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What Exactly Is Morning Sickness?
As the name suggests, pregnancy-induced morning sickness starts a bit too late in the afternoon. You can also be nauseous during the day, morning, afternoon or night. Others have mild nausea, and some have serious vomiting.Morning sickness normally starts sometime during the 6th week of pregnancy, but can extend to the 12th or 14th week. In most cases, the condition improves after the second trimester; however, for some individuals, it may persist.
Why Does Morning Sickness Happen?
It is not clear exactly why this occurs, but doctors consider it to be connected to a combination of hormonal, physical, and lifestyle changes that occur during pregnancy. Here are the main triggers:- Hormonal Shifts: During pregnancy, high levels of hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen are secreted. Your digestive system and brain are also more sensitive to other smells and tastes because of these sudden hormonal changes.
- Heightened Sense of Smell and Taste: You can find the scent of perfume, spices or even your favourite foods repulsive. Such a high sensitivity is related to hormone fluctuations and can easily cause nausea.
- Slower Digestion: Another key hormone of pregnancy, progesterone, also relaxes the body's digestive muscles. As this assists in supporting your baby, it also slows down the flow of food, causing you to experience bloating and nausea.
- Stress and Fatigue: Nausea can be exacerbated by other concerns, such as physical fatigue and emotional stress, during early pregnancy. When you are too tired, your body struggles more to cope with hormonal changes.
- Evolutionary Protection: Some experts believe morning sickness is your body’s way of protecting the baby by making you avoid foods that might contain harmful bacteria or toxins. That’s why many women feel sick when around meat, fish, or strong-smelling foods.
Is Morning Sickness Normal?
In most cases, yes. Morning sickness is actually thought to be a good sign that your body is adapting to pregnancy. Research has even indicated that there is possibly a reduced risk of miscarriage in women experiencing morning sickness. However, that does not appear to justify needing it to achieve a healthy pregnancy.Light-fingered nausea and occasional vomiting are not usually a concern. However, when it is too common, too keen or goes on during pregnancy, you might require medical attention.
When Morning Sickness Is Not Normal
In some cases, nausea/vomiting in pregnancy crosses the limits of what is considered normal. A very serious incidence of morning sickness is known as hyperemesis gravidarum and must be taken care of.You should see your doctor if you notice:
- Persistent vomiting where you cannot keep food or fluids down
- Rapid weight loss (more than 5% of your pre-pregnancy weight)
- Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst, or fatigue
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Severe abdominal pain or fever
- Vomiting that continues well into the second or third trimester
Tips to Manage Morning Sickness
With mild to moderate symptoms, you should be able to cope by making simple lifestyle changes:- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Avoid spending too much time between meals. Smaller meals, eaten less often (2-3 times a day), allow your stomach to stay full, which can help alleviate nausea.
- Choose Dry or Bland Foods: Crackers, toast, bananas, or rice can be placed more comfortably in your stomach than spicy or oily foods.
- Stay Hydrated: Take sips of water, coconut water, or clear soups throughout the day. It is much easier to drink frequently, not all at once in large doses.
- Avoid Triggers: Notice what food or smell makes you feel nauseated and avoid it. This can also be ensured with proper ventilation in the kitchen or workplace.
- Try Ginger and Lemon: Some women can find relief in ginger tea, ginger candies, or even sniffing lemon to relieve nausea.
- Rest and Relaxation: Nausea may be aggravated by fatigue. Aim to step out and take short breaks throughout your day to rest.
- Ask About Supplements: Certain prenatal vitamins, particularly high in iron, can worsen nausea. Discuss the options and dosages with your physician.
Medical Treatment for Severe Cases
If lifestyle changes don’t work and you have severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend:- Antinausea medications that are safe in pregnancy
- Intravenous fluids if dehydration is severe
- Nutritional support in extreme cases
Hormonal and physical changes result in pregnant mothers experiencing the phenomenon of morning sickness naturally. Although this is painful, it is reassuring that your body is adapting to support your developing baby.
But when nausea and vomiting are too much, then do not neglect them. It is essential to distinguish between normal morning sickness and more severe disorders, such as hyperemesis gravidarum. By doing the right thing, you will be able to keep yourself and your baby healthy.
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FAQs on Understanding Why Morning Sickness Happens (And When It’s Not Normal)
- Does morning sickness affect my baby?
Light to moderate morning sickness generally causes no injury to the child. But, intense vomiting and dehydration can influence your nutrition and your baby, hence medical treatment is essential in this kind of situation. - Can morning sickness last the entire pregnancy?
For most women, it improves after the first trimester. However, some may experience it throughout pregnancy. If it continues into the second or third trimester, it’s best to consult your doctor. - Are there natural remedies for morning sickness
Yes. Hydration, small frequent meals, lemon, and ginger are easy remedies that can be helpful. However, when the symptoms are a serious issue, some treatments might not be sufficiently strong, so medical ones might be needed.
