By Krystin Edgerton
Becoming pregnant is the beginning of creating something that is a part of you. It’s learning and growing with your child and most importantly experiencing a new kind of love. The excitement is overwhelming and it seems everyone is smiling, buying your baby gifts and touching your growing belly. Then it hits you… morning sickness. According to Todays Parent, 80 to 90 percent of mommy’s- to- be experience this unpleasant encounter and it often warrants some questions. Through this post we hope to answer some of them.
What is morning sickness?
Despite the name, morning sickness can affect pregnant women at any time during the course of a day. It can happen when waking up, or by simply smelling something that is no longer agreeable to your body. Although morning sickness can put a negative spin on your day, studies suggest that there is also a positive aspect- as it indicates that your pregnancy hormones levels are high and that the placenta is developing well.
When will morning sickness stop?
Most women who experience morning sickness say it began and stopped within their first trimester. Usually it will start five to six weeks after becoming pregnant and subside by week 14. However some women have said it has lasted right until week 16.
Will morning sickness hurt my baby?
As long as you’re keeping some food down and drinking plenty of fluids your baby will not be in any danger. Your liver stores many nutrients that your baby will need to develop normally. Be sure to take your vitamin’s, including Folic acid; to help keep you and your developing fetus healthy. Morning sickness can sometimes be detrimental for you and your baby if it is excessive. The medical term for this is Hyperemesis Gravidarum, meaning severe nausea/vomiting and weight loss. It is important that if you feel you have this condition to contact your medical provider right away. Below we have put together a chart to help distinguish between Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Morning sickness.
|
Hyperemesis Gravidarum |
Morning Sickness |
| Nausea accompanied by severe vomiting | Nausea occasionally accompanied by vomiting |
| Vomiting causing severe dehydration | Vomiting that does not cause severe dehydration |
| Weight loss of more than 5% of your pre pregnancy weight | Some weight loss |
| Sickness does not improve after first trimester | Sickness improves after the first trimester |
What things can I do to help prevent morning sickness?
There is no established method of preventing morning sickness, however there are some things you can do to help reduce its occurrence. Keep in mind not every woman is the same, some things might work for you and others may not.
Exercise
Wear loose clothing
Eat small meals often
Drink fluids throughout the day to help with dehydration
Get plenty of rest
Avoid warm places
Avoid fatty or spicy foods
Avoid caffeine
Have ginger
Just remember morning sickness does occur in most women so you are not alone! Keep focussed on your precious bundle and it will be over soon enough.
“Morning Sickness.” americanpregnancy.org. July 2011. <http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/morningsickness.html> July 16, 2020
“Hyperemesis Gravidarum.” americanpregnancy.org June 2011. <http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/hyperemesisgravidarum.html> July 16, 2020
Seymour, Rhea. “The facts of morning sickness” April 27, 2020 <http://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/being-pregnant/the-facts-of-morning-sickness/ > July 16, 2020
