What are the causes of vomiting in pregnant women?

Generally, the causes of vomiting in pregnant women may include hormonal changes, psychological factors, gastroesophageal reflux, gastroenteritis, cholecystitis, etc. Symptomatic management through general treatments and medications is usually recommended. If symptoms are severe, prompt medical attention is advised, following the guidance of a physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels significantly increase in the pregnant woman's body. These hormonal changes can directly affect gastrointestinal function, slowing down the peristalsis of gastrointestinal smooth muscles and thus causing nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are often accompanied by other early pregnancy reactions such as loss of appetite, breast tenderness, and frequent urination. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, eat small meals frequently, and avoid greasy or heavily seasoned foods.

2. Psychological Factors

Pregnant women may experience poor mental health and emotional instability due to concerns about fetal development or discomfort with physiological changes during pregnancy. These psychological factors may affect the normal functioning of the digestive system via neural regulatory mechanisms, thus causing physical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to maintain a positive mindset, avoid excessive tension and anxiety, and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux

Physiological changes during pregnancy, such as elevated progesterone levels, can cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to more easily reflux into the esophagus, causing heartburn and vomiting, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and sore throat. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, hydrotalcite chewable tablets, and cisapride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

4. Gastroenteritis

Immunity decreases during pregnancy, making it easier to contract viral or bacterial infections that can lead to acute gastroenteritis, presenting with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is recommended to follow medical guidance in using medications such as Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, loperamide capsules, and Enteritis Ning granules for treatment.

5. Cholecystitis

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, delayed gallbladder emptying and bile stasis can easily lead to gallstone formation, causing cholecystitis. This condition can cause upper abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the right shoulder and back, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to cautiously use medications such as clindamycin hydrochloride tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, and anti-inflammatory and cholagogue tablets under medical supervision.

In daily life, pregnant women should maintain a light diet, eat small meals frequently, avoid consuming irritating foods and beverages, and other practices that help maintain good health.

References

[1] Guo Xiaochun, Lin Qiuping, Huang Bifang. The impact of clustered anticipatory nursing on the frequency of vomiting and psychological status of pregnant women with nausea and vomiting. Chinese and Foreign Medical Research, 2025, 23(03): 91-94.

[2] Huang Qunying, Liang Zheng. Decoding: Vomiting during pregnancy is not always caused by pregnancy reaction. Everyone's Health, 2022(19): 28-29.