Do you also have difficulty in the morning? Let's talk about this 'Morning Sickness'!

If you are expecting a baby, you may have experienced nausea and vomiting in the morning. Sometimes you may even vomit. This is something that many people experience. We call this 'Morning Sickness'. Despite the name, this discomfort can occur at any time of the day. Let's talk about this in detail, because it is very important for you to be aware of it.

What is 'Morning Sickness'?

Simply put, 'Morning Sickness' is nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. It is a very common condition. About 70% of pregnant women, or about seven out of ten, experience this condition during the first three months of pregnancy (we call this the 'First Trimester'). Despite the name 'Morning', it is not limited to the morning. This nausea can occur at any time of the day.

This can be managed with home remedies and small changes to your diet and lifestyle. Sometimes your obstetrician may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help with nausea. Most of the time, these symptoms will subside by the second trimester of pregnancy, around 14 weeks.

How soon can 'Morning Sickness' start?

It's hard to say exactly when this starts, but it can start as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Most women experience these symptoms of 'Morning Sickness' before they're nine weeks pregnant.

When does morning sickness peak?

Most people experience this condition at its worst between eight and ten weeks of pregnancy. But this is not the same for everyone. Some may experience it earlier, while others may experience it later.

How long can morning sickness last?

Usually, this will subside or go away completely by the 13th week of pregnancy, which is the end of the first trimester. However, some women may continue to have these symptoms into the early part of the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27 of pregnancy). Very rarely, some people have this 'Morning Sickness' until the end of their pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of 'Morning Sickness'?

The main symptoms of 'Morning Sickness' are a feeling of stomach upset (nausea), loss of appetite, and vomiting . Some women describe the condition as:

• Like a burning sensation in the chest, or something coming up in the throat (heartburn or reflux).
• Feeling dizzy and nauseous, as if you were on a sea voyage (Seasickness or motion sickness).
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat.
• Feeling hungry but unable to eat.

What are the causes of 'Morning Sickness'?

The exact cause of morning sickness is not yet known, but doctors believe it is caused by a combination of several physical and chemical changes. The main factors that can contribute to it are:

• Low blood sugar .
• Hormones that are produced in excess during pregnancy, especially the hormones 'Human Chorionic Gonadotropin' (HCG) and 'Oestrogen', increase in levels.
• Blood pressure fluctuations .
• Changes in metabolism .

Also, there are some things that can make this situation worse:

• Stress and anxiety .
• Being tired means being overtired .
• Eating or smelling certain foods . For example, some people can feel nauseous just by smelling things like dried fruits or tempura.
• Motion sickness .
• Heat or warm weather .

Can Morning Sickness be serious?

Yes, sometimes this condition can be severe. Most women experience nausea for a few hours a day and may vomit once or twice a day. However, when morning sickness becomes severe, nausea can last for hours a day and vomiting can occur more than four times a day. This severe condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum.

What are the symptoms of 'Hyperemesis Gravidarum'?

Symptoms of 'Hyperemesis Gravidarum' include:

• Vomiting more than three times a day.
• Severely dehydrated . This means that the body has lost too much water. Symptoms include decreased or no urination, dark urine, and feeling dizzy when standing.
• Weight loss of about 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds) or more.

Women with severe morning sickness sometimes need to be hospitalized and given IV fluids to rehydrate their bodies, as well as medications to reduce nausea.

How to recognize 'Morning Sickness'?

If you are experiencing symptoms of 'Morning Sickness', you should tell your obstetrician . If your doctor suspects that you have 'Hyperemesis Gravidarum', he or she may order a urine test or blood test.

What can I do to reduce morning sickness?

There are several things you can do to find relief. Making small changes to your diet and lifestyle can go a long way in reducing this nausea.

Dietary changes for 'Morning Sickness'

• Don't eat on an empty stomach in the morning. Eat two or three crackers or a slice of bread before getting out of bed. Keep something like crackers near your bed.
• Instead of eating a lot at once, eat small meals several times a day. Instead of three main meals, eat five to six small meals.
• Don't skip meals. Nausea can increase when you're hungry.
• Avoid spicy and oily foods.
• Eat bland, easily digestible foods. Examples include bananas, rice, dry bread, boiled potatoes, jelly, soup broth, eggs, and applesauce.
• Eat nutritious, protein-rich snacks between main meals. Things like yogurt, apple slices with peanut butter, cheese, and nuts.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drink other fluids as well. But avoid drinks containing caffeine (coffee, some types of tea).
• When you leave the house, always carry a small snack in your bag.
• Grate some fresh ginger and drink it as tea, or suck on something like ginger candies.

Lifestyle changes for 'Morning Sickness'

• Take your prenatal vitamins with a snack. If your vitamin contains iron, try taking it before bed. Talk to your doctor about this and ask about other vitamin options.
• Stay away from things like unpleasant smells and bright lights, which can make you feel nauseous.
• Get plenty of rest. This condition can also be aggravated by fatigue.
• Make sure the rooms are well ventilated. Turn on a fan, or go outside for a while and get some fresh air.
• Smell fresh, pleasant scents. Smells like lemon, orange, mint.
• Don't lie down after you finish eating.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly after vomiting. The acidic substances that come with vomiting can damage your teeth. Therefore, rinsing your mouth can protect your teeth.

