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Childbirth

vomiting in labour

11 replies

purplepants · 01/07/2007 07:50

I'm planning on a home birth but I'm a bit concerned as I threw up uncontrollably (ended up having to be given an injection) with both my previous labours and wonder if there's anything (homeopathic?) that stops this or reduces it . I hadn't eaten for ages each time labour started so it's not as if there was even anything in my stomach to vomit up,. Grateful for any views.

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daisyboo · 01/07/2007 08:22

Info from the hoeopathic society It doesn't mention vomiting, but I'm sure if you got in touch with them, or a herballist you would get the information you need.

one thing I did read was to only eat light meals which are easily digestible once labour starts as the labour process slows down digestion making you more likely to vomit if you have a full stomach.

Keep bumping this and maybe one of the MN resident Doulas will be able to offer some useful advice!

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TransfiguratingLily · 01/07/2007 08:36

Ooh sounds awful. I get the total runs in labour and feel like vomiting just before pushing time. I always eat and drink loads of small snacks during labour...I get really hungry!
I don't know what you could take but don't think you should starve yourself.
I'm sure some good tips will be offered shortly!

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purplepants · 01/07/2007 10:53

I've not intentionally starved myself but it's a good point about snacking a bit. I'll give the homeopathic society a ping & see what they suggest. I'm not due until Nov but I'm hoping to be 3rd time lucky getting a home birth, so trying to remove all the little niggles well in advance Thanks for the advice

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TransfiguratingLily · 01/07/2007 11:08

I think vomiting is common, not sure how often people need an injection but surely the mw could give you that at a homebirth if she's prepared?

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SurferRosa · 01/07/2007 11:13

I hadn't really eaten (I think a couple of biscuits with morning tea) so I didn't throw up, but when I hit transition, despite not actually having any nausea, I felt like my stomach was being pushed upwards so violently that I held a sick bowl under my chin, I was sort of doing the actions and making a few odd noises, but nothing came out.
This went on with most of the contractions after that point, I was glad I hadn't eaten enough for it to come up as it would have done for sure!
I kept asking for an anti emetic when I'd had the baby, because I thought I'd react to the syntometrine, but they weren't able to give that kind of drug...try and see your GP and get a prescription for something. I had some stemetil supps left over from bad morning sickness, and a bottle of metoclopramide! Which the midwives were quite impressed with but I didn't need to take either after all that.

Good luck, I'm sure if you explain your history the GP will be happy to prescribe something.

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SurferRosa · 01/07/2007 11:15

BTW the metaclopramide (maxolon) did the trick very effectively after my first labour when I couldn't stop. I guess maybe that's the injection you had last time?

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missyhols · 01/07/2007 11:24

I was same as you and panicking about same thing as i'm due in sept. I reacted quite badly to epidural and i would never have one again. On plus side i had flapjack and as much water as i could so i didn't make it too much worse.

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Princesspowersparkle · 01/07/2007 12:10

I hope I don't get this- hate being sick at the best of times. My friend was very sick in her labour- she said she could have coped with the sickness OR the pain but both together made it unbearable. I hope you manage to find some sort of solution and you are not sick this time.

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MarsLady · 01/07/2007 12:15

PP... do make sure that you eat when you labour. It's important for your energy levels. And drink... energy drinks are good. And go to the loo 2 hourly at a minimum.

Lots of women throw up when they give birth.

I hope you have a better time of it this time round... but please do eat. Get your partner to remind you.

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happypiglet · 01/07/2007 13:40

Hi
I had this with DS1. My body just reacts to pain by throwing up- it always has (even with bad period pain) and eating etc made no difference to me in my first labour. The drugs where certainly neccessary.
I wanted a home birth second time. You can get an anti sickness drug prescribed by your GP which you keep at home and then the MW can administer it for you if you need it during labour.
I didn't need it with DS2 (who I had at home) but with DC3 imminent I have still got a vial from the GP just in case- I think having it there makes me feel better.
Just give your GP plenty of time to organise it as this sort of request tends to throw them (mine needed to liaise with the midwife!)I think the one I have been prescribed is Stemitil.

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purplepants · 01/07/2007 14:13

Thanks so much everyone for all your advice. Happypiglet - think I'm the same as you as I used to vom with period pain too I guess a trip to the docs is called for and a more detailed chat with the mw. I'm feeling more positive already thanks again