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Morning sickness

  • Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy.       Morning sickness is most common during the first trimester and usually begins by nine weeks after conception. Symptoms improve for most expectant mothers by the mid to late second trimester.

  • Morning sickness can strike at any time of the day or night.

  • Rarely, morning sickness is so severe that it progresses to a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. This is when someone with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy has severe symptoms that may cause severe dehydration or result in the loss of more than 5% of pre-pregnancy body weight. Hyperemesis gravidarum may require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids, medications and rarely a feeding tube

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Symptoms: When to see a doctor.

  • Have nausea that lasts all day long and keeps you from eating and drinking.

  • Vomit 3 or more times a day.

  • Have vomit that is brown in colour or has blood in it.

  • Lose weight.

  • Feel extremely tired or confused.

  • Feel dizzy or have fainted.

  • Have a fast heartbeat.

  • Produce little to no urine.

 

Causes

  • The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown. Hormonal changes are thought to play a role in morning sickness. Rarely, severe or persistent nausea or vomiting may be caused by a medical condition unrelated to pregnancy — such as thyroid or liver disease.

 

Risk factors for morning sickness

  • It's thought hormonal changes in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are probably one of the causes of morning sickness.

  • But you may be more at risk of it if:

  • you're having twins or more

  • you had severe sickness and vomiting in a previous pregnancy

  • you tend to get motion sickness (for example, car sick)

  • you have a history of migraine headaches

  • morning sickness runs in the family

  • you used to feel sick when taking contraceptives containing oestrogen

  • it's your first pregnancy you’re obese (your BMI is 30 or more)

  • you're experiencing stress

  • You had nausea or vomiting from motion sickness, migraines, certain smells or tastes, or exposure to estrogen (in birth control pills, for example) before pregnancy

  • You had morning sickness during a previous pregnancy

  • You're pregnant with twins or other multiples

 

Complications

  • Mild nausea and vomiting of pregnancy typically won't cause any complications to you or your baby. If left untreated, severe nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration, an electrolyte imbalance, decreased urination and hospitalization. R

Prevention

  • There's no way to completely prevent morning sickness. However, avoiding triggers such as strong odours, excessive fatigue, spicy foods and foods high in sugar.

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What can I do to feel better if I have morning sickness?

  • Eat a few crackers or toast in the morning to help settle your stomach. Keep a few crackers at bedside and eat a couple before getting up.

  • Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of 3 large meals.

  • Avoid spicy and fatty foods. Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, dry toast, plain baked potato, gelatin, broth, eggs, tofu, or applesauce.

  • Eat healthy snacks between meals, such as yogurt, peanut butter on apple slices or celery, cheese, milk, or nuts.

  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, throughout the day.

  • Take your prenatal vitamins with a snack. If your prenatal vitamin contains iron, try taking it at bedtime.

  • Avoid odours, flickering lights, other situations that bother you and trigger your nausea.

  • Make tea with real grated ginger or try ginger candies.

  • Get plenty of rest.

  • Keep rooms well ventilated, turn on a fan, or go outside from time to time to get some fresh air.

  • Smell fresh-smelling, pleasant scents such as lemon, orange, or mint.

  • taking over-the-counter medications to help relieve nausea.

  •  Talk with your healthcare provider before trying these:

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Medications include:

  • Antihistaminics: to help with nausea

  • Antiemetics ): to help the stomach move food into the intestines and help with nausea and vomiting

  • Antiacids: to absorb stomach acid and help prevent acid reflux

  • Do not take these medications on your own without first talking with your doctor.

  • Alternative remedies include:

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