Being pregnant is an amazing feeling, but let’s be real – morning sickness can be absolutely terrible. The worst part is that morning sickness doesn’t just mean feeling nauseous in the morning; it can last all day long.
The first trimester of pregnancy is often the hardest, with 50% of pregnant women suffering from both nausea and vomiting. One third suffer from either one or the other, while a lucky third escape the dread altogether.
The causes of morning sickness are not completely understood, but there are some possible explanations:
Hormonal changes are to be expected during pregnancy, with drastic increases in estrogen levels often resulting in morning sickness that can last for days on end.
When you are pregnant, your senses – especially your sense of smell – become more sensitive. This heightened sense of smell can make even your favorite foods make you nauseous. The exact cause for this change of taste is not really known, but most doctors agree that the enhanced sense of smell is the reason.
If you have a weak stomach, you may experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Some women have digestive or gastric problems that make it difficult to keep food down while they’re pregnant.
What can you do to curb morning sickness?
Diet – It’s important to make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Avoid spicy and rich foods, and opt for healthier alternatives instead. Stock up on carbohydrate-rich foods, and try not to skip meals, as an empty stomach can sometimes trigger nausea.
Get plenty of rest – It is essential that you get enough rest throughout your pregnancy, but this is especially important during the first trimester. This is when the fetus is still in the early developing stages, and you need plenty of rest to help fight fatigue.
Do not rush things – We all have different thresholds for how much we can handle at any given time. Some of us can push ourselves to the limits and still function relatively well, while others of us need to take things a bit slower. If you find that you’re struggling to keep up with the pace of life, it’s important to listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need. Don’t try to do everything at once – take your time and focus on one thing at a time. And when you’re getting up in the morning, don’t try to spring out of bed too quickly – give yourself a few extra minutes to wake up slowly and start your day off right.
Sign up for pregnancy yoga – Exercising while pregnant is beneficial for both you and your baby. Yoga, in particular, can help strengthen the muscles of the fetus and aid in a smooth delivery. Additionally, it has been shown to help keep morning sickness at bay.
Identify the cause – There are many things that can trigger your gag reflex, so it’s important to know what they are so that you can avoid them. Some common triggers include strong smells, certain textures, and optical illusions. If you know what sets off your gag reflex, you can take steps to avoid those things and make sure that you don’t end up in a situation where you’re gagging.
Drink plenty of water – There are many reasons to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re pregnant. Staying hydrated helps ward off morning sickness and keeps both you and your baby healthy.
Can morning sickness lead to medical conditions?
Although nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are common, it’s always best to consult with your gynecologist just to be on the safe side. In some cases, excessive morning sickness can lead to conditions like Hyperemesis gravid arum, which is characterized by extreme and persistent nausea and vomiting.
