For many women, morning sickness is one of the first symptoms that makes them really feel pregnant—but that doesn’t mean it’s fun. Just the smell of certain foods, perfumes or other odors can send you flying toward the bathroom. Sometimes it lasts a few seconds, other times you may be in the bathroom for hours waiting for nausea to subside.
Symptoms of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is more accurately referred to as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite can occur at any time of day, despite the name. Symptoms may be present anywhere from just a few minutes to the entire day.
Morning sickness usually starts during the fifth to ninth weeks of pregnancy and slowly resolves around the end of your first trimester. However, some women struggle throughout their entire pregnancy, and nausea doesn’t occur for some women until closer to the end.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is the most severe (and rare) form of morning sickness; it occurs in only about 3% of pregnancies. Nausea and vomiting are so severe that the pregnant mom becomes dehydrated, loses weight and may need hospitalization to restore fluid and electrolyte balances.
Causes of Morning Sickness
We don’t know precisely why nausea and vomiting during pregnancy happen, but the misery is exceedingly common. Up to 70% of women report nausea or vomiting during the first trimester.
Some widely accepted contributors include the following:
- Low blood sugar
- Hormone and metabolism changes of early pregnancy
- Blood pressure changes throughout the day
How to Manage Morning Sickness
Knowing that morning sickness is temporary and living through it are two different things. While you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to imagine it will ever end. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to manage the symptoms.
Some common lifestyle and diet changes to try:
- Eat a crackers or bites of toast before you get out of bed in the morning.
- Don’t let your stomach get empty.
- Eat several small snacks and meals throughout the day—nuts, fruit and crackers are great options.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Ginger candies, ginger ale and ginger tea have long been used to combat nausea.
- Keep your diet bland—the BRATT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and tea) is easy to digest.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially over your stomach.
- Rest during the day and try to get a good night’s sleep.
- Acupuncture and acupressure on the wrist.
Tips about medications and vitamins:
- Prenatal vitamins are best taken with food to minimize queasiness.
- Vitamin B6 supplements may help decrease nausea.
- Doxylamine (Unisom) is an antihistamine approved for use during pregnancy. It reduces nausea and may help you sleep. Always talk with your health care provider before taking any new medications, vitamins or supplements.
Risks for Mom and Baby
Generally, morning sickness is not associated with adverse outcomes for the mom or baby. This is because your body will prioritize delivering nutrients to your growing baby, even if it means “borrowing” from your body’s stored supply. The most significant risk is dehydration for women who experience severe hyperemesis gravidarum.
When to Seek Help
For most women, morning sickness is manageable at home with some of the tips above. However, talk to your OB/GYN or midwife if nausea and vomiting significantly interfere with your ability to function. Some prescription treatments may be helpful.
Call your health care provider immediately if you
- Are unable to keep any liquids down.
- Notice visible blood or dark brown color in your vomit.
- Lose weight.
- Feel like your heart is racing.
- Feel extremely tired, dizzy or faint.
Always tell your health care provider about the symptoms you experience between appointments, any medications or supplements you are taking, and any concerns you may have.
Morning sickness usually resolves around the time your second trimester begins, so that’s something to look forward to. And soon enough, your sweet new bundle of joy will arrive, making those weeks of morning sickness a distant memory.
Joleen Sams is family nurse practitioner who lives in Shawnee with her family.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.