In this article:
How Soon May Morning Sickness Begin?
It may begin as early as the sixth week of pregnancy; however, the precise date varies. Most individuals have symptoms of morning sickness before nine weeks of pregnancy.When Does Morning Sickness Peak?
Most individuals have their strongest morning sickness between eight and ten weeks of pregnancy. However, this period varies, and not everyone's symptoms "peak" simultaneously.What Causes Morning Sickness?
The exact reason for morning sickness is unknown, but doctors think it is a combination of physical and hormonal changes. It could be caused by:- Low blood sugar
- An increase in pregnancy hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and oestrogen
- Blood pressure fluctuates
- Changes in metabolism
Morning sickness may be made worse by:
- Stress and anxiety
- Being too fatigued
- Eating or smelling certain foods
- Motion sickness
- Hot or warm weather
Management & Treatment
Dietary adjustments for morning sickness
- To soothe your stomach in the morning, eat a few crackers or toast. Keep a few crackers beside your bed and consume a few before getting up.
- Eat numerous modest meals every day rather than three large ones. Do not miss meals.
- Avoid eating hot and greasy meals. Consume bland meals such as bananas, rice, dry bread, plain baked potatoes, gelatin, broth, eggs, and applesauce.
- Consume healthy, protein-rich snacks in between meals, such as yoghurt, peanut butter on apple slices or celery, cheese, or almonds.
- Drink lots of fluids, particularly water, throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated drinks.
- When you're not at home, always have a snack bag with you.
- Make tea with fresh grated ginger or try ginger candy.
Lifestyle changes for morning sickness
- Take your prenatal vitamins with food. If your prenatal supplement includes iron, take it after bedtime. Talk to your doctor about different vitamin choices
- Avoid odours, flashing lights, and other conditions that irritate you and cause nausea
- Get plenty of rest
- Maintain good ventilation in your rooms, use a fan, or step outdoors for some fresh air on occasion
- Smell fresh and pleasant aromas like lemon, orange, or mint
- Do not lay down after eating
- Rinse your mouth after vomiting. This may help protect your teeth from the acid found in vomit
Alternative treatments for nausea during pregnancy
Other treatments may help alleviate nausea. Consult your healthcare practitioner before attempting these:- Acupressure wristbands deliver pressure to particular places on the wrist
- Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into certain places of your skin
Importance of Hydration For Managing Nausea and Morning Sickness
While staying hydrated is important throughout pregnancy, it is even more important for managing nausea and vomiting. Vomiting causes dehydration, which can make your pregnancy symptoms worse and impact your overall health. Keep sipping on small amounts of water throughout the day. You can also opt for flavoured water, electrolyte-based drinks or broths. Oral rehydration throughout the day can help you maintain optimal hydration levels. Women who are struggling with nausea may also find ice chips and flavoured water easier to tolerate.The Role of Supplements Like Magnesium and Vitamin B6
Supplements can help with managing quite a lot of pregnancy symptoms, but magnesium and vitamin B6 are particularly helpful in managing nausea and morning sickness.- Magnesium: Magnesium supplements can help alleviate nausea symptoms and help with muscle relaxation. Include foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds into your diet as these are rich in magnesium. You can also take magnesium supplements prescribed by your doctor.
- Vitamin B6: Studies suggest that vitamin B6 supplements can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms in pregnant women. Pregnant women are recommended to take 10-25mg of vitamin B6 thrice daily, however, you should always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Persistent Morning Sickness and Other Underlying Conditions
Morning sickness is very common in pregnancy. Almost every pregnant woman experiences nausea to some extent. However, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting, which is also known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can often indicate other medical conditions such as- Thyroid dysfunction: Sometimes, conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can exacerbate nausea symptoms and mimic other pregnancy symptoms as well.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Certain conditions such as gastritis, intestinal obstructions or GERD can worsen nausea and vomiting.
Food Safety Tips For Pregnant Women
Pregnancy makes you more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, further triggering your nausea and vomiting symptoms. Sometimes, these illnesses can pose risks to your baby’s health. Here are some food safety tips you can keep in mind.- Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before consuming them to remove any potential contaminants
- Avoid unpasteurised dairy products as they can contain harmful bacteria like Listeria
- Avoid uncooked food like sushi and raw meats and eggs to prevent exposure to salmonella or toxoplasmosis
- Keep all food at a safe temperature to prevent bacteria from growing
FAQs on Managing Nausea and Vomiting: Solutions for Morning Sickness
- What reduces nausea quickly?
Tips for feeling better include:- Getting enough fresh air
- You may distract yourself by listening to music or watching a movie
- Take frequent sips of a cool beverage
- Consume foods containing ginger, such as ginger cookies (as per advice from doctor)
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals
- At what hCG level does nausea occur?
It varies from woman to woman, but symptoms are most severe around 9 or 10 weeks, when hCG levels are at their peak. At 11 weeks, hCG levels begin to decline, and by 15 weeks, they have fallen almost 50% from their high.
