Over 50% of pregnant women will experience morning sickness to some degree or another. As the name implies, most women will notice this after arising in the morning, but it can occur any time of day or even last all day.
The exact cause of morning sickness is not known but most believe it is a result of rapidly rising hormone levels associated with pregnancy. Low blood sugar, which is also common at this time, is thought to be another contributor to this frequent issue of pregnancy.
Most women start to experience the symptoms at around their 6th week of pregnancy and notice that it starts to subside around the 12th week. However, a small percentage of women will find themselves dealing with nausea throughout their pregnancy. Actual vomiting is not always associated with morning sickness and the symptoms can range from very mild to severe.
The absence of morning sickness does not mean that there is anything wrong with the pregnancy but the presence is usually a pretty good indictor that the pregnancy is progressing.
Helpful Do’s and Don’ts:
- Eat small meals often
- Drink fluids before or after a meal, but not with meals
- Drink small amounts of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration
- Eat soda crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning
- Avoid foods and smells that increase nausea
- Cook in well ventilated spaces to avoid odors that may bother you
- Get plenty of rest
- Avoid warm places (feeling hot adds to nausea)
- Some salty foods and foods high in carbs may help settle the stomach
- Exercise
- Avoid lying down after eating
- Do not skip meals
- Avoid spicy, greasy, and fatty foods
Morning sickness can only become a problem for your baby if you can’t keep any foods or fluids down and begin to lose a lot of weight.
Mild cases are often treated with dietary measures, rest and antacids. Severe cases often require a stay in the hospital where fluid and nutrition can be delivered through an intravenous line.
If you are concerned about the severity of nausea and vomiting you are experiencing it is important to seek medical attention for evaluation and treatment.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.