Top 5 Signs Pregnancy Sickness is Severe

Nearly every pregnant woman suffers from pregnancy sickness at some point in pregnancy. The common symptoms include nausea, lack of appetite and vomiting. While the typical pregnant woman may report feeling pregnancy sickness once or twice a day or week, others have pregnancy sickness that will not give up. As is the case with any bout of nausea and vomiting, severe pregnancy sickness is nothing to play with.

Dehydration Has Set In

The first sign of dehydration is feeling thirsty. At this point the body is saying, "give me something to drink" but severe pregnancy sickness may cause fluids to be vomited out soon after drinking. Dry skin and severe fatigue are also signs of dehydration caused by pregnancy sickness. Dehydration may need to be treated with IV fluids in the emergency room.

You Cannot Keep ANY Food or Water Down

Some women feel pregnancy sickness is severe when they only suffer nausea once or twice a day. There is a huge difference between occasional nausea and severe pregnancy sickness. If you cannot keep any food or water down your body will quickly dehydrate. Dehydration can lead to death if not treated.

There are No Triggers for the Pregnancy Sickness

Most often, pregnancy sickness is caused by triggers like scents or hunger. If your symptoms are present all the time and do not fade, severe pregnancy sickness could be the problem. Your obstetrician should be notified immediately if the sickness lasts 24 hours or more. If you cannot keep fluid down, contact the obstetrician immediately.

You Do Not Urinate During the Day

One of the most common signs of dehydration is simply not having to use the bathroom. Urination requires fluid intake. Vomiting can quickly dehydrate the body which, in turn, makes you feel like you don't have to "go". If you urinate less than three or four times a day, ask your obstetrician about about your symptoms.

Pre-term Contractions in the Second and Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy starts at the 28^th week. Infants born at 28 weeks may survive, but there is a greater risk of health problems and death. Dehydration can cause pre-term contractions late in the second trimester and throughout the third trimester. If pregnancy sickness has been a problem during this time and contractions begin, call the obstetrician (on the way to the emergency room). When you are taken to the obstetrical floor of the hospital tell the nurse you have been suffering from pregnancy sickness.

A twitch of nausea here or a bout of vomiting there is not the same as severe pregnancy sickness. Some pregnant women find they need to be admitted to the hospital and given fluids to cure dehydration caused by pregnancy sickness before working with the obstetrician to find a viable, healthy medication safe for pregnant women.

More from this Contributor

4 Tips for Raising a Green Baby

Over-the-Counter Cold Medications Pregnant Women Should Not Take

High Risk Pregnancy Outcomes Not Changed by Therapy