Having Problems With Morning Sickness?

If you haven’t heard of morning sickness, then it’s likely that you haven’t been pregnant yourself or around or near someone who has.

Although not a disease, this condition commonly affects many women.  Morning sickness is best described as nausea or the feeling of being ill in the stomach, brought on by pregnancy. Approximately half of all pregnant women will be affected by the symptoms.

Occurrences of vomiting and nausea are generally covered by the term morning sickness, and it’s most likely to occur in the early morning hours — hence the name.

There are two pieces of good news associated with morning sickness.  The first is that you can’t get sick whilst sleeping, and the second is that it is frequently a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally, despite the fact that it can strike at any time.

Perhaps the most comforting fact about morning sickness is that it doesn’t last forever!

Morning Sickness Causes

There are a number of theories relating to the cause of morning sickness. As a rule, the precise cause is not known.  Having said that, the prevailing theory today is that morning sickness is related to a pregnancy hormone called gonadotropin.

Usually, morning sickness occurs during the first trimester. Often starting in the second month, some of the first signs can be vomiting and nausea.

Although it’s a common condition, symptoms surprisingly will only affect a small number of pregnant women (less than 10%) beyond week 18 of pregnancy.

Morning Sickness Symptoms

The symptoms of morning sickness vary widely, with women experiencing a range of effects. The nausea and vomiting frequently go together, but other signs include extreme tiredness or feeling sleepy, cravings for certain foods, frequent urination, back pain and constipation.

Some expectant mothers may feel that their morning sickness is serious.You will pleased to know that there are usually no negative consequences upon either mother or baby.

Recent research indicates that morning sickness is helpful for the foetus.  It is now generally agreed that morning sickness can be a positive sign because it means the placenta is in a healthy state of growth

Numerous studies have shown that a lower risk of miscarriage may be associated with morning sickness.

The medical term given to severe morning sickness is Hyperemesis Gravidarum. This comes with chronic vomiting which can cause weight loss and significant loss of fluids.  The statistics are low with only 1 in 1,000 pregnant women being affected by this form of morning sickness.

Women expecting multiple births may experience more severe symptoms of morning sickness.

Food & Morning Sickness

Morning sickness symptoms can be managed to some degree. Eating frequently can offset the symptoms of nausea which tends to be felt the most when the stomach is empty.Cold, simple foods comprising seasonal produce are suggested.

Many studies have shown that ginger can ease the symptoms. Ginger can be consumed as hot and cold ginger drinks, or on toast with jam or in biscuits and cakes or other baked goods.

Lemons can also help alleviate symptoms if eaten, sucked or used as a type of aromatherapy. Another useful tip is to only consume liquids between meals and not with meals.