Some Causes and Features of Nausea and Vomiting During Early Pregnancy
Cause |
Common Features* |
Tests |
Related to the pregnancy (obstetric) |
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Morning sickness |
Mild nausea and vomiting that comes and goes and that occurs at varying times throughout the day, primarily during the 1st trimester |
A doctor’s examination |
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Frequent, persistent nausea and vomiting Inability to consume enough fluids, food, or both Usually signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, decreased sweating, a dry mouth, increased thirst, a racing heart, and dizziness when standing up Weight loss |
Blood tests to check for signs of dehydration and chemical imbalances by measuring levels of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine Urine tests to measure ketones (produced when not enough food is consumed and the body breaks down fats for energy) If vomiting persists, possibly blood tests to evaluate the liver (liver function tests) and ultrasonography of the pelvis |
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A hydatidiform mole (overgrowth of tissue from the placenta) |
A uterus that is larger than expected No heartbeat or movement detected in the fetus during the 2nd trimester Sometimes high blood pressure, swelling of the feet or hands, vaginal bleeding, or passage of tissue that resembles a bunch of grapes |
Measurement of blood pressure Blood tests to measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG―a hormone produced by the placenta early in pregnancy) Ultrasonography of the pelvis A biopsy if no pregnancy is seen in the uterus |
Not related to the pregnancy |
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Vomiting that began suddenly, usually accompanied by diarrhea Sometimes recent contact with infected people or animals or recent consumption of undercooked, contaminated food or contaminated water |
A doctor’s examination Sometimes examination and culture of stool |
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A blockage in the intestine (intestinal obstruction) |
Symptoms that begin suddenly, usually in women who have had abdominal surgery in the past Crampy pain and a swollen abdomen |
X-rays and ultrasonography of the abdomen Possibly CT (if x-ray and ultrasound results are unclear) |
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A urinary tract infection or kidney infection(pyelonephritis) |
An urge to urinate often (frequency), a compelling need to urinate immediately (urgency), or difficulty starting to urinate (hesitancy) With kidney infection, pain in the side and fever |
Urine tests (urinalysis) and culture |
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*Features include symptoms and results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. |
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CT = computed tomography. |
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