Pregnancy brings about many symptoms, one of the most common being morning sickness. Morning sickness is usually characterized by bouts of queasiness, light-headedness, and more often than not, vomiting. Despite the term “morning sickness”, these symptoms can arise at any time and can sometimes last beyond morning hours. Understanding that this is a common part of pregnancy and learning how to manage it can make this journey more comfortable for you.
When does morning sickness usually start?
Morning sickness typically makes its appearance between the 6th and 9th week of your pregnancy, but it’s not the same for all. Some women might feel completely fine and completely bypass morning sickness, and that’s normal too!
How long does morning sickness last?
The silver lining here is that most women experience morning sickness only during the first trimester (first 12 weeks). In some cases, these nagging symptoms might extend beyond the first semester, but they are generally less intense. Don’t worry if you feel nauseous beyond the first 12 weeks; some women do experience morning sickness a little longer, or even a resurgence in the final trimester.
What does morning sickness feel like?
Just as every pregnancy is unique, morning sickness symptoms also vary from pregnancy to pregnancy and woman to woman. The common symptoms include:
● An ongoing sensation of nausea (not always followed by vomiting)
● Vomiting, occurring anytime and potentially more than once a day
● Hunger pangs, despite not feeling like eating
● Heartburn or acid reflux
● Feeling like you’re seasick or experiencing motion sickness
Can morning sickness be serious?
There might be days when you experience a queasy feeling for extended durations, and it’s entirely normal. If vomiting is infrequent – around 0-2 times a day, there’s no cause for concern. However, if you are throwing up three or more times a day, it could indicate a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting. In such scenarios, don’t delay consulting your doctor as it might lead to weight loss, dehydration, and other complications.
Nutrition tips to ease morning sickness:
Since strong smells and tastes might not appeal to you during this phase, try consuming bland foods rich in carbohydrates and proteins, while being low in fat. Also, easily digested foods such as cooked veggies and fruits, oatmeal, crackers, or broth can calm your stomach and reduce symptoms.
Tactics to avert morning sickness:
To keep morning sickness at bay, many women find eating small amounts frequently, quite effective. Keeping light snacks in your bag or bedside drawer can be a wise choice. It’s also advisable to eat as soon as you wake up (even before leaving your bed). Distasteful smells can trigger nausea; so, having a sniff of something pleasant, like lemons or other citrus fruits, can help.
Lifestyle changes to mitigate morning sickness:
Eating frequently, avoiding strong smells and tastes, and not taking prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach can go a long way in curbing morning sickness. Giving your body some time to digest food before you rest can also help; a short walk or standing for a bit after eating can facilitate digestion and reduce the chances of feeling ill.
Home remedies for morning sickness:
Ginger is a natural ingredient known for easing queasiness. Including ginger in your meals, beverages, sweets, or as supplements can work miracles. Consuming ginger tea or hot water with fresh ginger shavings can also help. Additionally, some women find distraction techniques like sucking on hard candy useful.
Are there medications to alleviate morning sickness?
Yes, there are medicines safe for pregnant women that can ease morning sickness. Always consult your doctor before introducing any new supplement or over-the-counter medicine to your routine. Your physician might also prescribe specific anti-nausea medication to provide relief.
At the Community Pregnancy Clinics, we are dedicated to supporting you throughout your pregnancy. We understand that every woman experiences pregnancy differently, including symptoms like morning sickness. Should you need any assistance or have queries about your symptoms, never hesitate to reach out to us! We are always here for you.
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes /syc-20375254
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-an d-morning-sickness/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-v omiting-of-pregnancy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/diagnosis-treatme nt/drc-20375260