If you are in the early weeks of pregnancy, you may have already started to experience what is known as ' Morning Sickness'. In fact, more than half of pregnant women experience this condition. Despite its name, morning sickness, this nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day. Many people feel so nauseous during this time that they can't even look at their favorite foods. So the first thing to do is to reassure yourself that this is normal.
Why is this nausea coming on? What are the causes?
Although the exact cause of this is not known, doctors believe that it is mainly due to the sudden increase in hormone levels in your body during pregnancy. Simply put, it is your body's response to the big changes happening inside you.
There are certain things that usually cause this nausea to come on the most. Let's see what they are.
| Triggers that increase nausea | Description |
|---|---|
| Some smells | Things like the smell of cooking (e.g. lentils, meat) and strong scents can cause sudden nausea. |
| Some dishes | This condition can be aggravated, especially when eating spicy and oily foods. |
| Other reasons | This nausea can be triggered by hot weather, excessive salivation, and sometimes for no reason at all. |
Most of the time, this nausea and vomiting goes away by about halfway through pregnancy, which is around 4-5 months. However, for some people, it can be a bit more severe. We call this condition `( Hyperemesis Gravidarum )`. This is not like normal morning sickness. In this, the body becomes dehydrated, loses weight, and even has to be hospitalized. If you think the condition is severe, definitely see a doctor.
What can be done about this problem?
There are many simple things we can do at home to control this nausea and vomiting. Let's take a look at what they are.
1. Drink plenty of water and fluids (Hydration)
When you vomit, you lose a lot of water, which can lead to dehydration. It's important to drink as much fluids as possible. Sometimes, eating food, even the smell of food, can make you nauseous, so you can try just drinking fluids first.
A pregnant mother should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Drinks with a little added sugar can be easier on the stomach. Try these things:
- A drink made with lime
- A liquid like an electrolyte
- Ginger ale or soda water
- You can also eat ice packs, jelly, or fruit juice frozen.
However, stay away from highly acidic drinks like oranges and grapefruit during this time, as they can cause further stomach discomfort.
2. Ginger is a best friend.
Ginger is a long-standing and effective natural remedy for nausea. Studies have even found that taking ginger syrup or ginger powder can significantly reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
You can use ginger in these ways:
- A tea made with a piece of ginger (ginger tea)
- Types of ginger biscuits
- Add a little ginger to your food.
- Eat two pieces of crystallized ginger.
Although ginger can cause heartburn in some people, it is generally a very safe and effective remedy.
3. Bland Foods
Spicy and oily foods can upset your stomach even more. So, it's a good idea to get used to non-spicy, low-fat, and easily digestible foods during this time.
Many people follow what is known as the ``BRAT diet.`` This means:
- Banana
- Rice
- Applesauce (This is rare in Sri Lanka, you can eat something like boiled apples instead)
- Toast (toasted bread)
You don't have to limit yourself to just these four. You can eat things like boiled potatoes, saltine crackers, and a non-spicy soup . But remember, it's not good to eat only these foods all the time. Because they don't provide all the nutrients that you and your baby need. Once the nausea subsides a bit and your stomach settles down, gradually add other foods like vegetables and fruits.
4. Vitamin B6 and medications
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) has been found to help control nausea. Sometimes doctors recommend vitamin B6 along with the antihistamine Doxylamine. Studies have shown that this combination reduces nausea and vomiting in pregnant women by about 70%.
Although many antiemetic medications are safe during pregnancy, there is insufficient information about the safety of some medications. For example, the drug ondansetron is very effective in treating nausea, but it is believed to pose some risk to the fetus during the first trimester and may cause problems for people with heart disease.
So remember this: Never take nausea medication from a pharmacy on your own. Always see your doctor and only use the medication he or she recommends.
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately!
Morning sickness can be managed with home remedies. However, if you have any of the symptoms below, it could be a sign of a serious condition. If so, see your doctor immediately. If necessary, don't hesitate to go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
|---|---|
| Severe nausea and vomiting | If you vomit several times a day without stopping. |
| If you can't keep liquids down | If you vomit even after drinking a little water. |
| Decreased urination | If the amount of urine produced is very low or if the urine is dark yellow/brown in color (this is a sign of dehydration). |
| Dizziness and fainting | If you feel dizzy or faint when standing. |
| Heart palpitations | If you feel like your heart is beating fast. |
Take-Home Message
- Morning sickness is very common during pregnancy. Don't worry about it.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Try simple home remedies like ginger and non-spicy foods.
- If vomiting and nausea are severe, it could be a serious condition called ``Hyperemesis Gravidarum''. So be aware of the symptoms.
- Never take medication for nausea or any other illness without consulting a doctor.
- If you have any doubts about your condition, talk to your doctor.
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