If you are an expectant mother, you are probably familiar with the discomfort of feeling sick and vomiting in the morning. Although many of us call it ' Morning Sickness ', it is actually a very annoying condition that can last throughout the day. For some mothers, it can be so severe that they even refuse to eat. But don't worry, you are not alone. This experience is common to between 50% and 80% of pregnant mothers. Let's talk about it in detail today.
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Why does this 'Morning Sickness' occur?
Doctors still can't say exactly what causes this. But it's thought to be caused by the hormonal changes that occur in your body during pregnancy. Simply put, the levels of hormones like hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and Estrogen that help the baby grow suddenly increase. This nausea and vomiting occurs as your body tries to adjust to these new changes.
Also, your sense of smell is heightened during this time. Even smells that you normally don't notice can trigger nausea during this time. This usually starts around 6 weeks into pregnancy and gradually subsides by 12-14 weeks. However, some mothers may experience this discomfort more or less until the baby is born.
The important thing is, 'Morning Sickness' does not mean you are sick. It is a normal symptom of a healthy pregnancy.
Things you can do at home to reduce these discomforts
While it's impossible to stop it completely, there are some simple ways to help you manage the discomfort and get through your day. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Advice | Description |
|---|---|
| Eat little, often. | Nausea can increase when the stomach is empty or when it is very full at once. So instead of three main meals, eat small meals every two hours. |
| Eat something before getting out of bed. | Keep a cracker, a slice of dry bread, or something like cereal by your bed. Eat some of it in bed as soon as you wake up in the morning, wait 15-20 minutes, and then get up. |
| Separate food and water | Some people feel more nauseous when they drink water while eating. Drink water 30 minutes before or after eating. But you should definitely drink the amount of water you need for the day, because dehydration can also cause nausea. |
| Be careful with smells and foods. | Identify and avoid odors that make you uncomfortable (certain foods, scents, cigarette smoke). Instead of foods that are high in oil and spices, choose foods that are easy to digest and high in carbohydrates, such as yogurt and soup. |
| Wear comfortable clothes. | Avoid tight clothing and pants with tight waistbands. These can put pressure on the stomach and increase nausea. |
Other things that can help you
- Ginger: Ginger is a popular natural remedy for nausea. You can drink ginger tea, eat ginger candy, or chew ginger tablets. However, it is recommended that you do not take more than 1000 milligrams (1000 mg) of ginger per day.
- Vitamin B6: Some mothers find that vitamin B6 helps reduce nausea. But never take any vitamin without first consulting your doctor. Only take it if your doctor prescribes it, and only in the dosage he or she recommends (usually no more than 25mg per day).
- Lemon / Mint: Smelling a slice of lemon, or crushing a few mint leaves in your hand, brings instant relief to some people.
- Acupressure Bands: Applying pressure to the P6 acupressure point, located just below the wrist, has been found to reduce nausea. Bands like Sea-Bands, which are specifically designed for this purpose, are available at pharmacies. Many people use these because they have no side effects.
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Although 'Morning Sickness' is common, it can be severe in some cases. We call this condition Hyperemesis Gravidarum . This requires immediate medical attention. Check if you have the following symptoms.
- If you vomit violently several times a day.
- If you can't even keep a little water in your stomach.
- If you lose weight .
- If the amount of urine you pass has decreased and your urine has turned dark yellow/brown in color. (These are signs of dehydration)
- If you constantly feel tired and dizzy.
- If there is blood with the vomit .
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. If necessary, don't hesitate to go to a hospital's emergency room (ETU) . This condition can affect both you and your baby.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to find what works for you. What works for your friend may not work for you. Listen to your body. Eat what you can, when you can. Don't stop eating because you're vomiting. Your baby needs nutrition just like you. This is a tough time, but remember, this is temporary.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Morning sickness is a common condition during pregnancy. Don't worry about it.
- Instead of eating large meals at once, eat small meals every two hours.
- Stay away from smells and foods that increase nausea.
- Try to find relief from natural things like ginger, lemon, and mint.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or vitamins, such as vitamin B6.
- If vomiting is severe, weight loss occurs, or you feel extremely tired, seek medical advice immediately.
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