What is morning sickness and what are its symptoms?
Morning sickness means nausea and vomiting that occurs during pregnancy. More than half of pregnant women suffer from nausea and vomiting, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Contrary to the name of this disease, symptoms can appear at any time of the day. This problem does not indicate the bad condition of the fetus and does not harm it.
Nausea during pregnancy occurs due to a sudden increase in the concentration of hormones. Nausea is usually mild and improves in the second half of pregnancy. Some women do not experience nausea during pregnancy. Meanwhile, some other pregnant women experience a severe form of morning sickness, called severe vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum).
This condition occurs when severe nausea and vomiting cause loss of body water (dehydration) or loss of more than 5% of body weight. Sometimes the mother’s feeding can become problematic and malnutrition can occur. In this case, the person may need to be hospitalized and given enough medicines and fluids. In rare cases, the tube is also used to feed the mother.
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Symptoms of morning sickness
General symptoms of morning sickness include:
- Nausea with or without vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is similar to motion sickness.
- Nausea appears in the morning. However, it can also occur at any other time or during the day.
- The unpleasant feeling caused by smelling some food or other smells
- Nausea after eating food, especially spicy foods
- Nausea and vomiting caused by heat and excessive saliva production
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a good gynecologist as soon as possible:
- Have flu-like symptoms, which may indicate illness.
- Feeling dizzy or drowsy
- Persistent or severe and numerous vomiting during the day
- Inability to consume food and fluids or lose weight
- Nausea caused by taking iron supplements
- Receiving anti-nausea medication or doing acupuncture
Causes of morning sickness and its risk factors
Experts are still not sure what exactly causes this disease. But we know that hormones during pregnancy can cause nausea. In severe cases of nausea and vomiting, there may be another underlying cause related to the person’s pregnancy. Factors that increase the likelihood of morning sickness in a person are:
- Morning sickness in previous pregnancies
- Sensitivity of the digestive system before pregnancy
- Movement disorders, migraines, sensitivity to tastes and smells, or the use of birth control are some of the things that cause gastrointestinal sensitivity.
- Twin or multiple pregnancies
In this case, the level of the HCG hormone is higher than in the case of singleton pregnancies. It should be noted that the possibility of severe vomiting during pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum) increases in the following cases:
- Female gender
- Positive family history
- History of previous pregnancy
- Diagnosing morning sickness of pregnancy
The diagnosis of morning sickness is based on the individual’s signs and symptoms. If your doctor suspects severe pregnancy vomiting, he may also request a urine or blood test.
Treatment of nausea during pregnancy and home remedies
In mild to moderate cases of morning sickness, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Vitamin B6 supplements
- Natural remedies like ginger
- Over-the-counter drugs such as doxylamine
- Prescribe anti-nausea medications for persistent symptoms.
- Use of extra fluids if dehydration occurs due to severe symptoms
To treat severe vomiting during pregnancy, you may need to be hospitalized and receive the following:
- Intravenous fluids
- Anti-nausea drugs
- corticosteroids
You can also use the following home remedies:
- Instead of large meals, eat 5-6 small meals a day.
- Take vitamin supplements regularly and avoid taking them on an empty stomach.
- Avoid contact with smells that upset the stomach.
- Before getting out of bed, eat crunchy biscuits, dry bread, or breakfast cereal to settle your stomach.
- Avoid eating fatty and spicy foods.
- If you feel nauseous, use soft foods that are easy to digest, such as rice, bananas, chicken soup, jelly, or fruit ice cream.
- Drink lots of liquid. Sucking ice or drinking sips of water, pale tea, or diluted syrups such as ginger beer when feeling nauseous can help. Try drinking six to eight glasses of non-caffeinated liquids daily.
- Breathe fresh air. Leave the house and go for a walk or open the windows to change the air in the house.
- Don’t forget to rinse your mouth after vomiting. This will prevent stomach acid from damaging your teeth. You can also add some baking soda to water and rinse your mouth with it.
- In some women, the use of pressure cuffs stops nausea.
- Herbal ginger supplements can also improve nausea. Many studies have shown ginger to be safe during pregnancy, however, consult your doctor before taking these supplements. In some cases, it also helps to use certain essential oils with a suitable aroma such as lavender.
Acupuncture
In this method, very thin needles (about the thickness of a hair) are inserted into certain places on the skin, which sometimes help improve symptoms.
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Morning sickness is a common symptom experienced by pregnant women, typically in the first trimester. It is characterized by feelings of nausea and vomiting and can occur at any time of day, not just in the morning. While the exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, hormonal changes during pregnancy are thought to play a role.
In most cases, morning sickness is mild and does not require medical intervention. However, in severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and weight loss, and medical treatment may be necessary.
In conclusion, morning sickness is a common and often unpleasant symptom experienced by many pregnant women. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes during pregnancy are believed to play a role. In most cases, morning sickness is mild and does not require medical intervention.
However, for those experiencing severe symptoms, medical treatment may be necessary. It is important for pregnant women to talk to their healthcare provider if they are experiencing symptoms of morning sickness, as they can provide guidance and support to help manage and alleviate these symptoms.
By understanding and addressing morning sickness, pregnant women can take steps to ensure a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.
