Oct
Experiencing nausea in the third trimester can be unexpected and uncomfortable for many pregnant women. While it’s common to experience morning sickness in the first trimester, many are surprised when they encounter nausea third trimester, especially when it manifests as a sudden onset. Often, women may wonder, “Why am I feeling nauseous in the third trimester?” or “Is nausea normal in the third trimester?” The answer is that for some women, it is. In fact, for others, this nausea at the end of pregnancy can become particularly intense. Whether you’re experiencing nausea at 28 weeks pregnant or even nausea at 32 weeks pregnant, this article will explore the causes behind this discomfort and present effective remedies to help alleviate it.
Causes of third trimester nausea
Understanding why nausea during third trimester occurs is crucial for managing it. Here are the ten most common causes:
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal changes are the main culprits behind most pregnancy-related symptoms, including nausea third trimester. As the placenta continues to grow and produce more hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, it can interfere with the digestive system, causing nausea and sometimes even vomiting.
Increased Pressure on the Stomach
As your baby grows in the womb, there’s less space in your abdominal area. This increased pressure can push on your stomach, leading to acid reflux and nausea in third trimester. You may also notice that nausea after eating in the third trimester is more common due to the compression of your digestive organs.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn
The pressure from your growing baby also contributes to acid reflux, which can lead to steroid nausea during 3rd trimester. This is especially common after meals and can cause discomfort, including throwing up in third trimester.
Fatigue and Exhaustion
Being pregnant is exhausting, and by the time you reach the third trimester, your body is working overtime to support your baby’s growth. Fatigue can lead to feeling sick third trimester, especially when paired with hormonal changes and increased physical demands. It’s not uncommon to experience sudden nausea during third trimester when you are physically or emotionally drained.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water during pregnancy can lead to nausea third trimester. Dehydration affects your body’s ability to function properly, and when your fluid levels drop, you may experience a sudden onset of nausea in third trimester.
Baby’s Movements
Fetal movements can be strong and sometimes jarring, particularly in the later weeks of pregnancy. These movements can contribute to third trimester baby movement nausea, especially when the baby kicks or pushes against the stomach or diaphragm. This sudden pressure may make you feel queasy, leading to throwing up third trimester.
Late Pregnancy Nausea and Labor
Nausea at the end of pregnancy can sometimes be a sign that your body is preparing for labor. Some women report feeling nauseous at 30 weeks pregnant or later, along with other pre-labor signs. This nausea returning in third trimester can indicate that hormonal shifts are taking place as your body gets ready for delivery.
Iron Supplements
Iron is crucial for both you and your baby, but taking iron supplements can sometimes cause nausea in the third trimester. If you’re taking iron, follow your doctor’s recommendations, as an excess amount can trigger feeling nauseous in third trimester.
Gestational Hypertension or Preeclampsia
Severe nausea during third trimester can sometimes signal a more serious condition like preeclampsia. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and can cause vomiting in the third trimester. If you experience sudden nausea at the end of pregnancy along with symptoms like headaches, swelling, or vision changes, seek medical advice immediately.
Digestive Issues
The nausea third trimester places a significant strain on your digestive system. This, combined with a slowing metabolism, can lead to feeling nauseous third trimester. Constipation and indigestion can also worsen third trimester nausea at night, making it difficult to sleep or rest.
Remedies for 3rd trimester nausea
While third trimester nausea can be uncomfortable, several remedies may help relieve symptoms:
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help prevent nausea after eating third trimester. Large meals can place too much pressure on your stomach, especially when your baby is growing rapidly. Try eating lighter meals to minimize nausea.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a common cause of nausea 3rd trimester. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water, especially if you’re noticing symptoms like throwing up in the third trimester. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and add electrolyte drinks if necessary.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Some foods may exacerbate the third trimester nausea. Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can trigger heartburn, leading to nausea in 3rd trimester. Keep a food diary to identify and avoid trigger foods that worsen your symptoms. To learn more about food to avoid during pregnancy, read our comprehensive guide.
Elevate Your Head When Sleeping
If you experience third trimester nausea at night, try sleeping with your head elevated. This position can reduce acid reflux and heartburn, which are common contributors to feeling nauseous in the third trimester.
Ginger and Peppermint
Both ginger and peppermint have been used for centuries to treat nausea. You can try ginger tea, ginger chews, or peppermint tea to soothe nausea third trimester. These natural remedies may help settle your stomach.
