All you need to know about morning sickness!
Some women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. This may be due to hormone changes. It may occur any time of day, in spite of the name. In most women symptoms are mild and start around the 5th week after the missed menses. For most it subsides by the middle of pregnancy, but may reappear from time to time. When a woman has not eaten for several hours, such as when one wakes after sleep it may be worse
Foods that are spicy, acidic or have strong smells may bring on feelings of nausea
Nausea in pregnancy does not indicate that there is anything wrong with the baby or your pregnancy
If symptoms are severe and no food or fluids are staying down it is called hyperemesis graviderum. If you are experiencing this, you need to notify your doctor
How to improve symptoms?
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat 5-6 small meals each day instead of 3 larger meals
- Include high protein snack, such as yoghurt or milk
- Avoid smells that bother you
- Drink fluids, as you are able. Symptoms are worse if you are dehydrated
- Keep a few crackers at your bedside to eat first thing after waking up
Are there any vitamins or herbal supplements that might help?
Talk to you doctor before taking any supplements. Research does show that women who take multivitamins before and during early pregnancy have fewer symptoms. She may suggest using something like ginger either in capsule form or in tea or soda. There is a mild antihistamine that she might also recommend
What if symptoms are severe?
If you are having difficulty keeping any food or fluids down, you need to notify your doctor. She may look for other causes. You may need to have fluids given through IV, or intravenously. There may be other medicines prescribed to help