Can pregnancy cause headaches and nausea?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Zhe
Introduction
Nausea and vomiting are generally uncommon in this situation. During early pregnancy, there may be no morning sickness at all—even appetite may increase. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may result from autonomic nervous system dysfunction or typical early-pregnancy reactions; in most cases, they do not affect fetal growth and development. Pregnant women can alleviate symptoms by adjusting their diet and managing emotional well-being.
After becoming pregnant, women undergo significant physiological changes. Due to hormonal fluctuations, early pregnancy symptoms—such as dizziness and nausea—are common during the first trimester and may be accompanied by irritability and anxiety. When these symptoms become severe, they can significantly disrupt a pregnant woman’s daily life. So, does pregnancy cause headaches and nausea?
Can pregnancy cause headaches and nausea?
In general, such nausea and vomiting are not typical for all pregnant women. Some women experience no early pregnancy symptoms at all—even reporting increased appetite. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may stem from autonomic nervous system dysfunction or normal early-pregnancy reactions. Typically, these symptoms do not adversely affect fetal growth and development. Pregnant women can alleviate symptoms by adjusting their diet and managing emotional well-being. Autonomic nervous system imbalance during pregnancy is often linked to hormonal surges, which destabilize internal hormone levels. Additionally, excessive mental stress or physical fatigue may trigger central nervous system dysregulation, leading to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting in early pregnancy.
During early pregnancy, most women experience some degree of morning sickness. As chorionic villi develop in the body, gastric acid secretion decreases and gastric emptying time lengthens—contributing to early pregnancy symptoms such as aversion to greasy foods, nausea (especially upon waking), and dizziness. To mitigate these symptoms, women should adopt a dietary pattern of small, frequent meals, while increasing intake of vegetables and fruits.
Diet should emphasize light, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich foods—such as fish congee, cold appetizers, and vinegar-soaked bean sprouts—which help improve appetite and supply essential nutrients. Meals should be small and frequent; overeating or binge eating should be avoided to prevent overburdening the gastrointestinal system. We hope this information proves helpful.
