Why do I experience dry heaving every night at 12 weeks of pregnancy?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, nausea and vomiting from morning to night at 12 weeks of pregnancy may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, improper diet at dinner, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic pharyngitis, or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. If uncomfortable symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular eating habits and avoid irritating foods; keep indoor temperature and humidity at comfortable levels.

Generally, dry heaving from morning to night at 12 weeks of pregnancy may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, improper dinner choices, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic pharyngitis, or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels during pregnancy can stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa when hormone levels stabilize at night, leading to dry heaving. Avoid eating one hour before bedtime, keep the bedroom well-ventilated, and consider sucking on ginger slices to relieve discomfort.

2. Improper Dinner Habits

Overeating or consuming greasy, spicy foods at dinner increases the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. Slowed intestinal motility at night may trigger dry heaving. Opt for light, liquid-based meals for dinner, control portion sizes, and take a gentle walk after eating before resting.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

During pregnancy, relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter allows stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus when lying flat at night, causing dry heaving accompanied by heartburn. Elevate the upper body while sleeping. Medications such as hydrotalcite chewable tablets, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, or domperidone tablets may be taken under medical guidance.

4. Chronic Pharyngitis

Dry air or dust exposure at night can irritate the sensitive mucosa of patients with chronic pharyngitis, triggering dry heaving. Use a humidifier indoors, drink plenty of warm water, and suck on throat lozenges such as Xigua Shuang lozenges, Yinhuang lozenges, or Compound Sarcandra lozenges under medical advice.

5. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy

Abnormal bile acid metabolism stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, worsening symptoms at night, with dry heaving often accompanied by skin itching. Seek immediate medical attention. Under doctor's supervision, medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, ademetionine disulfate disodium enteric-coated tablets, and vitamin C tablets may be prescribed.

In daily life, maintain regular meal times and avoid irritating foods; keep indoor temperature and humidity at comfortable levels; avoid lying down immediately after meals; and attend regular prenatal checkups to monitor liver function and bile acid levels.

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Is fasting required when registering for prenatal care at 12 weeks of pregnancy?

In general, fasting is required when establishing a prenatal record at 12 weeks of pregnancy. Establishing a prenatal record at 12 weeks refers to the pregnant woman visiting the hospital around the 12th week of gestation to create a pregnancy file, which documents her personal information and records all examination schedules, procedures, expected delivery date, and other details throughout the pregnancy. Typically, the examinations conducted during the 12-week registration include height, weight, blood pressure, and abdominal circumference.