Today, we’re tackling the topic of morning sickness, a common occurrence that can throw a wrench in your daily routine. From understanding why it happens to discover practical tips for managing it, we’re here to provide you with insights and strategies to help you sail through this challenging phase of pregnancy with confidence. So grab a cozy spot and let’s dive into the world of morning sickness together!
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness usually includes nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. While “morning” is in the name, it can hit at any point in the day. It is not uncommon to experience symptoms for a prolonged period of time beyond the early hours of the day. For a lot of women, morning sickness can easily become one of the hardest parts of being pregnant. Below, we have answered some of your most common questions about morning sickness along with some tips on how to manage it.
When will I start to feel morning sickness?
Morning sickness happens to the majority of women during their first trimester of pregnancy. It usually begins anywhere from 6-9 weeks of pregnancy but could pop up at any point in pregnancy. Not all women experience symptoms, so if you don’t, you are one of the few, and there is nothing wrong!
How long will morning sickness last?
Fortunately, the majority of women typically experience morning sickness symptoms only during the first trimester of pregnancy, which spans the initial 12 weeks. For those who continue to experience symptoms beyond this period, they are often milder and less severe. However, it’s worth noting that some women may endure morning sickness for a prolonged duration, extending beyond the first 12 weeks, and in some cases, they may even experience a resurgence of symptoms during the final trimester.
What will morning sickness feel like?
Every woman’s experience with morning sickness is a little different, with symptoms ranging in severity and duration. The most common morning sickness symptoms include:
- Nausea (feeling like you need to vomit, even if vomiting never actually occurs)
- Vomiting, which can happen once daily or more frequently
- Hunger pains coupled with a lack of appetite
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Feeling dizzy
Can morning sickness be serious?
Many women experience prolonged periods of nausea throughout the day, and this is perfectly normal. If you vomit 0-2 times a day, there’s generally no cause for concern. However, in some cases, morning sickness can become severe, leading to more frequent vomiting—3 times or more.
This heightened severity may indicate the development of hyperemesis gravidarum, characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting. If you’re vomiting continuously and are not finding much relief, you’ll want to contact your doctor right away. Hyperemesis gravidarum carries an increased risk of weight loss, dehydration, and other complications, so seeking medical attention is essential.
Tips & tricks to help ease morning sickness:
Managing morning sickness can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help ease your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. Here are some tips to help minimize morning sickness:
- Eat small, frequent meals: Consuming smaller meals throughout the day can help prevent your stomach from becoming too full, which may exacerbate nausea.
- Avoid triggers: Identify foods, smells, or situations that tend to trigger your nausea, and try to avoid them if possible.
- Stay hydrated: Sip on clear fluids such as water, ginger ale, or herbal teas to stay hydrated and help settle your stomach.
- Snack on bland foods: Opt for bland, easily digestible snacks like crackers, toast, or rice cakes, which may help soothe your stomach.
- Get plenty of rest: Fatigue can worsen morning sickness, so be sure to prioritize rest and relaxation to help alleviate symptoms.
- Try ginger: Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties, so consider incorporating ginger tea, ginger candies, or ginger capsules into your routine.
- Experiment with acupressure: Some women find relief from morning sickness symptoms by applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the wrist or the area between the thumb and forefinger.
By implementing these tips, you may be able to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with morning sickness and enjoy a smoother pregnancy journey.
Are there any medications that can decrease morning sickness?
There are some medications that can be safe for use in pregnancy that can help to decrease morning sickness. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements or over-the-counter medicine. Additionally, your doctor might be able to prescribe a medication to relieve morning sickness. Your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic, which is a medication that reduces nausea. You may alternatively be prescribed an antihistamine, which is generally an anti-allergy drug but can be used to treat nausea.
Our team at PRC Grand Rapids is here to help support you throughout your pregnancy. Whether you’re a first-time mom or have experienced pregnancy before, we offer free support and services for all moms navigating the pregnancy journey.
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes /syc-20375254
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-an d-morning-sickness/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-v omiting-of-pregnancy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/diagnosis-treatme nt/drc-20375260