Are you experiencing third-trimester nausea?  It is normal for you to experience nausea and vomiting which is also more commonly known as morning sickness. However, as your baby continues to grow, it is possible for nausea in the third trimester of pregnancy to occur as well.

Despite how uncomfortable this sickness can make you in the last three months of your pregnancy, it is usually nothing to worry about unless you are experiencing other dangerous symptoms.

Causes and Symptoms of Third Trimester Nausea

Some women will experience sickness in their first trimester, be free from the symptoms in the second trimester, only for nausea to return in the third trimester. Third trimester nausea can be caused by a number of factors:

• Your growing baby causes your stomach to move. In the last trimester of your pregnancy, your baby is almost fully grown. Their size can cause your stomach to move, which can make you both uncomfortable and nauseous from the disruption.
• Your baby is using more nutrients from your body. During the last stage of your pregnancy, your baby is using many vitamins from your body to finalize its growth. This causes you to feel depleted since your body is losing its resources.
• Your uterus is expanding. As your body prepares for the future delivery of your baby, your uterus expands which can cause discomfort as it presses against your stomach.
• Heartburn: The hormone in your body during pregnancy (also present during the menstrual cycle), called progesterone, causes the muscles in your stomach and your digestive tract to relax. As a result, your digestion is slowed and food can travel back up into your esophagus. Also called acid reflux, it can cause a burning sensation in your chest and throat. This is one of the most common causes of 3rd trimester nausea.
• Preeclampsia: A rare condition that can occur during pregnancy, preeclampsia involves the tightening of the blood vessels. It also causes high blood pressure. Blood vessel restriction can lead to blood clots, which constricts the blood flow to the placenta. Preeclampsia can be very dangerous to the mother and baby, so it is important to seek medical attention if your nausea is accompanied by blurred vision, swelling or extreme pain in your abdomen.

Is Nausea in the Third Trimester a Sign of Labor?

Yes, 3rd trimester nausea can be a sign of labor. However, don’t immediately assume that as the case unless your nausea is accompanied by:

• Contractions that are less than 10 minutes apart
• A pressure in the pelvic area
• Cramps
• Increased vaginal discharge

When You Should Visit Your Doctor

It is not uncommon to experience nausea in the third trimester of pregnancy here and there. However, if you are experiencing excessive nausea and consistent vomiting, and have trouble keeping liquids down, it is necessary to contact your doctor. Too much vomiting can dehydrate you and weaken your body’s ability to nourish the baby.

Preventing Third Trimester Nausea

Although constant nausea can be frustrating and limiting on your daily life, there are many ways that you can treat and prevent the sickness. Changing your diet and ensuring you are properly hydrated can help alleviate the symptoms of nausea in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Eat Smaller Meals

As mentioned before, your gastrointestinal muscles have relaxed and you may have trouble digesting food quickly enough. An easy way to avoid discomfort is to eat small meals. This allows your body to digest the food in smaller amounts, thus avoiding acid reflux. Eating smaller meals also allows for steady energy and blood-sugar levels throughout the day.

Drink Enough Water

Vomiting that comes along with nausea can cause your body to lose essential fluids for hydration. Ensure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day in order to restore what your body has lost.

Avoid Oily and Spicy Foods

Spicy and oily foods can further upset your stomach and cause heartburn.

Take Vitamins

Feeling sick takes a lot out of you. It is important that you are replenishing your body of its vitamins and minerals. Taking vitamins like vitamin B6 and vitamin B12  during this time can aid in restoring your body.

Do Not Eat Right Before Bed

Your body will have more trouble digesting your food if you are laying down. Also, the food is more likely to travel back into your throat when lying horizontally, which can cause heartburn and acid reflux.

Finding Relief From Your Nausea Symptoms

There are many ways that you can find comfort again when you feel as if third trimester nausea is getting the best of you.

Ginger

Ginger is a very natural and effective way to treat your nausea. You can find relief from fresh ginger, ginger powder, ginger tea, ginger ale as well as ginger snaps.

Ginger is also a blood thinner, so it can be dangerous if you are already taking medication that thins your blood.

Peppermint

If your nausea is caused by hot flashes, then peppermint may be your best bet. It is very effective in cooling your body because of its potent aroma. Additionally, it is also helpful in alleviating headaches.

You can find relief from your nausea by drinking peppermint tea or applying 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil to your temples and the back of your neck.

Relaxing

Finding activities that are relaxing and can recenter you is important in treating your symptoms.

Try out activities like yoga or meditation. Accompanied by soft music, yoga and meditation can relax your body and mind, in turn providing relief for your nausea.

Take Antacids

When heartburn caused by nausea won’t relent, try taking antacids to alleviate your discomfort. It will also balance the acidity in your stomach and prevent food from traveling back up to your throat.

Lavender 

According to native manufacturer Galen-N, essential oils like lavender have a calming effect and are widely used in aromatherapy in cases with sickness, nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Anti-nausea Medication

If you have tried natural remedies and you can’t find relief, resort to taking anti-nausea medication. It can provide quick relief so that you can function normally throughout the day.

With proper care and attention, nausea in the third trimester can be very manageable. Providing proper treatments to yourself during this precious time will benefit both you and your baby.

Remember, this sickness will not last forever. Soon you will be holding your beautiful bundle of joy in your arms, and that is all that matters!