The joys of motherhood are always preceded by pregnancy, which is a different and beautiful journey in itself. Along with the abundance of joy and hopes, pregnancy can bring some discomfort due to rapid hormonal changes and pregnancy-related weight gain, backaches and morning sickness.
One of the most common complaints by expecting mothers is morning sickness, as many as 70%-80% of pregnant women experience it! A lucky minority may never undergo this condition during their pregnancies. For those that do experience it, we’ve covered all the basic things you need to know below about morning sickness in pregnancy.
Morning sickness can occur on waking up or during any time of the day or night despite the name. The basic signs of morning sickness are nausea and vomiting. This may be most common during the first trimester of your pregnancy.
Here are a few signs to watch for:
While it is rare, sometimes morning sickness can progress to a more extreme condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition involves excessive and severe vomiting as well as potential weight loss. Apart from extreme morning sickness, you need to be aware of the following even if you have mild symptoms:
These are all warning signs that your body is getting dehydrated and it’s affecting your health. It is best to speak to your doctor immediately. If you begin experiencing severe vomiting and nausea
Eat small, frequent meals of plain foods that are high in carbohydrate and low in fat (such as bread, rice, crackers and pasta) eat cold foods rather than hot ones if the smell of hot meals makes you feel sick. drink plenty of fluids, such as water (sipping them little and often may help prevent vomiting).
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
It is difficult to point out a particular cause of morning sickness. Doctors believe it can be due to different reasons in different women. Some causes- of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are listed below-
Treatments for morning sickness will depend on the severity of your case and how often it occurs. While you cannot always prevent morning sickness, you can avoid things that trigger it (such as strong smells, spicy foods).
Here are some options for managing morning sickness that your doctor might suggest:
Apart from these, there are several morning sickness remedies that may or may not help:
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Also Read: How to Make Yourself Throw Up: Necessary Techniques and Precautions
Morning sickness may not be easily avoided or treated, the best you can do is follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Using some of the above remedies and treatments, you and your doctor can work out a plan to effectively manage this pregnancy side effect until it subsides. Keep in mind that if you never experience morning sickness, there isn’t something wrong with you! Nearly 20% of women may never experience it. As always, be sure to inform your doctor of any strange, sudden and new symptoms you notice during your pregnancy and do not consume any medicine or supplement without consulting your doctor during pregnancy.
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All the to-be-Dad’s out there who have read or watched ”What to expect when you’re expecting”, will know that nothing can really prepare you for the joys and challenges of fatherhood. However, getting the right advice and support will surely help you embark on this new and exciting journey.
Having a baby changes your priorities. Both men and women face similar issues on becoming new parents. However, men tend to focus more on financial responsibilities. Their joy is often mixed with anxiety. Remember that you are not alone in your doubts and fears and that it’s completely normal to have mixed emotions. Talk to your partner and discuss the life changes that lie ahead.
Pregnancy can be exhausting both physically and emotionally for your partner. But your support can help ease the process. Get more involved with the house chores so that your partner can get adequate rest. Your partner would have her set of doubts as well. With the emotions running high, pregnancy, especially for first-time moms could get a little scary. She would fret about things like, Is the baby doing ok, What would the labour be like or would she have to undergo a C-section. Be the hand she can hold onto and the shoulder she can cry on.
Make sure you keep aside time to accompany your partner for the doctor’s appointments. This goes on to show that you will be with her all the way into the pregnancy. You will also know what’s going on in the pregnancy and will help you be better prepared. Lastly, it will help you connect with your unborn baby.
Falling asleep gets difficult and uncomfortable as the pregnancy proceeds. Getting her a full body pillow that will make side sleeping a bit more comfortable by helping support the back and cradling the belly is definitely a gift she would appreciate.
Pregnancy affects hormones. Your partner may feel fantastic one minute and maybe an emotional wreck the other. Try to be patient, understanding and loving.
Support her by adding or dropping habits that she has to because of the pregnancy. For example, giving up alcohol and coffee. Exercise is crucial for the mom and baby, go for a walk or hit the gym together.
Your partner will be undergoing some serious body transformation during pregnancy. Make sure to tell her that she is beautiful and that you love her.
Affecting about 75% of pregnant women, morning sickness is quite possibly the worst part of pregnancy. Its symptoms include headache, excessive sleepiness, nausea and vomiting. Morning sickness may begin from about a month after conception and go on until the twelfth or fourteenth week of pregnancy. Some women may experience it during the entire duration of pregnancy. The name ‘Morning sickness’ can be deceiving as most women experience the symptoms throughout the day. Be willing to take those trips, even at midnight to help her be at ease.
If you’re a smoker, now is the time to stop. Cigarette smoking can be dangerous for babies. If you do decide to continue, make sure you don’t do it near your partner, you don’t offer her or leave your cigarettes lying near her.
Prepare a checklist for the final weeks before the birth of your baby. The few things that could go into it will be:
Start looking for a paediatrician about 3 months before the birth of your baby. Ask for recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbours, co-workers with kids or your obstetrician. If possible, schedule a prenatal consultation about 2 months before your due date.
In conclusion, on average, a woman having her first baby can have labour lasting anywhere between 12 to 24 hours from her first contraction to delivery. Spend this time together and helping her feel at ease. The pain she is experiencing is far beyond your imagination. Stay focused on her. Finally, there’s no way to anticipate every possible scenario, but the birth of your child is a life-changing event. Cherish It!
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
