What is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting and affects a large population of pregnant women during their first trimester. It generally occurs from the 4th to the 12th or 14th week of pregnancy, but some women may experience it during their entire pregnancy. Morning sickness is not harmful to the unborn child, but severe cases are called hyperemesis gravidarum and may even require hospitalization.

Causes of Morning Sickness

The cause of morning sickness is unknown, but many metabolic and physical factors have a role to play.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy (high estrogen levels)
Blood pressure fluctuations (low blood pressure)
Change in the metabolism of carbohydrates
Chemical and physical changes
Traveling, fatigue, emotional stress, and some foods

Signs and Symptoms of Morning Sickness

Symptoms of morning sickness include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Depression and anxiety

Diagnosis of Morning Sickness

Your doctor will diagnose morning sickness based on the signs and symptoms you experience. If hyperemesis gravidarum is suspected, urine and blood tests will be suggested. An ultrasound may also be ordered to detect other underlying causes of nausea and determine the number of fetuses.

Treatment for Morning Sickness

Most cases of morning sickness do not require treatment; however, your doctor may prescribe vitamin B-6 supplements and anti-nausea medications for severe cases. Hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization and treatment with anti-nausea medications and intravenous fluids.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies for Morning Sickness

Lifestyle and home remedies may be helpful in relieving morning sickness in some women.

Choose your food carefully. You should eat more carbohydrate-rich, easily digestible foods. Salty food or food containing ginger may be helpful at times. Snack at regular intervals throughout the day instead of having large meals. Eating a few plain sweet biscuits or dry crackers after waking up may help reduce the nauseous feeling. Avoid food that triggers nausea or makes it worse, like greasy and spicy food.
Consume plenty of fluids. Keep sipping ginger flavored drinks or water frequently. Sucking on ice cubes or hard candy may be beneficial.
Take walks and try and get plenty of fresh air.

Prevention from Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can be reduced to a certain extent with prenatal vitamins.