How to deal with Morning Sickness?

If you’re reading this, you're probably in the throes of morning sickness. That queasy, uneasy stomach that often comes along with pregnancy. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most pregnant women experience some form of morning sickness, especially during their first trimester, and despite the name, it can strike at any time of day. It’s one of those not-so-fun parts of pregnancy that has many reaching for remedies.

That being said, let’s delve into what causes morning sickness and explore some tried-and-true home remedies to help you feel better. So grab your ginger ale, and let’s get started!

What is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness—it sounds like it should be a predictable daily event, but it's anything but that! Essentially, it's the nausea and vomiting that many women experience during pregnancy. The symptoms can range from mild queasiness that settles after eating, to severe nausea that makes keeping any food down nearly impossible.

Most often, these symptoms kick off around the sixth week of pregnancy and can continue through the first trimester. However, some women experience morning sickness at any time of the day, and it can stretch beyond the typical morning hours. It’s not unusual for some moms-to-be to feel these effects well into their second trimester or, occasionally, throughout their entire pregnancy. So, if you’ve been feeling queasy beyond the morning or past those first 12 weeks, you’re definitely not alone!

What Causes Morning Sickness during Pregnancy?

When it comes to morning sickness, a few key culprits can make those early months of pregnancy a bit rough. Let’s break down the main reasons why you might be feeling queasy:

Hormonal Changes

The rollercoaster of hormones during pregnancy is the primary suspect behind morning sickness. Two hormones, in particular, play significant roles:

• hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): This hormone rises rapidly during early pregnancy and is often linked to morning sickness. The levels of hCG are at their highest during the first trimester when morning sickness tends to be the worst.
• Estrogen: This hormone also increases during pregnancy and can enhance the feeling of nausea.

Together, these hormonal changes can turn your stomach into a bit of a battleground during those early weeks.

Sensory Sensitivities

Ever notice that your nose becomes superhuman during pregnancy? Heightened senses, particularly smell, are common and can trigger waves of morning sickness. Scents that you might not have even noticed before pregnancy can suddenly become overwhelming. This heightened sense of smell is thought to be nature’s way of helping pregnant women avoid foods that could be harmful, but unfortunately, it can also make everyday odors a challenge.

Stomach and Digestive Changes

Your body is going through a lot during pregnancy, including changes in the way your stomach and intestines move food along. As your hormones shift and your uterus grows, it can slow down your digestive system, leading to increased gas, bloating, and that unpleasant nausea. Plus, your stomach has less room to expand, and this altered digestion can make morning sickness more pronounced.

Remedies for Morning Sickness

Dealing with morning sickness can feel like a full-time job, but there are several home remedies and lifestyle adjustments that can help ease the discomfort. Let’s look into some practical strategies:

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Eating Habits

• Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help prevent your stomach from becoming too full or too empty, both of which can trigger nausea.
• Spicy, fatty, and overly rich foods can aggravate your stomach when you’re pregnant. Pay attention to what seems to set off your nausea and try to steer clear. Bland, starchy foods like crackers, rice, and bananas are often easier to handle.
• Known for its anti-nausea properties, incorporating ginger into your diet can be a game changer. Ginger tea, ginger ale made with real ginger, or even ginger candies can be soothing.

Hydration

• Sip Throughout the Day. Especially if you’re frequently vomiting. Instead of gulping down large amounts at once, sip water, broth, or a sports drink with electrolytes throughout the day to keep your hydration levels steady without overwhelming your stomach.
• Flavor Your Water. If plain water turns your stomach, try adding a splash of juice or infusing it with cucumber, mint, or lemon to make it more appealing.

Rest

• Fatigue can actually worsen the symptoms of morning sickness, so getting enough rest is crucial. Try to get a good night’s sleep and take naps during the day if you can.
• Stress can aggravate nausea, so incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga can help keep both your mind and body calmer and reduce morning sickness symptoms.

Natural Remedies

Ginger

Ginger is a powerhouse when it comes to combating nausea. It’s been used for centuries to help with various types of stomach upset, including the type caused by pregnancy.

• Sipping on ginger tea can soothe your stomach. You can make it fresh with grated ginger steeped in hot water or buy pre-made herbal ginger teas.
• If tea isn’t your thing, ginger capsules are another option. Just be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

Lemon

The fresh scent of lemon is often enough to reduce nausea. It’s light and refreshing, which can be very appealing if you’re feeling queasy.

• Add a slice or a squirt of lemon to water to make it more palatable.
• Simply smell a fresh lemon to help alleviate nausea.

Peppermint

Peppermint is known for its soothing properties on the digestive system and can be a great ally against morning sickness.

• Peppermint Tea can be a relaxing and therapeutic way to address nausea.
• Using peppermint essential oil in a diffuser or simply sniffing it can help calm your stomach.

Alternative Therapies

Acupressure and Acupuncture

These ancient practices can be particularly effective for managing nausea.

• Acupressure: Applying pressure to specific points on the body, such as the wrist, can help control symptoms. Acupressure bands worn on the wrist are designed specifically for this purpose and are popular among pregnant women.
• Acupuncture: This involves inserting thin needles into the skin at precise points. It’s thought to stimulate nerves and muscles, potentially relieving nausea. Always visit a licensed practitioner who has experience with pregnant patients.

Aromatherapy

Using essential oils can provide relief from nausea and promote a sense of well-being.

• Essential Oils: Oils like lavender, lemon, and peppermint can be used in a diffuser or applied topically when diluted with a carrier oil. Be cautious and consult your healthcare provider, as some essential oils can be too strong or are not recommended during pregnancy.

When to See a Doctor

While morning sickness is a common part of many pregnancies, there are certain symptoms that could signal something more serious is going on, and that’s when it’s time to call your doctor. Let’s look into when you should seek medical attention.

Severe Nausea and Vomiting

If you find yourself unable to keep any food or drinks down for 24 hours, it’s time to reach out to your healthcare provider. Persistent, severe vomiting can lead to dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and weight loss, and might be a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which sometimes requires medical treatment to manage.

Dehydration

Signs of dehydration include feeling very thirsty, having a dry mouth or skin, peeing less often, or having dark yellow urine. Dehydration can be risky for both you and the baby, so it’s important to treat it promptly.

Weight Loss

Losing weight instead of gaining weight during pregnancy, especially due to not eating enough because of nausea or vomiting, is a definite red flag. Your doctor can help you find ways to manage your symptoms better and ensure you and your baby are getting the nutrients you need.

Unusual Symptoms

Any other unusual symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fever, or dizziness, should also prompt a visit to your healthcare provider, as these could indicate other problems that may require immediate attention.

Take away

Before starting any new remedy—whether it's a supplement, herbal tea, or even over-the-counter medication—it's crucial that you consult with your doctor. They can advise you on what's safe to take and what might interfere with your pregnancy. They can also help you understand the risks and benefits of different treatment options, ensuring that both you and your baby remain healthy.

Reaching out for help isn’t just about alleviating your own discomfort—it’s also about keeping your pregnancy on a healthy track. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you’re concerned about any symptoms.