How to deal with morning sickness during pregnancy

Are you struggling with morning sickness during pregnancy? Medipoint Hospital Pune has got your back. Our expert guide offers practical tips to help alleviate symptoms and make your day-to-day life easier. Say goodbye to nausea and embrace the joys of pregnancy with these practical suggestions.

What exactly is morning sickness?

Morning sickness, you know, it’s that nausea and vomiting thing that can happen during pregnancy. It’s pretty standard, affecting around 70% of pregnant women in the first three months. 

Avoid being misled by the term; morning sickness can occur at any time of day. But the good news is that it usually improves by the second trimester. In the meanwhile, you may try things at home by changing your food or other lifestyle changes.

And If you’re feeling uneasy, consult your doctor about over-the-counter nausea medications. Hang in there; it’s a temporary phase that’ll pass as your pregnancy progresses.

How soon may morning sickness begin?

Pregnancy morning sickness feelings can appear as early as the sixth week of pregnancy; however, this varies from individual to individual.

Many individuals start experiencing symptoms of morning sickness before reaching nine weeks of pregnancy.

When is the worst of the morning sickness?

The peak of morning sickness symptoms typically occurs around the eighth to tenth week of pregnancy for most individuals. 

Remember that the timing of morning sickness symptoms can vary, and not everyone experiences their peak symptoms simultaneously.

Morning sickness lasts how long?

Morning sickness typically improves or subsides by the 13th week of pregnancy, marking the end of the first trimester. 

But, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms until the beginning of the second trimester (weeks 14 to 27). In rare instances, morning sickness can last throughout the entire pregnancy.

Symptoms of morning sickness

Common symptoms like nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and vomiting often accompany morning sickness. Some people describe their morning sickness as:

• Reflux or heartburn.
• Motion sickness or seasickness.
• Something has become lodged in their throat.
• Pangs of hunger.

What causes morning sickness?

• Low blood sugar levels.
• Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and estrogen levels increase throughout pregnancy.
• Fluctuations in blood pressure.
• Metabolic changes.

Morning sickness can be exacerbated by:

• Anxiety and stress.
• Being exhausted.
• Consuming or smelling specific meals.
• Motion sickness is a common ailment.
• Heat or pleasant weather.

Understanding the potential causes of morning sickness can help pregnant women manage and reduce their symptoms.

What can I do to aid relieve my morning sickness?

To alleviate morning sickness, there are several measures you can take. Making dietary and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce nausea.

Dietary changes for morning sickness:

• Start your day with a few crackers or toast before getting out of bed to settle your stomach.
• Opt for frequent, small meals rather than three large ones and avoid skipping meals.
• Choose bland foods like bananas, rice, dry toast, or plain baked potato. Incorporate protein-rich snacks like yogurt, peanut butter, cheese, or nuts.
• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, and avoid beverages with caffeine.
• When you’re out and about, bring food with you.
• Consider trying ginger tea or candies for relief.

Lifestyle changes for sickness:

• Take prenatal vitamins with a snack, preferably before bed.
• Avoid triggers like strong odors and flickering lights.
• Get ample rest and ensure well-ventilated spaces with fresh air.
• Enjoy pleasant scents such as lemon, orange, or mint.
• Refrain from lying down after meals.
• Rinse your mouth after vomiting to protect your teeth from stomach acid.

Alternative methods for managing nausea:

• Consult your healthcare provider before trying acupressure wristbands or acupuncture.
• Do not use marijuana to treat morning sickness, as its safety during pregnancy has not been established.

Remember to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing morning sickness.

What foods can help with morning sickness?

When dealing with morning sickness, incorporating specific foods into your diet can provide relief. Opting for a nutritious and balanced diet is essential for your and your baby’s well-being. While processed and sugary foods may exacerbate symptoms, healthcare professionals often suggest the following food choices for managing morning sickness:

• Choose bland options such as crackers, toast, pretzels, or applesauce.
• Include fruit smoothies and yogurt in your diet.
• Stay hydrated with water or tea (consider the caffeine levels in tea).
• Boost your consumption of water-rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, celery, bell peppers, and citrus fruits to help relieve nausea.

By focusing on protein, whole grains, and abundant fruits and vegetables, you can support your body and potentially alleviate morning sickness. Please consult with your doctor for personalized dietary recommendations.

When should I contact my doctor?

Knowing when to reach out to your doctor is important when experiencing morning sickness. While it’s common during pregnancy, severe symptoms should not be ignored. Seeking early medical attention can help manage the condition effectively. If you encounter any of the following, contact your healthcare provider promptly:

• Persistent nausea throughout the day hinders your ability to eat and drink.
• Vomiting three or more times per day.
• Vomit containing blood or appearing brown.
• Significant weight loss.
• Feeling excessively fatigued, confused, dizzy, or fainting.
• Experiencing a rapid heartbeat.
• Producing minimal urine.
• Experiencing pain or having a fever.

Severe nausea and vomiting should be investigated since they may signal various medical disorders such as ulcers, reflux (heartburn), food-related illness, thyroid or gallbladder disease, or inflammation in the appendix, stomach, pancreas, or liver. 

By addressing these symptoms as soon as possible, you can receive appropriate medical care and ensure your and your baby’s well-being.

Where to seek assistance?

Please seek the assistance of medical professionals providing maternal healthcare services in Pune, If you require more information about the same topic. As the best maternity hospital in Pune, Medipoint Hospital in Chandan Nagar is always one step ahead to keep its patients safe and secure.
Book an appointment today to take advantage of the services!