Pregnancy is a miraculous journey filled with various physical changes and experiences. Morning sickness is one of the most common symptoms many expectant mothers face.
Morning sickness, characterized by nausea and vomiting, is typically associated with early pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.
While it’s normal to experience morning sickness, the color and consistency of the vomit can sometimes raise concerns. Yellowish vomit in pregnancy is not uncommon. But understanding its possible causes and when to seek medical attention is essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Read on to find out more about this.
Causes of Yellow Vomit During Pregnancy
Pregnancy vomit color can be attributed to several factors. Some of these factors are quite benign and nothing to worry about.
Bile
Bile is a greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. When the stomach is empty, and there’s nothing left to vomit, the body may expel bile. This results in vomiting yellow bitter liquid in the morning.
Stomach Acid
The digestive process involves the secretion of stomach acid to break down food. If a pregnant woman vomits on an empty stomach, the vomit may contain stomach acid, which can appear yellow.
Dehydration
Dehydration is common during pregnancy, especially if a woman experiences frequent vomiting. When the body is dehydrated, the vomit may become more concentrated and appear yellow.
Prenatal Vitamins
Some prenatal vitamins like CitraNatal B-Calm (which also helps stop vomiting in pregnancy) contain high doses of B vitamins. This can cause the urine to appear bright yellow and may also affect the color of vomit.
Food Intake
The color of vomit can also be influenced by the foods a woman consumes. Consuming yellow or orange-colored foods may affect the color of vomit.
When Is Yellow Vomit a Cause for Concern?
While yellow vomit can be a normal occurrence during pregnancy, certain situations warrant medical attention. Pregnant women need to be aware of the following signs.
Severe and Prolonged Vomiting
Experiencing excessive and persistent vomiting, especially if it leads to dehydration, is a cause for concern. Severe dehydration can be harmful to both the mother and the baby and may require medical intervention.
Blood in Vomit
If vomit contains red or dark brown specks, it may indicate the presence of blood. This could be a sign of a more serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
Severe Abdominal Pain
If vomiting is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or cramping, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. This may need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
High Fever
A fever during pregnancy can be concerning. It may indicate an infection or other medical condition that requires medical evaluation.
Weight Loss
If vomiting is causing significant weight loss or if the mother is unable to keep any food or liquids down, medical attention is necessary. Don’t take any risks with this particular symptom.
Yellowish Vomit in Pregnancy Is Not Uncommon
But just because it’s not uncommon doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to it and watch for any concerning signs. Yellowish vomit in pregnancy can be a beacon of something more severe around the corner, so stay alert.
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