Are you also expecting a baby? Do you feel dizzy and nauseous when you wake up in the morning? Do you sometimes even smell fish and chili sauce coming from the kitchen? Don't worry, you're not alone in this experience. More than half of all pregnant women experience this condition. We usually call it ' Morning Sickness '. So let's talk about it all today.
What exactly is Morning Sickness?
Simply put, morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. Despite the name "morning," this discomfort can occur at any time of the day. Some mothers may have this discomfort throughout the day.
The most important thing is that this will not harm your baby in any way. And it is not a sign that your baby is sick.
The main reason for this is usually the sudden increase in hormone levels in your body during pregnancy. Most of the time, this condition is not serious. About halfway through pregnancy, around 4-5 months, this will subside on its own. Some lucky mothers may even be completely nausea-free throughout their pregnancy .
However, for a very small number of people, this condition can be a bit more severe. We call it Hyperemesis Gravidarum . This is when the body becomes dehydrated due to excessive nausea and vomiting and loses more than 5% of its body weight. At times like this, the body does not get the necessary nutrition and can even become malnourished. If this happens, you will have to be hospitalized and given fluids and necessary medications.
Symptoms of this condition and when to see a doctor
Let's clearly distinguish what are the common symptoms of morning sickness, and what symptoms require you to see a doctor. This will be very important for you.
| Common symptoms (nothing to worry about) | If you have these symptoms, definitely see a doctor. |
|---|---|
| Nausea with or without vomiting in the first trimester. | Showing symptoms of a cold or flu, such as fever and body aches (this could be a sign of another illness). |
| Nausea may occur in the morning, but may recur at other times of the day or persist throughout the day. | Feeling dizzy or extremely tired. |
| Some foods and other smells can cause a feeling of aversion. | Profuse vomiting, even several times a day. |
| Nausea, especially after eating spicy, oily foods. | Inability to retain any food or fluids and weight loss. |
| Nausea or vomiting due to heat and excessive salivation. | If you feel that the iron in the vitamins your doctor has given you is making your nausea worse. |
| If you want to take some medication to reduce nausea or try a treatment like acupuncture. |
Why is this happening? Who is at higher risk?
Although experts are unable to pinpoint the exact cause, the main suspicion is that hormones produced during pregnancy, particularly the hormone hCG, are believed to play a role.
The risk of morning sickness may be increased by:
- If this condition was present during your previous pregnancy.
- If you had sensitive stomachs before pregnancy (for example, vomiting while riding in a car, migraines, sensitivity to certain smells and tastes).
- If you are expecting twins or triplets, the hCG hormone levels in your body are higher than those of a mother with one baby .
The risk of developing a serious condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum increases with:
- If you are having a girl.
- If someone in your family (mother, sister) has had this condition.
- If you had this severe condition during a previous pregnancy .
Treatments and things you can do at home
There are medical treatments as well as simple things you can do at home to reduce this discomfort.
Medical treatment
If your condition is moderate or severe, your doctor may recommend these. Never use these without medical advice.
- Vitamin B6 supplements - `(Pyridoxine)`
- Natural remedies like ginger
- Medications prescribed by a doctor, such as `Doxylamine (Unisom)`
- Antiemetics for persistent symptoms
- If you are dehydrated, give your body fluids through saline (intravenous or IV fluids).
These are things you can try at home.
1. Change your eating pattern: Instead of eating 3 large meals a day, eat 5 or 6 small meals every two to three hours . Don't eat on an empty stomach.
2. How to wake up in the morning: Before getting out of bed in the morning, eat a cream cracker, a slice of dry bread, or some dry cereal while sitting in bed. This will calm your stomach.
3. Stay away from smells: Stay away from smells that you find offensive as much as possible. Even the strong smell of cooking in the kitchen and some types of perfume can be uncomfortable for you.
4. Eat bland foods: When you feel nauseous, eat foods that are easily digestible, bland, and low in fat, such as rice, bananas, chicken soup, and jelly .
5. Drink plenty of water: Drink water throughout the day. Sucking on an ice cube, drinking ginger tea, or drinking porridge with salt can also help. Try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
6. Fresh air: Get outside for a walk, or at least keep a window open.
7. After vomiting: Don't just sit there after vomiting. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. Because the acid in the stomach can damage your teeth. It's even better if you add some baking soda to a cup of water and rinse your mouth with that water.
8. Other methods: Some people find relief from acupuncture , acupressure wristbands , and ginger supplements. But before trying any of these, be sure to talk to your doctor and get their approval.
Take-Home Message
- Morning sickness is very common during the early months of pregnancy. It does not harm the baby.
- Even though the name says "Morning," this discomfort can occur at any time of the day.
- If you continue to vomit without keeping down any food or fluids, if you are losing weight, or if you have dizziness , be sure to see your doctor.
- Don't keep your stomach empty, eat bland foods and liquids little by little.
- Do not take any vitamins or medications for nausea without consulting a doctor.
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