In the blink of an eye, Shen Li was already two months pregnant. Suffering from severe morning sickness, she wore a worried frown daily. Though her husband Liu Jun cared for her attentively, he felt helpless watching her endure intense vomiting. The couple sought medical advice again, inquiring about ways to alleviate pregnancy symptoms and precautions for the second month of pregnancy.
During the second month of pregnancy, the fetus primarily develops its brain. Expectant mothers should consume more eggs, dairy, fish, meat, soy products, walnuts, pistachios, kelp, oysters, and fruits and vegetables.
Severe Morning Sickness Affects Fetal Development
Professor Wang Qi, Chief Physician at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, explains that morning sickness typically occurs between 6 weeks after missed period and 3 months into pregnancy. After this stage, most pregnant women recover without treatment.
However, the severity of morning sickness varies significantly among individuals. A substantial number of women experience extremely severe vomiting, characterized by high frequency and even an inability to consume food or water, severely impairing nutrient intake. The second month of pregnancy marks a critical period for the fetus's intellectual development, with the differentiation of organs such as the heart, brain, mouth, teeth, ears, and palate all occurring within the first three months.Nutritional deficiencies in expectant mothers due to morning sickness can severely impair fetal development.
Moreover, severe vomiting causes significant loss of electrolytes, leading to noticeable dehydration and persistent vomiting. If the condition worsens, it may result in serious symptoms like convulsions, coma, and jaundice, posing risks to both maternal and fetal health and potentially causing fetal death. Therefore, prompt medical attention is essential if dangerous symptoms arise from severe vomiting.
Relaxing the Mind Helps Alleviate Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Wang Qi emphasizes that psychological state is crucial in managing early pregnancy symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are normal reactions, and severe cases often occur in women experiencing excessive tension or anxiety. Only a very small number stem from digestive disorders. With proactive psychological adjustment and appropriate treatment, most cases can be effectively managed.
Doctors generally discourage medication, as many anti-nausea drugs can severely impact fetal development. To mitigate adverse effects of severe morning sickness, expectant mothers should relax and avoid excessive anxiety about symptoms.
Dietary Recommendations
Morning sickness often peaks in the early morning on an empty stomach. At this time, opt for small, low-moisture foods like crackers, eggs, or chocolate. Adopt a strategy of eating small, frequent meals—eat even if you vomit, and continue eating after vomiting.
Early pregnancy is a critical period for cell division and initial organ formation. Expectant mothers can meet their calcium needs by drinking 250ml of fresh milk or yogurt daily and getting adequate sunlight. Additionally, incorporate seafood rich in DHA and foods high in choline like peanuts, whole-grain bread, lettuce, and cauliflower.
Avoid or limit highly potent tonics such as ginseng and longan.■ Pregnancy Q&A When should morning sickness require a hospital visit? Seek immediate medical attention if severe vomiting occurs. Symptoms include expelling food mixed with mucous foam, possibly containing bile or blood, which can lead to ketoacidosis.
As the body cannot obtain sufficient calories from food, it begins to break down stored fat. During this process, ketone bodies are produced, leading to symptoms of acidosis. Additionally, high levels of ketone bodies may be detected in urine. For other discomforting symptoms, consult a doctor promptly—neither overreact nor dismiss persistent discomfort lightly.
Can a second-trimester ultrasound harm the fetal brain?
Ultrasound examinations are highly safe procedures. Most women need not feel excessive anxiety or worry. Only medical interventions or extremely high-dose radiation exposure could potentially affect the child. Routine examinations generally pose no risk to the embryo or fetus.(Guiding Experts: Zhai Jianjun, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongren Hospital; Wang Qi, Chief Physician, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital)