Introduction 

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 symptoms

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: 

• Nausea and vomiting triggered by odours
• More salivation in the mouth
• Heat due to foods that are spicy 
• Vomiting and feeling nauseated even when there is no any trigger
• This condition is most common from the 9th week onwards and tends to ease up (or disappear) by the mid of the second trimester 

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:

• If you feel dehydrated
• If your urine is darker than usual or less than usual
• If you vomit frequently after consuming liquid 
• If you get dizzy when you stand 
• If your heart rate is increased
• If your nutrition is getting compromised due to nausea and vomiting

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

Morning sickness causes

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-

1. Due to drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in the morning 
2. Due to hormonal changes in the body
3. Some women may experience nausea and vomiting due to oral iron supplements given during pregnancy
4. Due to stress and anxiety

Morning sickness treatment

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: 

• Vitamin B6, since a lack of this vitamin may result in nausea 
• Antiemetics (anti-vomit medicines) that are prescribed by doctor (safe during pregnancy) 
• Ginger or ginger flavoured lozenges 
• Treatment of dehydration through the intake of fluids and electrolytes
• For cases of extreme dehydration, IV fluids may be prescribed 

Apart from these, there are several morning sickness remedies that may or may not help: 

• Eat high protein, easy to digest foods, avoid fatty, spicy foods.
• Eat small portions of healthy meals regularly, to avoid your tummy getting over filled.
• Drink enough fluids every day and avoid caffeinated drinks.
• Take a walk outside for some fresh air.
• If you need to take vitamins and supplements, take them with food.
• Mid night healthy snacks to avoid blood sugar drop in the morning.
• Avoid staying empty stomach for long (specially after waking up in the morning).

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Also Read: How to Make Yourself Throw Up: Necessary Techniques and Precautions

Conclusion

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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