I'm nearly 16 weeks pregnant, and I am having a resurgence of morning sickness that has lasted for nearly the past 48 hours, with retching or vomiting about every 4 hours. I have only been able to keep down a couple of small items, and I have no appetite, which is unusual as I had been ravenous in the earlier stages. I am generally well, so I don't believe it is an illness, but it is very curious to me that my morning sickness had waned and now it is worse than it had ever been. Should I be concerned?
Optional Information: Person's Age: 38
I am honored to assist you. My answers are for information purposes only. They don’t substitute for a visit to a doctor’s office. Doctor/patient relationship is not established.
Did you have an ultrasound lately?
If so, how was the result?
Is the nausea or vomiting severe?
Do you pass only a small amount of urine or it's dark in color?
Can you keep down liquids?
Dl you feel dizzy or faint when you stand up?
Do your heart races?
Do you vomit blood?
I had an NT scan about 3 weeks ago. It all looked good.
I do not feel dizzy or faint. My heart does not seem to race, however I am having a very difficult time with insomnia.
The insomnia I assumed was related to anxiety issues, as I am in a new town house-hunting without my husband's assistance and having very bad luck. The nausea began shortly after I learned an offer I made was not accepted, so if anxiety can be associated with this, that might be why.
I do not vomit blood. The vomiting is not severe, but it is much more intense than the morning sickness I had previously. Previously, I only retched. Now I am actually losing meals.
I do find my urine is slightly darker, but I believe it is due to my not drinking as much water as I should.
It doesn't seem to be related to morning sickness. Usually it subsides by 16 weeks.
Do you have stomach pain?
I am 15 weeks and 4 days.
I do not have stomach pain.
Are your symptoms nausea, vomiting, insomnia, poor appetie?
Yes, those are my symptoms.
Do you feel guilty?
Yes, a bit, related to the loss of the house we hoped for. Are you thinking depression?
Do you lose interests in the activities you used to enjoy?
How is your mood?
can you concentrate?
My mood is low. Concentration is possible, but making decisions is VERY difficult.
Do you see things or hear voices other people can't do?
No I do not.
Are you thinking of taking your own life?
No I am not.
I am a volunteer at a suicide hotline, and I appreciate your taking the time to determine if I am safe, I assure you I am, but I recognize from your questioning that I may be suffering from some depression. Can that cause nausea and vomiting?
Depression doesn't cause nausea and vomiting.
OK.
Do you feel fast heartbeats/
somewhat, yes
Do you have shortness of breath?
Sweating?
no
tremble?
i don't think so
Fatigue?
powerless?
no trembling, and i actually have more energy than I would assume, given the little sleep
not powerless, exactly, though I am in an objectively difficult situation
Do you feel you have acid reflux?
Does anything make it worse or better?
Any medical problem?
Any surgeries?
Any medicaitions?
The vomiting seems worse at night, when I am laying down. I got hungry in the middle of the night and had a sandwich, but lost it immediately after.
Any family history similar to your problem?
No medical problems, surgeries, or medication. No family history I'm aware of.
Re medication, my prenatal vitamin does make me retch each time I take it, and I have been taking it at night for the past 6 weeks or so.
When did you start the problem?
Monday afternoon or evening.
Is the insomnia related to the nausea and vomiting at night?
I would say no, as it began before the nausea and vomiting did.
Anxiety could cause nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and insomnia.
Yes, I am experiencing quite a bit of anxiety
I am a military beneficiary, and am staying on base directly across the street from the base hospital. Going to the emergency room would be free, and very easy, if you think I should have medical attention.
You should see a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Yes, I can do that as well.
You should have psychotherapy. If necessary, some medications such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are generally considered an option during pregnancy.
Ok. I can arrange to have counseling easily, though I am reluctant to take medication. Perhaps exercise could be an effective anti-depressant? I stopped exercising when I had spotting from week 6 to 12, though that has stopped and I think I could exercise again.
Yes, exercise, yoga, meditation will help.
I will do so.
If you drink coffee, cut back or quit drinking coffee.
I do not
If you smoke, quit smoking.
That's good.
Any questions?
I don't think so, but to make sure I understand the gist of our conversation, it is unlikely that my nausea and vomiting are related to morning sickness or another physical ailment. It is likely related to anxiety, which I need to address through therapy, exercise, meditation, etc. Did my responses raise any other red flags regarding physical issues?
No. Your symptoms started very recently. Early counseling can avoid the complications such as depression.
Ok, thank you very much.
You are welcome. Hope you feel better soon.
Goodbye.
Take care.
Experience: Trained in OB & GYN for many years.