Nausea After Ovulation: Everything You Should Know

You may be surprised to learn just how many different signs and symptoms that you can experience during and after the time in which you ovulate. However, you may be wondering if nausea after ovulation is normal or if it could be a sign of pregnancy.

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation occurs when your eggs are released from the ovaries and the ovarian follicles experience a rupture and release the secondary oocyte ovarian cells. Then, the egg will then be ready to be fertilized by the sperm. Next, the uterine lining will be thickened and will then receiving a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, menstruation will then take place.

Possible Causes of Nausea After Ovulation

1. Luteinizing Hormones

During ovulation, many changes in hormone level take place. Two of these changes are an increase in the estrogen levels and a surge of luteinizing hormones. When these changes happen inside of your body, nausea can be a common result.

2. Mittelschmerz

Mittelschmerz is the medical community's way of saying mid-cycle pain or ovulation pain. It is estimated that some 20% of women around the globe experience this pain, either every single cycle or intermittently. If you experience mittelschmerz during your ovulation, you may also feel nauseous as a result

3. Fertility Treatments

Changes in hormones and mittelschmerz are not the only possible culprits behind your nausea. Sometimes when women are trying to conceive, they might undergo various fertility treatments that could very well be the cause. Luteinizing hormones, follicle-stimulating hormones, chorionic gonadotropin, cetrorelix acetate, and progesterone can all cause nausea.

4. Anti-inflammatory Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications can also cause nausea. These medicines or treatments are designed to reduce swelling or inflammation and while doing so often relieve any associated pain. Some common anti-inflammatory medications that can cause nausea include ibuprofen, ketoprofen, tometin, and flurbiprofen.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C, which is also called ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that can be found in food and is often recommended as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C is generally well tolerated and is an essential nutrient that your fertility care team may suggest if you are trying to conceive. However, doses that are larger than normal may lead to many side effects, including nausea.

Feeling Nausea After Ovulation - Could You Be Pregnant?

Nausea during pregnancy is often called morning sickness. Generally speaking, morning sickness usually will not occur until you are somewhere between your fourth and sixth week. However, there are occasionally cases in which women may experience nausea much earlier than four weeks.

If you are experiencing nausea after ovulation, you may be wondering if you could be pregnant. Depending on how soon after ovulation you began to first feel nauseous, you may wish to take a pregnancy test.

There are many different types of pregnancy tests for you to choose from. Some pregnancy tests can be purchased over-the-counter and others are only available through your physician. Some of the options include a urine test, a blood test, a pelvic examination, and even a DIY sugar test.

What Can You do About Nausea After Ovulation?

Morning sickness does not have to be just a regular part of your pregnancy that you simply need to grin and bear. There are numerous treatment options and remedies that are available and safe for both you and your baby. However, you should consult with your physician before trying any of the suggested options.

Doctor Marra Francis is an ob-gyn in Woodlands, Texas and says that while morning sickness is common during the early stages of pregnancy, you do not have to suffer through it without relief. There are tons of safe solutions that you can find in your local supermarket or health food store.

I had horrible nausea during all three of my pregnancies, so I became well familiar with a number of different natural remedies. Some worked better for different pregnancies than others so try a few to see which works best for you.

Just a few of the natural remedies that I found success with were ginger, sour foods, mint, saltines, nuts, smoothies, ice chips, and foods high in vitamin B6 (turkey breast, chicken breast, avocados, and sunflower seeds).

To Wrap Up

While some nausea after ovulation or during ovulation may be normal, persistent or severe nausea might be a valid cause for concern. As with all health issues, if you are really worried, you should definitely make an appointment with your physician or fertility care team.

References

Allen, D. (2004). Managing Motherhood, Managing Risk. University of Michigan Press.  ISBN 9780472030279 

Rosenthal, M. (2012). Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society. Cengage Learning. ISBN 9780618755714