What causes morning sickness?

Last Updated on Fri, 2 December 2022 | Women Health

If you've had morning sickness during pregnancy, you probably know that the name is cruelly misleading. Nausea and vomiting can happen at any hour of the day. But there's some good news. There are many things that you can do in order to manage your anxious stomach.

Morning sickness is very common. One study found that around 80% of all pregnant women experience morning sickness. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should just accept it.

Jessica Costa is a certified nurse-midwife and explains the causes of morning sickness.

What causes morning sickness?

While it's unclear exactly what hormones can trigger these symptoms , which can include mild nausea or frequent vomiting, doctors believe the cause is surging levels of progesterone and human chorionic growth hormone (hCG).

There are two pieces of good news. These symptoms are often temporary and typically disappear by the third trimester.

Costa said, "Usually we see an elevation in morning sickness symptoms around eight to 10 weeks gestation. Many people report relief by week sixteen."

Not everyone with morning sickness experiences it, and not all women who experience it have the same level of severity. Your experience may vary from one pregnancy or the next.

Remedies For Morning Sickness

You can try one of the following tips to ease morning sickness. These tips will help you feel better and get rid of morning sickness.

1. Eat regularly

Costa states, "It might seem counterintuitive but an empty stomach can actually worsen nausea." Take small, easy-to-digest snacks or meals every few hours. Talking of crackers, bland and starchy foods may help to absorb stomach acid and soothe the stomach. Keep some handy.

2. Beware of food triggers

Be aware of which foods trigger your nausea. The most common causes of nausea are greasy, spicy and heavy foods. But bland, healthy foods, such as the BRAT diet, are much easier to swallow.

3. Prioritize protein

Research shows that foods rich in protein provide longer lasting relief than those high in fats or carbohydrates. So make sure you have plenty of high-protein snack options to help stave off nausea. Costa loves yogurt, cottage cheese and milk as well as nuts, seeds, and dairy products.

4. For sweet relief, try sour

Sour candy is a great way to combat a sore stomach. Costa states that sour tastes can help with nausea. You can try sucking on some lemon-flavored hard candy.

Or, you can go to the source for a fresh slice of citrus fruit like a lemon, lime, or orange. These citrus fruits contain high levels of citric acid which is good for digestion. It may also help you feel less nausea.

5. Two glasses of wine

This is a tricky one. Being dehydrated can cause nausea. However, you can also feel unsatisfied after drinking lots of water. The bottom line is that while you should do all you can to keep hydrated, it's important not to consume too much water.

There are other options. Try adding lemon juice or other fruit infusions to your water, or sipping clear soda, ginger ale or fruity tea.

6. Keep your head vertical

Although it may be tempting to fall asleep when you feel sick, the best thing for pregnant nausea is to stay awake.

Do not lie down immediately after you eat. This can lead to gastric juices rising in your stomach. Costa explained that it can hinder digestion and cause queasy feelings.

7. Be patient while you brush.

If you are prone to vomiting, brushing your teeth immediately after you eat can cause your gag reflex. Costa advises, "For the best results, wait 30 minutes to brush after you have eaten."

8. Avoid strong odors

Costa says that even though they may seem harmless, a sudden change in your stomach could cause you to be pregnant.

Research shows that pregnancy can cause nausea from everything, including perfumes and food. This is due to surge hormones. Avoid strong and offensive smells while you wait.

9. Enjoy pleasant smells

You can quickly relieve nausea with lightly-scented essential oil fragrances. Costa recommends that for the best results, you should apply just a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball. Try:

Every pregnant woman is unique, so skip any scents that make you feel nauseated.

10. A motion sickness band is a great option

Costa says that wristbands can be used to prevent motion sickness, morning sickness, and seasickness. They are worn on the wrists by placing pressure on the pressure point P6 on your wrists. The nei Guan point is another name for this spot in Acupressure.

You can apply light pressure to the nei-guan spot yourself if you don't own a motion sickness band. You can place three fingers just below your wrist; the nei Guan point is directly below these, below your index finger.

11. Nighttime is the best time to take your pill

Although prenatal vitamins are essential for a healthy pregnancy and preventing upset stomachs, some women find taking them too early in the day can cause nausea. You can try switching to prenatal vitamins in the evening, along with small healthy snacks.

12. Take care of you

You can help your baby stay healthy by choosing healthy lifestyle habits. Get a good nights sleep and get plenty of fresh, clean air to keep you feeling less queasy.

How to See Your Doctor for Morning Sickness

While pregnancy can be uncomfortable, it is important to not ignore any other symptoms. These are troubling signs and symptoms that you should discuss with your doctor.

Costa states, "It is important that you remember that the hormones that make you feel sick also play a significant role in helping your baby grow." If you haven't tried all the remedies and still feel severe symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

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