Causes and Cures of Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Of course, just because morning sickness is common—and likely to last “only” a few months - doesn’t mean it’s not a challenge. Even a mild case of nausea can wear you down, and bouts of round-the-clock nausea and vomiting can leave you exhausted and miserable. Talk with your caregiver about your symptoms and the possibilities for relief.

 

 

What Causes Morning Sickness During Pregnancy?

No one knows for sure what causes nausea during pregnancy, but it’s probably some combination of the many physical changes taking place in your body. Some possible causes include:

• Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone rises rapidly during early pregnancy. No one knows how hCG contributes to nausea, but it’s a prime suspect because the timing is right: Nausea tends to peak around the same time as levels of hCG. What’s more, conditions in which women have higher levels of hCG, such as carrying multiples, are associated with higher rates of nausea and vomiting.
• Estrogen. This hormone, which also rises rapidly in early pregnancy, is another suspect. (It’s possible that other hormones play a role as well.)
• An enhanced sense of smell and sensitivity to odors.
• A sensitive stomach.
• Stress.

 Dealing With Morning Sickness

 

Suggestions for coping with morning sickness include:

• Don’t take drugs of any kind, unless your doctor knows you are pregnant and has prescribed specific medications.
• Eat a few dry crackers or plain sweet biscuits before getting out of bed in the morning.
• Don’t eat anything that you suspect will make you nauseous. In general high-carbohydrate meals are well tolerated.
• Eat small meals regularly, as an empty stomach tends to trigger nausea.
• It may help to avoid cooking or preparing foods.
• Drink as much as you can manage. Sometimes sips of flat lemonade, diluted fruit juice, cordial, weak tea, ginger tea, clear soup or beef extract drinks are helpful. If none of these are bearable, try sucking on ice cubes.
• Vitamin B6 supplements can be useful, but doses above 200 mg per day can actually be harmful. Follow your doctor’s advice.
• Consider acupressure or acupuncture on the wrist.
• Wear loose clothes that don’t constrict your abdomen.
• Moving around may aggravate morning sickness. Rest whenever possible.

 When you are in a morning sickness period do not worry about what you may be eating. Getting energy is more important than a diet at this moment. If that bar of chocolate is what makes you feel better go for it! You can go back to healthy foods and exercise as soon as you start feeling better.