Alternative methods for nausea during pregnancy

There are other ways to reduce nausea, but you should talk to your doctor before trying these.

• Acupressure wristband: These bands apply pressure to specific points on the wrist.
• Acupuncture: In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body.

Important: Do not use marijuana as a treatment for morning sickness. The safety of marijuana use during pregnancy has not been established.

What foods are good for morning sickness?

Eating a diet rich in protein, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits is good for you and your baby. Overly processed, sugary foods can make things worse for you. Doctors typically recommend the following foods for women who suffer from morning sickness:

• Bland, easily digestible foods: Things like crackers, toast, pretzels, and applesauce.
• Fruit smoothies and yogurt.
• Water or tea (be careful about the caffeine level in tea).
• Fruits and vegetables with high water content: such as watermelon, celery, bell peppers. Citrus fruits can also reduce nausea.

What are the medications for 'Morning Sickness'?

Your doctor may recommend vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) and doxylamine. Doxylamine is used to treat insomnia and hay fever or other allergies. Both of these medications are available over-the-counter at pharmacies.

There is also a drug called Diclegis® that is approved for morning sickness. Unlike the two medications mentioned above, Diclegis® is a slow-release drug that comes in one pill. This may be easier for people who have difficulty taking several pills a day (for example, those who have a sore throat). However, it can only be obtained with a prescription.

Your obstetrician-gynecologist may also recommend antiemetics. If these medications don't help, other medications, such as antihistamines and anticholinergics, may also help. You and your doctor will decide together which medication is best for you.

Is 'Morning Sickness' harmful to my baby?

Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is usually not harmful to you or your baby. However, if you can't keep anything down, become dehydrated, and lose weight, it can be a problem. Uncontrolled severe nausea and vomiting can prevent you from getting the nutrients you need, and it can affect your baby's birth weight.

Are some women at higher risk of severe morning sickness?

Yes. This risk may increase in the following situations:

• If you are carrying twins, triplets, or more.
• If you have had severe morning sickness in a previous pregnancy, and/or if someone in your family (such as your mother, sister) has had severe morning sickness during pregnancy.
• If you have a history of motion sickness while traveling.
• If you have migraines.
• If the Body Mass Index (BMI) is above 25 and below 30 (overweight).
• If you have a condition called 'trophoblastic disease', in which abnormal cells grow in the uterus.
• If you are stressed or anxious.
• If you live in a hot climate.
• If you are engaged in night shifts.
• If you get little sleep.

Some studies have shown that women with severe morning sickness are more likely to have girls.

When should I see the doctor?

Don't wait until your vomiting is severe to see your obstetrician. Treating morning sickness early in your pregnancy can help prevent it from getting worse. Severe vomiting is not normal during pregnancy and requires medical attention.

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• If you feel nauseous all day, to the point where you can't eat or drink.
• If you vomit three or more times a day.
• If the vomit is brown or has blood in it .
• If you lose weight.
• If you feel very tired or dizzy.
• If you feel dizzy or faint.
• If the heart rate is high.
• If there is very little or no urine output.
• If you have body aches or fever.

Another reason to look into severe nausea and vomiting is that it can be a symptom of another medical condition. Examples:

• Ulcers
• Reflux (heartburn)
• Food-related illness
• Thyroid or gallbladder disease
• Inflammation of the appendix, stomach, pancreas, or liver.

Is 'Morning Sickness' a good sign?

Some women think that morning sickness is a good sign because it feels like the placenta is developing. It also feels like confirmation that they are pregnant. In fact, not everyone gets morning sickness. Even if you have never had morning sickness, your chances of having a healthy baby are the same as those of someone who has morning sickness.

Morning sickness can be a very uncomfortable and uncomfortable time of pregnancy. It is very common to feel nauseous and vomit, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fortunately, for most women, morning sickness subsides by the start of the second trimester. Making changes to your lifestyle and diet can help relieve the symptoms until they go away. If you are vomiting several times a day, unable to eat, or losing weight, tell your obstetrician. They will make sure you are getting the nutrition you need.

What you need to know (Take-Home Message)

• Morning sickness is common during pregnancy, but it doesn't affect everyone the same.
• Even though it's called 'Morning', these discomforts can occur at any time of the day.
• Simple changes in diet and lifestyle can often provide relief.
• If vomiting is severe, you are unable to keep food or drink down, or you are losing weight, seek medical advice immediately. This could be a serious condition called 'Hyperemesis Gravidarum'.
• Whether you have morning sickness or not, the chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby are the same.
• It is very important to follow your doctor's advice and take care of your body.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Don't forget to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

` Morning Sickness, Nausea, Vomiting, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Pregnancy Health, Obstetric Care, Pregnancy Symptoms