Morning sickness is
characterized by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is a frequent issue,
particularly during the first three months.
The exact reason is
unknown, however, it is thought to be caused by hormonal changes during
pregnancy. Morning sickness is typical, and unless it is severe, there is no
danger to the baby.
It is also very
important that you and your spouse understand that you may not appreciate
certain stimuli (visuals, tastes, scents, touch, and sexual encounters) that
you used to love during pregnancy. These modifications may put a strain on your
relationship.
Some important facts regarding morning sickness:
- Up to 80% of pregnant women have some symptoms.
- Some people may become ill without vomiting
- Despite the name "morning sickness," you
might become ill and vomit at any time of day or night.
- Morning sickness intensity and duration vary greatly
from woman to woman. It can also vary from pregnancy to pregnancy; you may
get morning sickness one time but not the next.
- It normally improves by the end of the first three
months, if not early, but for some women, it lasts longer, sometimes until
the baby is born.
- It can be severe for certain women, causing weight loss
and dehydration.
Taking care of morning sickness
Most of the time, no
medical intervention is required, but there are certain things you may do that
might help.
Does morning sickness affect my unborn child?
Although morning
sickness can be uncomfortable and upsetting, there is no evidence to suggest
that it harms your unborn child. However, nausea could affect the foods you
choose to eat. You and your child both require a consistent supply of a variety
of nutrients from the food you eat. If you believe that your morning sickness
is interfering with your ability to eat healthily, consult a medical
practitioner.
Dehydration must also be
avoided, so consult a doctor right once if you start vomiting and have trouble
swallowing liquids.
how long does morning sickness last?
During your first
trimester, between 6 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, you are more likely to have
morning nausea. Even though it is sometimes referred to as "morning
sickness," it can linger all day or all night.
It is rare to begin
feeling nauseous after week 10 of pregnancy, so if this occurs to you, see a
doctor to rule out any underlying medical issues and to offer you peace of
mind.
Natural Remedies For Morning Sickness.
Ginger.
This fragrant root has a
long history of being used in Chinese medicine and is well known for its
ability to calm the stomach. You may slurp down a ginger lozenge or lollipop,
consume ginger in sweets or cookies, or drink ginger in soda or tea.
Sour snacks.
Should you actually eat
anything sour if your stomach already feels sour? Yes, claims Beverly
Hills-based OB-GYN Michele Hakakha, M.D., who is also the co-author of
Expecting 411. Try smelling anything sour, drinking lemon water, or even simply
sucking on some sour candy, she advises. "I had a patient who took a lemon
around with her, scraped the skin, and inhaled the scent to help her feel
better."
Mint.
Using foods or chewing
gum with this flavour might make you feel less queasy and calmer. They could
help cover up food scents that hurt your stomach. Additionally, mint might help
you breathe freshen after a particularly bad round of morning sickness. Go
ahead: Smell some mint. Even that can make you feel better.
Put a few mint lip balm
in your pocket, or experiment with a rollerball of diluted essential oil of
peppermint.
Saltines.
A stomach ache might be
relieved by bland, starchy crackers. According to the Cleveland Clinic,
saltines function by absorbing the acid that causes indigestion. The salt in
them also replenishes electrolytes that have been depleted. (Be careful to
clean your teeth thoroughly since the carbohydrates in saltines and other
crackers can exacerbate tooth decay, which is already a problem for pregnant
women and those with high oral acid.) Toast, bananas, and applesauce can all
help settle upset stomachs.
Trail mix.
When you're hungry but
can't bring yourself to eat a full meal, trail mix is a simple snack to go for.
When you leave the house, carry a bag with you since the mix of fruits, nuts,
and semi-sweet chocolate chips will make you feel full without making you feel
heavy. In addition to offering healthy fats, trail mix also makes it easy to
get the daily recommended amount of protein (pregnant people need at least 60
grams per day).
Fluids
You run the risk of
dehydration if you often vomit. Increase your normal fluid intake and make sure
you consume at least 10 full glasses of liquid every day (each one should be 8
ounces or more).
Watermelon is an
alternative. If you're having difficulties drinking enough water, combine ice
cubes and frozen pops with glasses of water and ice chips. You may also remain
hydrated by drinking Italian ice or lemon slush. You may also try sports
beverages to keep your electrolytes balanced.
Drink fluids only
between meals, ideally 30 minutes before or after, because a rise in
progesterone levels during pregnancy slows the rate at which your body digests
food, and you don't want to be overfull. If you must drink during meals, do so
in moderation.
Smoothies might come in
handy when you are unable to eat. You may fill them with nutrient-dense fruits
and vegetables. They can also neutralize stomach acids and bring blood sugar
levels back to normal.
Summary
Morning sickness might
be the most difficult aspect of early pregnancy. Some folks are feeling a
little queasy, while others are rushing to the restroom. What's the good news?
Morning sickness often improves in the second trimester.