Morning sickness during pregnancy is a common condition. It is characterized by feelings of nausea and vomiting, more often occurring during the first trimester. Nausea affects about 70-80% of pregnant women, while vomiting is experienced by about 50%. Despite being called morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day.
Morning sickness is unpleasant but usually clear by the 16th to 20th week of pregnancy. Some people have the misconception that morning sickness is a sign of healthy pregnancy. There are no proven facts that indicate this.
The symptoms of morning sickness range from mild to severe nausea and vomiting with hyperemesis gravidarum being severe. Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a condition of excessive nausea and vomiting, which cause nutritional disturbances, dehydration or electrolyte. This is a serious condition that requires hospitalization.
Causes of Morning Sickness
The actual cause of morning sickness is not known. However, researchers claims that it protects the fetus against toxins and disease-causing organisms in food. A study conducted by NICHD’S Epidemiology Brach indicates that there is a protective correlation between morning sickness and a lower risk of pregnancy loss. Hence, mild nausea and vomiting is not harmful to your baby, rather it helps the fetus.
Other possible causes are higher levels of hormones like estrogen, changes in carbohydrate metabolism or the huge chemical changes the pregnancy triggers in a woman.
Risk Factors for Morning Sickness
Some factors increase the chances of experiencing morning sickness. However, they are not a guarantee that it will occur. You may be at risk of morning sickness if;
History of morning sickness
Pregnant individuals who have experienced morning sickness in previous pregnancies are more likely to experience it again in subsequent pregnancies.
Multiple pregnancies
Pregnant individuals carrying multiple fetuses, such as twins or triplets, are more likely to experience morning sickness.
Genetics
Some studies suggest that there may be a genetic component to morning sickness, meaning that individuals with a family history of morning sickness may be more likely to experience it themselves.
Other medical conditions
Pregnant individuals with certain medical conditions, such as migraines or gastrointestinal disorders, may be more susceptible to morning sickness.
How to Deal with Morning Sickness
1. Acupressure
Some pregnant individuals find that acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, can help alleviate morning sickness. Putting pressure on the wrist helps in relieving the symptoms.
2. Eat small, frequent meals
Eating small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals can help alleviate nausea and prevent vomiting.
3. Avoid trigger foods
Certain foods, such as spicy or fatty, may trigger morning sickness, so it’s important to identify and avoid them.
4. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or ginger tea, can help ease nausea and prevent dehydration.
5. Rest and relax
Stress and fatigue can worsen morning sickness, so resting and practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help manage symptoms.
6. Avoid smell that triggers nausea or vomiting.
More often, onion or garlic smell trigger nausea during pregnancy. You can move to another room when someone is cooking.
7. Dress Comfortably
Wear something comfortable that gives your body, especially the enlarging belly room to breathe. Uncomfortable dressing can trigger nausea.
8. Take prescribed medication
If the nausea and vomiting is excessive and distract your daily activities, you can talk to your healthcare provider for medical treatment.
9. Avoid any trigger
Some women may get triggers in a vehicle; others will get triggers in noisy or high-music places. You can always travel when necessary and have low-volume music.
Foods that fight nausea during pregnancy
1. Lemon
The scent of lemon can help ease nausea for some pregnant individuals. Sipping lemon water or adding lemon to meals can be helpful.
2. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease nausea. You can try sipping ginger tea, eating ginger candies, or adding ginger to your meals.
3. Fresh fruits and vegetables
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables help the body get the essential vitamins and ease nausea. Watermen, bananas, and avocados are good choices that also help in preventing dehydration. Bananas are rich in potassium which helps regulate electrolyte levels, reducing nausea and vomiting.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint has a cooling and calming effect that can help reduce nausea. You can drink peppermint tea or chew peppermint gum.
5. Broth
Broth-based soups, such as chicken soup, can help provide hydration and nutrients without being too heavy on the stomach.
6. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a good source of fiber that helps you feel full and regulate digestion, hence preventing nausea.
Foods to Avoid if You are Having Morning Sickness
1. Spicy and fatty foods
These foods can be harder to digest and may trigger nausea and vomiting.
2. Strongly flavored foods
Strong flavors like garlic or onion may exacerbate nausea and make it harder to keep food down.
3. Acidic foods
Foods high in acidity, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, may irritate the stomach and worsen nausea.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine can be dehydrating and may worsen nausea. It’s best to limit or avoid caffeine during pregnancy.
5. Alcohol
Alcohol can harm the developing fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy.
6. Fried or greasy foods
Fried foods are high in fat and may trigger nausea and vomiting.
7. Processed or packaged foods
These foods are often high in salt, sugar, and preservatives, which can worsen nausea and are generally less nutritious than whole foods.
Final Words
Every pregnancy is unique; what works for you may not work for someone else. Walking your pregnancy journey with your healthcare provider, who will assist you when in need, is advisable. Morning sickness is common in pregnancy and usually vanishes after the first trimester. If the nausea and vomiting are severe, please visit the hospital for a proper check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does morning sickness in pregnancy begin?
Pregnancy morning sickness can begin as early as the first few weeks after conception. It starts during the first trimester.
How long does morning sickness last?
Morning sickness can vary in duration and severity. For some women, it may only last a few weeks, while for others, it may persist throughout the pregnancy.
Are there any medications that can help with morning sickness?
Some medications can alleviate symptoms of morning sickness, but it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy.
When does morning sickness occur?
Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day or night, although it is most commonly experienced in the morning.
What are some tips for managing morning sickness?
Some tips for managing morning sickness include eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, avoiding triggers such as strong smells or certain foods, and getting plenty of rest.
Can morning sickness be harmful to the developing fetus?
In most cases, morning sickness is a normal part of pregnancy and does not harm the developing fetus. However, medical treatment may be necessary if nausea and vomiting are severe or interfere with daily life.
References
Heitmann, K., Nordeng, H., Havnen, G.C. et al. The burden of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: severe impacts on quality of life, daily life functioning and willingness to become pregnant again – results from a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 17, 75 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1249-0
NIH study links morning sickness to lower risk of pregnancy loss https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-study-links-morning-sickness-lower-risk-pregnancy-loss#:~:text=For%20most%20women%2C%20nausea%20and,organisms%20in%20foods%20and%20beverages.