Up to 80 percent of all pregnant women experience morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day. It can manifest in various forms, with some women reporting a queasy feeling, while others suffer from frequent vomiting. While nausea and vomiting can be distressing during pregnancy, they typically have no consequences for the mother or the baby.
What causes morning sickness?
The causes of morning sickness are not fully understood, but hormonal changes, particularly the rise in hCG and estrogen, are believed to play a role. Stress, emotional strain, anxieties, and low blood pressure can exacerbate morning sickness.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy nausea?
A queasy feeling in the stomach, nausea, and vomiting are among the most common symptoms. These symptoms are not limited to the morning, and certain smells can trigger nausea. Some women experience these symptoms occasionally, while others struggle with them more frequently.
How long does morning sickness last?
The duration of morning sickness can vary from woman to woman. For most women, pregnancy nausea begins around the sixth week of pregnancy and often subsides towards the end of the first trimester. However, some women may experience nausea for a longer duration.
Can morning sickness harm the unborn baby?
Typically, there is no risk to the baby with morning sickness, as long as the mother takes in sufficient fluids to avoid dehydration and continues to receive nutrients to support the healthy development of the child.
When should I see a doctor for pregnancy nausea?
If pregnancy nausea is severe and persistent, leading to heavy vomiting and significant dehydration, it is important to consult a doctor. Medical assistance should also be sought if nausea persists beyond the first trimester or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Warning signs include abdominal pain, fever, blood in vomit, and numbness on one side of the body.
What is Hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that is more intense, lasts longer, and can lead to severe vomiting, significant dehydration, and weight loss.
Women with hyperemesis gravidarum may struggle to keep large amounts of fluid and food down, resulting in dehydration and nutrient deficiency. This can impact the health of both the mother and the development of the child.
Treatment usually involves intravenous fluid and nutrient intake and, if necessary, medication.
How can morning sickness be treated?
In consultation with a doctor, medications and vitamins can be taken to alleviate morning sickness.
Commonly prescribed remedies for nausea (approved for the treatment of pregnancy nausea) include:
- Vitamin B6: Pregnancy supplements with Vitamin B6 can help alleviate nausea.
- Doxylamine: Studies have shown that doxylamine (an antihistamine) in combination with Vitamin B6 can alleviate nausea and vomiting.
Tips for morning sickness
- Change in eating habits: Having several smaller meals can help; heavy or hard-to-digest foods should be avoided.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger or in the form of syrup (with 250mg of ginger per dose) and capsules can reduce nausea.
- Acupressure and acupuncture: Certain pressure points can provide relief through acupressure or acupuncture. Wristbands that apply gentle pressure to specific points can reduce nausea.
- Avoiding triggers for nausea: Often certain smells, foods, or even sounds can trigger nausea. Avoiding these triggers can help reduce morning sickness.
