Morning sickness is a common condition that affects up to 70% of pregnant women. It is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and sometimes loss of appetite. Morning sickness usually starts in the first trimester of pregnancy, and it typically goes away by the end of the second trimester.
Know about the causes of morning sickness, as well as how to prevent morning sickness.
Know about the causes of morning sickness, as well as how to prevent morning sickness.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
There is no one-size-fits-all cause of morning sickness, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including high levels of the hormone hCG, changes in hormone levels, and changes in the digestive system.
Morning sickness can be mild or severe. In mild cases, it may only cause occasional nausea. In severe cases, it can cause persistent vomiting that can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
There are a number of things that pregnant women can do to relieve morning sickness, including:
If morning sickness is severe, it is important to see a doctor. In some cases, morning sickness can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Morning sickness can be mild or severe. In mild cases, it may only cause occasional nausea. In severe cases, it can cause persistent vomiting that can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
There are a number of things that pregnant women can do to relieve morning sickness, including:
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Avoiding foods that trigger nausea
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting plenty of rest
- Taking over-the-counter medications, such as ginger or vitamin B6
- Taking prescription medications, such as diclectin or ondansetron
If morning sickness is severe, it is important to see a doctor. In some cases, morning sickness can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Top 10 Ways to Prevent Morning Sickness
While there is no foolproof way to prevent morning sickness, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk and manage your symptoms. Here are the top 10 ways to prevent morning sickness:
- Eat small, frequent meals. Eating small meals throughout the day will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent your stomach from becoming empty, which can trigger nausea.
- Choose bland foods. Bland foods, such as crackers, toast, pretzels, and rice, are easy to digest and can help to settle your stomach.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or fruit juice, will help to prevent dehydration, which can make morning sickness worse.
- Avoid greasy, fatty, and spicy foods. These foods can irritate your stomach and make nausea worse.
- Avoid strong smells. Strong smells, such as perfume, cooking odors, and cigarette smoke, can trigger nausea.
- Get plenty of rest. When you are well-rested, your body is better able to cope with morning sickness.
- Take prenatal vitamins. Some prenatal vitamins can cause nausea, so talk to your doctor about taking a different brand or taking your vitamins at night.
- Ginger. Ginger is a natural remedy that has been shown to be effective in reducing morning sickness. You can take ginger capsules, eat ginger candy, or drink ginger ale.
- Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is another natural remedy that can help to prevent morning sickness. You can take vitamin B6 supplements or eat foods that are high in vitamin B6, such as bananas, potatoes, and chicken.
- Meclizine (Dramamine). Meclizine is an over-the-counter medication that can help to prevent morning sickness. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking meclizine, as it can cause drowsiness.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing severe morning sickness that is not relieved by home remedies, talk to your doctor. There are prescription medications that can help to manage the symptoms. It is important to consult your doctor to find out all about the safest and most suitable remedies for the condition.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
- https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/vomiting-and-morning-sickness/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy
- https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/when-does-morning-sickness-start-and-how-can-i-get-relief/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254
- https://www.tenethealth.com/healthy-living/corporate-content/10-tips-to-help-fight-morning-sickness
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179633
- https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/morning-sickness/15-tips-for-dealing-with-morning-sickness/