Pregnancy Challenges: Morning Sickness

Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at anytime of the day or night. About 75 percent of pregnant women experience at least some morning sickness, so if you are feeling nauseous, you are not alone! Generally, morning sickness starts around the sixth week, though it can show up earlier. Most women feel better by the middle of the fourth month.

No one knows exactly what causes morning sickness, but many experts believe it is related to the rising hormone levels in your body. The fact that your sense of smell has become more sensitive probably isn’t helping either.  Though it is certainly not pleasant, morning sickness is not harmful for you or your baby unless you are unable to keep anything down. If your morning sickness is severe and you are vomiting a great deal, not gaining weight, or getting dehydrated, you need to contact your health care provider immediately. Fortunately, most women will only suffer mild to moderate morning sickness. Remembering to take your prenatal supplement to help to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need even if you are not able to keep everything down.

If you are suffering from morning sickness, there are some things you can try to relieve your symptoms. Here are some ideas:

• Clearly, you will want to avoid foods that are likely to make you sick. Some of the more likely suspects include: foods with strong smells, spicy, fatty, fried, or acidic foods. Bland foods like crackers, rice, pasta, and bread are often most appealing, but foods high in protein have been shown to help with nausea.
• Ask someone else to cook. Strong smells and warm rooms can make your symptoms worse. Let your partner cook while you take a much-needed nap!
• Small frequent meals are less likely to make you sick than fewer big meals. Try to eat every three or so hours. Some women find that eating a few crackers half an hour or so before getting up in the morning can help.
• Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, especially if you have been vomiting a lot – but remember, small sips are best when you are feeling nauseated. You might also try relaxing with a cup of tea. Tea for Two is specially formulated to help relieve morning sickness.
• Try a morning sickness lozenge or candy. Fairhaven Health’s Preggie Pops come in several yummy flavors and have been shown to reduce morning sickness symptoms.
• Some women have found relief using ginger. Try ginger caplets, ginger tea, or ginger ale made with real ginger (you may need to go to a health-food store for this).
• Try taking your prenatal vitamin with food.  Some women may have trouble with their prenatal on an empty stomach.
• Another possibility for relief is an acupressure band. This is a cotton wrist band with small plastic knobs that put pressure on specific points on your wrist which are supposed to relieve symptoms.
• Exercise can help decrease your symptoms.

Morning sickness is no fun, but it won’t last forever. Soon you will be feeling better and ready to eat more than rice and crackers.

>Back to Article Library