Morning sickness during pregnancy is experienced by as many as 60 to 80 percent of women. This symptom is commonly experienced by many women in the initial stages of the pregnancy period, particularly during the first three months. morning sickness during pregnancy includes feelings of nausea and is often accompanied by vomiting.
This nausea normally starts at any point of time between the 4th and the 6th week of the pregnancy period. In most cases the symptoms and signs of this morning sickness are gone by the 4th month of the pregnancy period. However some women tend to experience the feelings of nausea throughout the pregnancy period.
Many people believe that morning sickness is experienced only in the morning. However it can occur at any time through the day and may not be necessarily limited to the morning time. Normally this morning sickness during pregnancy is observed after waking up and it may continue through the entire day.
While the exact reasons for this morning sickness are not entirely known it is believed that changes in hormones and low blood sugar level can cause this problem. Women tend to feel uneasy as their bodies undergo a large number of changes and these causes morning sickness.
Higher levels of human gonadotropin or hCG is responsible for morning sickness and vomiting. Serotonin is also another hormone that is often considered responsible for causing nausea and morning sickness. Estrogen also plays a part by triggering feelings of nausea and queasiness in pregnancy. morning sickness during pregnancy often goes away on its own once the levels of the pregnancy hormones fall or stabilize in the second trimester. However if excessive vomiting is experienced then it may be dangerous as it can result in dehydration. Such a condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum.
morning sickness during pregnancy can be overcome by following some simple instructions. It is advisable not to immediately get out of bed on waking up. Relaxing and sitting back for a few minutes can help in minimizing the feeling of queasiness that can result if sudden movements are made. Light and healthy snacks can be kept by the bedside and eating these from time to time can help calm an empty stomach. Pregnant women should make it a point to eat small meals frequently so as to avoid indigestion and nausea. Eating slowly is equally important.
Spicy and greasy food items should be avoided as far as possible during pregnancy. Yogurt can help in reducing the feeling of morning sickness. Pregnant women should get enough rest and taking short naps during the day can be helpful. A healthy and balanced diet is crucial so that the essential nutrients are provided to the unborn child. morning sickness during pregnancy may be caused because of iron supplements and so the pregnant woman may change the brand with the consultation of the doctor.
To avoid dehydration because of vomiting it is important to drink enough liquids. Avoid drinking fluids while eating. Fluids can be consumed around half an hour before and after the meal. Having someone else cook can help the pregnant woman avoid nausea caused because of bothersome odors. Sniffing ginger can help relieve nausea. Moderate exercise is important during pregnancy and can help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness during pregnancy.
It is important for the pregnant woman to try and remain relaxed. Reading books or solving puzzles can help keep the mind away from the nausea and other problems associated with morning sickness during pregnancy. A medical health professional should be consulted where excessive nausea and the problem of vomiting prevents the woman from keeping any food down. Likewise medical help should be sought where fever and pain accompanies vomiting and if the vomiting and nausea continues into the second trimester.