tearfulness, sleep disturbance. The reaction to smells and sounds is aggravated.

At what time does toxicosis appear?

The body of each woman is individual. Every pregnancy is different. There are some lucky people who are not affected by this problem at all. And for someone, signs of toxicosis appear already on the first day of the delay. Sometimes the expectant mother receives the first “bell” in the form of nausea or malaise, without even knowing about the onset of pregnancy.

Most often, toxicosis manifests itself only in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, in rare cases, this extremely unpleasant condition lasts almost the entire pregnancy. But these are, as a rule, complicated conditions that require medical intervention and observation.

If we talk about toxicosis of the first trimester, then during this period, subject to the presence of a mild degree, toxicosis is considered physiological, that is, a completely acceptable variant of the norm. If the state of health does not improve throughout the pregnancy, and especially in the last trimester, you need to sound the alarm.

Causes of toxicosis

The level of human chorionic gonadotropin rises - the very hormone thanks to which we learn about pregnancy and which is responsible for the production of progesterone in early pregnancy. An increase in the level of these hormones and provokes a deterioration in well-being.
In the first 3 months, when the body is actively rebuilding, the mother's metabolism increases, which means that the amount of decay products increases, and they are known to be toxins. At first, the body can not cope with their withdrawal, so there are signs of toxicity.
The immune system of a woman can perceive the baby's cells as a "foreign" organism, which subsequently leads to a miscarriage.

After 3 months, the placenta completely completes its formation and begins to fully cope with its duties, and the metabolic products of the child do not poison the mother's blood. This organ plays important hormone-forming, respiratory, endocrine and trophic functions. Their violation can also lead to toxicosis.

During the first three months of pregnancy, the work of the endocrine glands is getting better, the hormonal background calms down. If this process returns to the physiological norm, toxicosis ends.

After the end of the formation of the placenta, the mother's immune system ceases to consider the fetus as a foreign organism. During pregnancy, the so-called immunosuppression occurs - the suppression of the natural immunity of the mother. After childbirth, this process ends, and immunity returns to its original state.

The duration may depend on the degree of toxicosis. If you experience weakness and mild nausea in the morning without fainting or vomiting, it will most likely end quickly.

With a mild degree of toxicosis, the participation of a doctor, medication and other serious manipulations are not required. You can fight manifestations. This condition usually lasts for several weeks and ends before the end of the first trimester.

The average degree of toxicosis is characterized by a deterioration in well-being throughout the day. Vomiting can be up to 7-8 times a day. The blood pressure drops, and heart rhythm disturbances may occur. Possible weight loss, lack of appetite. In this case, you will have to endure until 12-15 weeks of pregnancy.

A severe degree is characterized by repeated vomiting, dermatosis, loss of consciousness, sudden pressure surges. The body is dehydrated, acetone may appear in the urine. Such a course of toxicosis requires urgent medical intervention and treatment.

Normally, toxicosis continues until the end of 3, the middle of 4 months. Although it is very individual. Then the body adapts to the changes that have occurred, and the manifestations of toxicosis disappear on their own. The second trimester is the quietest of all.

How long does toxicosis last?

If after the onset of the 13th week of pregnancy nausea, vomiting do not go away, loss of consciousness occurs, it is necessary to inform the doctor in charge of the pregnancy. The fact is that a completely unrelated disease can be masked under toxicosis. It may be necessary to conduct additional examination.

With an increase in the duration of pregnancy, unpleasant sensations will pass: a reaction to odors, fainting, hypotension, nausea and vomiting. If this does not happen, we can talk about late toxicosis.

Early toxicosis is a normal process, but late toxicosis is a pathology. It is more likely to affect women who have chronic diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys. In this situation, edema, increased pressure are frequent, and in general, the picture of a difficult course of pregnancy becomes more pronounced. Doctors call this condition preeclampsia. Pathological toxicosis, or gestosis, is manifested by the following symptoms:

Fluid accumulation - swelling of the face and extremities.
Increase in blood pressure.
Changes in blood and urine parameters.
Violations of the cardiovascular system, kidneys and other internal organs.

When signs of preeclampsia appear, a pregnant woman is examined and a course of treatment is prescribed, since these conditions can lead to serious complications in the course of pregnancy, and become a threat to the life of the child. With inpatient or outpatient treatment, properly selected therapy, it is possible to completely or partially get rid of the manifestations of toxicosis. If toxicosis reaches a pre-eclamptic or eclamptic level, the question of early termination of pregnancy may arise, since these conditions can threaten not only the life of the baby, but also the mother. Therefore, one exact answer to the question of how long toxicosis passes cannot be given.

Nature made sure that the pregnancy proceeded as safely and naturally as possible. For this, complex and coordinated mechanisms are set in motion. Toxicosis, with all its uncomfortable manifestations, is one of the important factors in maintaining pregnancy.