Morning Sickness During Pregnancy – Causes, Prevention, Medications

• Since your body undergoes stages of hormonal and physical changes during pregnancy, you are likely to suffer some stubborn ailments like weird feelings in your stomach, vomiting, nausea, and body cramps
• Studies show that during the first trimester, the body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the pregnancy hormone at high levels – and nausea seems to be the body’s reaction to it.
• Additionally, your muscles will contract, putting pressure on your digestive system and enlarging your uterus muscles. A sensitive stomach will also cause nausea and the feeling of throwing up.
• Pregnancy also gives rise to increments in your estrogen levels, fluidic stomach acids, smelling power, metallic tastes, and lethargy. All these factors, coupled together and trigger nausea and vomiting.
• Again, stress can be a two-way street – the cause and the effect. Stress may cause you to vomit and feel nauseated and then nausea may again cause stress. The best deal is to stay cheerful and treat nausea as a normal pregnancy symptom.

All these changes are generally prominent during the first trimester of pregnancy, however, some women do find it hanging around till the third semester.

Will I Get Morning Sickness During Pregnancy?

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:

• You are pregnant with twins or multiples – which implies the pregnancy hormones are at higher degrees than normal. Your nausea could be severe.
• You, your mother, or your sister have had nausea and vomiting in your previous pregnancies.
• If you hate to travel and suffer from motion sickness, you are likely to have nausea. Migraine headaches also make you more susceptible.
• As per some studies, if you are carrying a girl, you are 50% more likely to suffer from bouts of nausea and vomiting in your first trimester of pregnancy.

Does Nausea Affect the Baby?

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’.

I Do Not Have Nausea, Does That Mean I Will Have a Miscarriage?

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]

How Can I Treat Nausea 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]

Tips to Deal With Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

It is not possible to completely get rid of this malady, but you can certainly restrict its level-

• Small, frequent meals will help you keep your stomach full. Empty stomachs are known to cause worse nausea.
• Avoid entering the kitchen often, as the food smell will increase your nausea. You can ask a family member to cook or hire someone.
• Do not hurry up while getting settled on your bed. Sit slowly giving good support to your back. Let the digestive process begin. lying down immediately after having a meal slows down digestion.
• Even if you are not in the mood to eat, munch on light meals at frequent intervals. A packed stomach will decrease the risk of running into nausea. It helps to eat something as simple as crackers the first thing before getting out of bed. Keep something light by your bedside, in your purse, and in the car dashboard.
• Increase the intake of healthy food and avoid biting into oily, fatty, acidic, and spicy food. Fatty and spicy foods are difficult to digest.
• Foods that are not hot will not have strong aromas. Try eating food at room temperature or cold.
• Drink plenty of fluids like water, juices, and coconut water. Some women swear by sweet and salty lemonade. Limit the intake of caffeine-enriched beverages like coffee or tea as these act as stimulants.
• Try herbal teas. Ginger seems to work very effectively for some women.
• Walk and light exercises like pranayama and respiration exercises in the fresh air will help you keep your sickness within limits. If you do feel nauseated, a gasp of fresh air is sure to help you out.
• Try and keep your mind busy with something or the other. Less you think about your morning sickness, less is, the fewer chances of feeling it. Playing cards, listening to music, and talking on the phone are some of the tactics you can adopt.
• Wear easy-going clothes.
• Brush your teeth, and rinse often. Peppermint candies also help a lot of pregnant women.
• Trying acupressure may also be helpful for some women. A simple, soft cotton acupressure wristband, generally worn to ward off sea sickness has also helped some women.
• See if non-food things or situations also trigger your nausea. Examples are a stuffy meeting room, a car ride, the smell of a room freshener or perfume, etc.

[Read: Tips To Deal With Morning Sickness At Night]

Can I Take Medications For Nausea During Pregnancy?

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

FAQ’s

1. How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?

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.

2. How Soon Do Pregnant Women Have Morning Sickness?

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.