Investigating the Prevalence of Nausea, Vomiting, Pregnancy Craving and their Related Factors in Pregnant Women Referring to Health Care Centers in Zahedan

Nausea, vomiting and food craving during pregnancy are common problems for women that, in addition to affecting the quality of life, can be risks such as insufficient weight gain during pregnancy, gastrointestinal problems, preterm delivery, low birth weight and, in more severe cases, abortion. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of nausea, vomiting and pregnancy cravings and their related factors in pregnant women referring to health centers in Zahedan.

In a descriptive-analytical study, 600 pregnant women referred to health centers in Zahedan city were selected and examined by multi-stage sampling method. Data gathering tool; the researcher-made questionnaire contained demographic and pregnancy information, nausea, vomiting, pregnancy cravings and mother's food pattern. Data were analyzed using SPSS.22 software and chi-square, t-test and one-way analysis of variance tests.

The mean age of pregnant women was 27.07±6.29 years. The prevalence of food craving, nausea & vomiting in the studied women was 55.4%, and 70.5%, respectively. Statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups with and without nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in terms of mother's education and the number of meals consumed (p<0.05). Statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups with and without food craving in terms of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (p<0.05).

Considering the relatively high prevalence of nausea, vomiting and food craving, knowing the related factors and early diagnosis of these problems during prenatal care and their effective treatment can reduce its consequences on women's health and quality of life.