Rest and Relaxation
Stress and fatigue can worsen nausea during third trimester. Ensure that you’re getting enough rest and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, prenatal yoga, or meditation to alleviate feeling sick in the third trimester. Read our article to learn more about ways to say calm during pregnancy.
Prescription Medications
If natural remedies don’t help, talk to your healthcare provider about safe medications for nausea third trimester. There are pregnancy-safe anti-nausea medications that can provide relief from persistent symptoms.
Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes
Tight clothing can put unnecessary pressure on your stomach, contributing to nausea late pregnancy. Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting maternity clothes to avoid additional discomfort.
Monitor Your Iron Supplement Intake
If you suspect your iron supplements are causing nausea during 3rd trimester, ask your doctor if you can adjust your dosage or take it with food. Iron can be hard on your stomach, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Consult Your Doctor
If you experience nausea returning in third trimester, or if you’re concerned about other symptoms like sudden nausea at the end of pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider. Conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes can cause severe nausea, and it’s important to rule out these serious conditions.
When to seek medical help
While nausea in the third trimester is often normal, there are times when it may signal a more serious issue. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe vomiting in the third trimester leads to dehydration.
- Sudden third trimester nausea accompanied by dizziness, headaches, or blurred vision.
- A complete loss of appetite combined with weight loss.
- Severe abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Signs of preterm labor, such as regular contractions or leaking amniotic fluid.
Your doctor may recommend further testing or treatment to ensure both you and your baby remain healthy.
The importance of monitoring fetal heart rate: using a fetal Doppler by SonoHealth
As you navigate the third trimester, monitoring your baby’s development becomes increasingly important. One crucial aspect of fetal health is the baby’s heart rate, which can provide valuable insights into your baby’s well-being. A reliable way to track this at home is by using a fetal Doppler device, such as the SonoHealth Fetal Doppler.
Why Monitor Fetal Heart Rate?
The fetal heart rate is a key indicator of your baby’s health. Throughout the pregnancy, your doctor monitors your baby’s heart to ensure they are growing and developing normally. In the third trimester, particularly, the heart rate can give clues about your baby’s oxygen levels and overall condition.
A normal fetal heart rate typically ranges between 110 and 160 beats per minute. Deviations from this range, such as a very slow or fast heartbeat, can be signs that your baby is in distress, which may require immediate medical attention. By regularly checking your baby’s heart rate, especially if you are experiencing concerning symptoms like third trimester nausea, dizziness, or decreased fetal movement, you can gain peace of mind and spot potential issues early.
Related symptoms of nausea in the third trimester
If you’re experiencing nausea third trimester, it’s often related to gastrointestinal (GI) issues. As your baby grows and your organs shift to accommodate the expanding uterus, everything in your abdomen gets compressed. This compression causes digestion to slow down, leading to several associated symptoms:
- Constipation: Your digestive system becomes sluggish, which can lead to constipation.
- Abdominal bloating or gas: The slowing digestion and pressure on your intestines can cause uncomfortable bloating or gas.
- Heartburn and indigestion: With your stomach and digestive tract under pressure, acid reflux and heartburn can trigger nausea in the third trimester.
If your nausea stems from hormonal changes, you might also feel extremely fatigued—similar to how you felt during the first trimester. It’s a reminder that pregnancy, while miraculous, can sometimes be a challenge to your physical comfort.
Additionally, third trimester nausea could accompany other concerning symptoms like:
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty maintaining or losing weight
If these more severe symptoms persist, you could be dealing with hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious form of morning sickness that often requires medical treatment. Unlike regular third trimester nausea, hyperemesis gravidarum can result in dehydration and malnutrition, requiring prompt medical attention. If you suspect this condition, consult your healthcare provider to discuss potential treatments.
Word from SonoHealth
Experiencing third trimester nausea can be uncomfortable and unexpected, but it is a common symptom for many pregnant women. Whether it’s caused by hormonal changes, physical strain, or digestive issues, there are various remedies you can try to alleviate it. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you’re concerned, especially if other worrying symptoms like severe vomiting or signs of preeclampsia accompany your nausea during the third trimester. By understanding the causes and knowing how to manage the symptoms, you can make the remainder of your pregnancy more comfortable and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
