Nausea at 37 weeks pregnant can be an unexpected and uncomfortable symptom. While often associated with early pregnancy, it can reappear or persist into the third trimester. This late-stage queasiness typically results from significant physiological changes as the body nears childbirth.
Normal Physiological Changes
As pregnancy progresses to 37 weeks, the growing baby occupies substantial space within the abdominal cavity. This expansion can exert pressure on the stomach and other digestive organs, leading to fullness, discomfort, and nausea. Reduced space can also contribute to acid reflux and heartburn, where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Hormonal fluctuations continue throughout pregnancy, with estrogen and progesterone levels remaining high. These hormones can slow the digestive process, causing food to remain in the stomach longer. This delayed gastric emptying can result in bloating, indigestion, and queasiness. The body’s preparation for labor might also play a role, as some report nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as signs labor is approaching.
The physical demands of late pregnancy can also contribute to nausea. Fatigue and stress, common in the third trimester due to sleep disturbances and increased discomfort, can worsen queasiness. Braxton Hicks contractions, while not a direct cause, can sometimes be accompanied by general discomfort.
When Nausea Signals Concern
While nausea at 37 weeks is often normal, it can sometimes indicate a serious underlying medical condition requiring immediate attention. Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure, can present with nausea and vomiting. Other concerning signs include severe headaches, vision changes like blurring or flashing lights, sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet, and pain in the upper right abdomen.
Another serious condition is HELLP syndrome, a severe variant of preeclampsia affecting the liver and blood. Symptoms include worsening nausea and vomiting, fatigue, headache, and pain in the upper right abdomen. This syndrome is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.
Cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver disorder, may also cause nausea, often alongside severe itching, particularly on the palms and soles of the feet, worse at night. Other symptoms include dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice. If any of these symptoms accompany nausea, contact a healthcare provider without delay.
Strategies for Comfort
For nausea not signaling a serious condition, several strategies can help manage discomfort. Eating small, frequent meals prevents the stomach from becoming too empty or too full, both triggers for nausea. Bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, rice, and bananas are often better tolerated than spicy, greasy, or highly processed options. Identifying and avoiding specific food odors or tastes that trigger nausea can also provide relief.
Staying well-hydrated is important, as dehydration can worsen nausea. Sipping small amounts of fluids frequently, rather than large quantities at once, is helpful. Water, clear broths, and ginger tea are good choices. Prioritizing rest and adequate sleep can also alleviate nausea, as fatigue intensifies the sensation. Gentle physical activity, like walking, and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or prenatal yoga, may also reduce discomfort.