Pregnancy nausea can make women feel physically miserable and emotionally drained. If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy with morning sickness, know that you’re not alone.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring:
- What morning sickness is
- When it starts
- Ways to alleviate it
Keep reading to learn more!
What is Morning Sickness?
Although most people refer to nausea and vomiting during pregnancy as “morning sickness,” women can experience symptoms all throughout the day. More than 70% of women experience morning sickness in their first trimester.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
Experts aren’t sure exactly what causes morning sickness in pregnancy. They often attribute the symptoms to increased HCG or estrogen, low blood sugar, and metabolic changes.
What Makes Morning Sickness Worse?
Every woman who experiences morning sickness has unique triggers. Often, morning sickness can be worsened by:
- Stress and anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- The smell, sight, or taste of certain foods
- Movement on transportation
- Heat or warm weather
Women may also be at a higher risk for motion sickness if they are pregnant with multiples, or if they have a history of morning sickness, motion sickness, or migraines.
What are the Symptoms for Morning Sickness?
Every pregnancy is different. Some women experience little to no symptoms, while others deal with extreme symptoms. Common morning sickness symptoms include6:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Motion sickness
- Heartburn
- Occasional vomiting
- The sensation that something is stuck in their throat
Can Morning Sickness Become Dangerous?
Morning sickness becomes concerning if a woman vomits more than three times a day. Known as hyperemesis gravidarum, consistently vomiting three or more times a day can cause dehydration and require medical intervention. Healthcare professionals can help women manage and treat their hyperemesis gravidarum and monitor their health throughout the pregnancy.
If you’re concerned that you may be dehydrated (producing little to no dark urine, dizziness when standing, or rapid weight loss), you should seek medical attention immediately.
How Soon Does Morning Sickness Start?
Nausea often begins between the sixth and ninth week of pregnancy (or six weeks from your last menstrual period). Women often experience a peak in their symptoms around eight to ten weeks of pregnancy.
When Does Morning Sickness End?
Typically, nausea and vomiting goes away around the second trimester, or by fourteen weeks of pregnancy. In rare cases, morning sickness persists into the second and third trimester. If you’re already in your second or third trimester and still experiencing nausea or vomiting, you should speak with your healthcare provider about management options.
How do Doctors Treat Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness management will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Doctors can prescribe supplements or medications that can alleviate symptoms, and they will want to monitor your hydration and nutrition status throughout your pregnancy. Women who experience morning sickness in their first trimester still go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Does Morning Sickness Go Away After Abortion?
Pregnancy hormones can remain in a woman’s body for up to two weeks after an abortion. Additionally, a side effect of misoprostol (one of the medications administered during a medical/pill abortion) is nausea.
Before making a decision about your pregnancy, contact Care Net of NNY. Our team will provide you with free and confidential pregnancy services, and the support you need to make the best decision for you. Call us today at 315-782-5433.
What Helps Morning Sickness?
There are many ways to manage your nausea from home. Always check in with your healthcare provider to ensure that you’re following a plan that’s best for your health, but here are a few tips:
- Keep food in your belly as much as possible. So, the moment you wake in the morning, get up slowly and then eat some crackers or toast.
- Eat small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three big meals. Also make sure that you don’t skip any meals. Your body may interpret hunger cues as nausea instead. So you may want to carry snacks with you everywhere, and eat a snack before bed.
- Avoid odors that trigger your nausea. Keep pleasant scents around such as lemon, orange, or mint.
- Don’t lie down for at least an hour after eating.
- Get lots of rest.
What Foods Help With Morning Sickness?
As mentioned above, eating snacks throughout the day is best, rather than large meals. Here are some other things you can incorporate into your diet to alleviate the nausea:
- Eat whatever you can. Whenever your nausea feels overwhelming, just eat whatever you’re able to keep down.
- Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, broth, or eggs. Also add in protein to your snacks throughout the day.
- Avoid spicy and greasy foods.
- Drink at least 48 ounces of water a day, or more if instructed by your doctor. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks or sugary drinks. Also drink fluids 30 minutes before and after a meal, but not with the meal.
- Eat fruits and veggies high in water content such as apples, celery, watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, peaches, etc.
- Eat foods high in Vitamin B6 such as salmon, avocados, sunflower seeds, and dried fruits.
- Drink ginger flavored drinks such as ginger ale or tea. Also try lemonade, herbal teas, or mineral water.
Free Pregnancy Services in Lowville and Watertown, NY
At Care Net of NNY, we understand that an unplanned pregnancy brings a wave of new emotions and physical symptoms that could affect your decision. We empower you to make the best decision for your life, your future, and your health! Call us today for a free, confidential appointment at 315-782-5433 or make an appointment online.