
Written by Editorial Team
Morning sickness is a pregnancy displeasure that causes distress to most pregnant women. Though not so much as the name suggests morning sickness generally begins during the morning, but can strike any time of the day or night, and even last an entire day causing a nausea-like feeling.
Morning sickness or nausea is also one of the early signs of pregnancy when you would know that something is happening and a very little human is being created inside you. In this article, we will learn everything you need to know about morning sickness during pregnancy.
In This Article
Though no one knows for sure, the physical and hormonal changes happening in your body at the onset of pregnancy are generally to be blamed for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Some common causes are as listed below:
All these changes are generally prominent during the first trimester of pregnancy, however, some women do find it hanging around till the third semester.
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy affects about 3/4ths of all pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Luck plays its game in the rest quarter of women who do not suffer from either nausea or vomiting, while half of pregnant women do suffer from both nausea and sessions of vomiting. These symptoms are likely to surface in the 6th week of pregnancy, though for some women morning sickness starts from the 4th week onwards. Most women feel respite at around 14 weeks of pregnancy, while for some the bouts of nausea and vomiting continue the entire pregnancy or return after a few weeks. So as to speak, to each her own.
You are likely to suffer from morning sickness during pregnancy if the below conditions apply:
Even if you do not gain much weight in your first trimester due to frequent spilling-out sessions, your baby will not suffer any harm. You must, however, stay hydrated and take the requisite vitamins through doses of prenatal vitamins as recommended by your doctor. You must try and eat whatever you are able to, even if that does not fit into your ‘ideal diet plate’.
If nausea and morning sickness is not bothering you, do not be stressed out. Some women with perfectly normal pregnancies do not have episodes of morning sickness at all, while for some it is a very short-lived condition. Mayoclinic.org quotes that “A study of more than 2,400 pregnant women associated nausea and vomiting during the first trimester with a reduced risk of early pregnancy loss — particularly for women age 30 and older.” Though women who have nausea and vomiting are less likely to have a miscarriage, it does not mean that women do not suffer from morning sickness are any more likely to have a miscarriage.
[Read: Heightened Sense Of Smell During Pregnancy]
Every pregnant woman responds differently to morning sickness. The predicaments relating to nausea and vomiting will remain throughout your pregnancy but the quantum varies. That is one reason that there is no single pill that fits all. It may be a few weeks for some women, whereas a few months for others, generally subsiding by weeks 12-14. Strong smells of things usually drive nausea. The aroma of garlic, potatoes, onions, or brinjals usually turns into a foul odor, which makes it intolerant for pregnant women. Some women feel nausea at some sights, while others may not like to travel in the car.
Some nausea is not bad or harmful to the baby or you, but if anything makes you skip work, or wears you down to the extent that you end up distressed, you should see your doctor. Excessive nausea and vomiting might leave you dehydrated and malnourished. It might harm your child if you consistently vomit whatever you eat. Vomiting out everything you eat means your baby is being kept deprived of the nutrients he must get at this time. You might be putting down solids at the very sight, and though it should be alright for the initial few weeks, it may not be right if it continues for a longer period. Not to worry as it is curable. Get access to a healthy diet and copious liquids and take the necessary steps to restrict your vomiting.
While working in the office if you feel nauseated, then it is better to go to a well-ventilated room or place a cold wet towel over your head.
[Read: Top 10 Easy Natural Remedies For Morning Sickness]
It is not possible to completely get rid of this malady, but you can certainly restrict its level-
[Read: Tips To Deal With Morning Sickness At Night]
Not on your own, but if your nausea gets miserable and unbearable, consult a doctor. Many doctors prescribe dosages of vitamin B6 or B12 and some other nausea medicines. However, do not buy over-the-counter medicines on your own – pregnancy requires utmost care with medications. If all fails, your doctor would recommend either checking you in at the hospital or prescribing pregnancy-safe medications. You will be admitted to the hospital if you have a condition of hyperemesis gravidarum in which case you will be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids and medications.
Read Also: Frequent Urination During Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting in the morning are unpleasant and can interfere greatly with daily living. Nonetheless, it often disappears by week 16–20 of pregnancy and poses little threat to the baby.
Some pregnant women experience nausea as early as the second or fourth week of their pregnancies, but this is unusual. Morning sickness often develops between weeks 6 and 12 of pregnancy. It reaches its peak at around 9 weeks.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.