SURVIVING MORNING SICKNESS DURING PREGNANCY

July 31, 2024 /

Written by Lucy Hall

Its an exciting time to find out that you’re pregnant but it can also be a challenging experience. One challenge that pregnant women face is morning sickness, it’s common in the first trimester and can happen at any time of the day, not just in the mornings. Morning sickness in pregnancy can range from mild nausea too severe vomiting and can make pregnancy a little miserable. Understanding how to deal with morning sickness can make this  easier to handle.

Understanding Morning Sickness

Approximately 70% to 80% of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. It typically begins in the sixth week of pregnancy and can continue until late in gestation for some mothers to be. The cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but it is thought to be associated with the sudden surge in hormone levels, particularly hCG and estrogen. Other possible factors include increased sensitivity to odours, a sensitive stomach and even stress.

Coping Strategies

There are many methods for controlling morning sickness symptoms. While an approach that works for one person may not work for another, these tips can be help:

Eat Small, Frequent Meals – Eating small frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent the stomach from becoming too full or empty. It can also help to stabilise blood sugar  levels which can reduce nausea. Eating whole grain crackers, lean meats and nuts,  foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates are often recommended.

Stay Hydrated – Being dehydrated can make nausea more severe, so it’s important to maintain fluid intake. Throughout the day, sipping electrolyte drinks, herbal teas or water can be helpful.  For some pregnant women, it’s easier to consume small amounts of fluids frequently compared to drinking large amounts all at once.

Avoid Triggers – Reducing triggers and staying away from them may significantly help in reducing symptoms. Certain foods, powerful smells and even particular activities can make you feel queasy. It can be helpful to keep track of what foods cause symptoms in a food diary.

Rest and Relaxation – Fatigue can make morning sickness worse. Making sure that you are getting enough sleep and napping when you feel the need can be helpful.  You can also reduce stress by using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation and prenatal yoga.

Ginger and Peppermint – Ginger and peppermint are two natural remedies that are known to help with nausea. There are many ways to consume ginger, including in ginger tea, ginger ale and ginger candies. Another remedy is peppermint tea or peppermint candies.

Medical Treatments

In some cases of severe morning sickness medical treatment may be recommended. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning any medication during pregnancy. Some of the frequently recommended treatments include:

Vitamin B6 – Supplemental vitamin B6 can be recommended for mild to moderate nausea. Vitamin B6 has been shown in studies to considerably reduce the intensity of nausea and vomiting.

Antihistamines – Morning sickness has been found to respond well to some antihistamines, including doxylamine. Doxylamine is frequently combined with vitamin B6 for improved results.

Prescription Medications – In severe cases, prescription medications like ondansetron or metoclopramide may be needed.  These medications are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but they should be managed under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Severe Morning Sickness (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)

For some women, morning sickness can be so severe that it causes hyperemesis gravidarum. This illness causes severe, persistent nausea and vomiting, which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration and weight loss. Hyperemesis gravidarum requires medical attention, which may include hospitalisation for intravenous fluids and nutrition.

Support Systems

When it comes to dealing with morning sickness, having a solid support network can really help. In addition to offering help with daily tasks, friends, family and partners can also offer emotional support. Joining a pregnancy support group, whether in person or online, can help you feel more connected and share your experiences.

Dietary Adjustments

Making specific dietary changes can also help with morning sickness. Some tips include:

Eating Bland Foods – Eating bland foods such as toast, rice, bananas and applesauce can be easier on the stomach. These foods are less likely to cause nausea and can help keep your energy levels up.

High-Protein Snacks – Snacking on high-protein foods like nuts, cheese and yoghurt can help regulate blood sugar and reduce nausea.

Avoiding Fatty and Spicy Foods – Fatty and spicy foods can be difficult to digest and may cause nausea. Choosing simpler, less greasy foods can help relieve symptoms.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies help some women deal with morning sickness. Before using these therapies, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider.

Acupuncture and Acupressure – Some women have found that acupuncture and acupressure can help to relieve nausea and vomiting. Acupressure bands which are commonly used to treat motion sickness, can be worn on the wrist to apply pressure to specific points.

Aromatherapy – Certain scents like lemon, ginger and peppermint can help with nausea. Using essential oils in a diffuser or on a tissue to inhale can provide relief.

Staying Positive – Morning sickness can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that it’s usually only temporary. Focusing on the end goal, a healthy baby, can boost motivation and keep you on track to have a positive outlook.  Keeping a journal and documenting the journey and milestones may also provide a helpful reminder of the progress being made.

When To Seek Medical  Attention

It is important to seek medical attention if morning sickness becomes severe or unmanageable.  Signs that medical attention is required include:

  • Inability To Hold Down Food Or Liquids For More Than 24 Hours
  • Severe Dehydration Can Be Noticed By Dark Urine Or Infrequent Urination.
  • Dizziness Or Fainting.
  • Rapid Weight Loss.
  • Vomiting Blood

Surviving morning sickness during pregnancy requires a variety of strategies tailored to individual needs. Eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, avoiding triggers and getting plenty of rest can all help relieve symptoms. Natural remedies such as ginger and peppermint as well as other medical treatments can offer relief. It is essential to have a strong support network and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Morning sickness can be managed with the right approach, allowing mothers to enjoy their pregnancy journey.