Can I Stop Morning Sickness?
While pregnancy is a magical and exciting time for many women, it comes with many changes, including changes to the body. This may include morning sickness, which is very common for many women. Read on to learn more about morning sickness, and what you can do about it.
What is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is nausea and/or vomiting that can occur at any time of the day during pregnancy. It often begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues until around the 16th week. However, some women may also experience nausea and vomiting during their entire pregnancy. While rare, some women who experience persistent morning sickness may have a more severe issue known as hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition may require a hospital visit for treatment.
Symptoms associated with morning sickness may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Sensitivity to smells
- Decreased urination
What Causes Morning Sickness?
Ultimately, the cause of morning sickness is not known, though it is believed that hormonal changes may play a role. Hormones that are released during pregnancy may bring about different bodily reactions and trigger morning sickness. It may also be brought on by eating certain foods or smelling certain odors.
Morning sickness may be more likely for women who have had morning sickness during a prior pregnancy, have had nausea or vomiting from other causes before becoming pregnant such as motion sickness, or are pregnant with twins or multiples.
Can I Prevent Morning Sickness?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent morning sickness from occurring. However, there are some things that may be able to help take the edge off during pregnancy, including:
- Taking daily vitamin supplements before and during pregnancy.
- Wearing sea sickness wristlets, which can help relieve nausea.
- Moving slowly and steadily.
- Eating small meals throughout the day.
- Sipping on water throughout the day and avoiding caffeinated and carbonated drinks with sugar.
- Try to avoid trigger smells.
- Consume food or drink that contains ginger, as ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and improves digestion.
When to See a Doctor
You should contact a doctor right away if you are experiencing morning sickness accompanied by a racing heart, dizziness or fainting, the inability to keep down liquids, or the production of dark urine. These may be signs of dehydration or a more serious issue.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have questions regarding morning sickness or are interested in scheduling an appointment with our team of maternal-fetal specialists, please contact MFM today. We are here to offer professional care to support and guide you during your pregnancy.
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!
