Nothing welcomes pregnancy more than the feeling of morning sickness. It is one of the first and most common signs of pregnancy.
But does it really only happen in the morning and what can you do to prevent it? Check out this quick guide.
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a common phenomenon experienced by pregnant women and is characterized by feelings of nausea or dizziness, often accompanied by vomiting.
While the name suggests that symptoms usually occur in the morning, it is important to note that they can occur at any time of the day.
This pregnancy-related condition tends to occur mostly during the first trimester.
But for some women, it can persist into the second trimester or even throughout pregnancy.
In fact, it is estimated that at least 70 percent of women experience morning sickness at some point during their pregnancy.
The feeling of nausea can vary in intensity and duration from one woman to another.
Some people may experience mild bouts of nausea that are easily controlled, while others may experience more severe symptoms that significantly affect their daily life.
What causes morning sickness?
While the exact cause of morning sickness remains a mystery, researchers have identified several potential culprits behind this common phenomenon.
hormonal chaos
Blame those fluctuating hormones. During pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels rise, and these hormonal changes are thought to play a role in triggering morning sickness.
Although the exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, these hormonal bursts are thought to disrupt your body's delicate balance and contribute to those waves of unwanted nausea.
Sensitivity to smells
Pregnancy can turn your sense of smell into a superpower.
Increased sensitivity to certain odors is a common feature of morning sickness. These once innocent smells, such as cooking aromas or perfumes, can suddenly trigger intense bouts of nausea.
It is believed that this increased sensitivity to odors may be a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy.
evolutionary explanations
Believe it or not, there may be an evolutionary reason behind how you feel.
Some experts suggest that morning sickness serves as a protective mechanism.
By making certain foods unappealing or nauseating, it helps prevent pregnant women from consuming potentially harmful substances or foods that could pose a risk to the developing fetus.
Genetic factors
If your mother or sister experienced morning sickness during their pregnancy, you are more likely to experience it too. Some studies show that genetic factors may affect susceptibility to it.
Certain genetic variants related to hormone metabolism and the sense of smell have been associated with a higher chance of experiencing morning sickness.
Emotional and psychological factors.
Stress, anxiety, and emotional changes during pregnancy can worsen symptoms of morning sickness. Although not a direct cause, emotional and psychological factors can influence the severity and frequency of episodes.
When does morning sickness start?
Let's delve into when this feeling of discomfort and discomfort usually makes a big entrance.
According to experts, morning sickness usually occurs around the sixth week of pregnancy. This is the period when many women begin to experience noticeable changes in their body and may suspect that they are pregnant. It is important to note that the timing can vary from woman to woman, with some experiencing morning sickness a little earlier or later.
As pregnancy progresses, morning sickness tends to intensify, peaking around the 9th week. During this time, some women may feel more dizzy and experience more frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting.
The severity of morning sickness can also vary greatly from person to person, with some women experiencing mild discomfort while others experience more severe symptoms that affect their daily lives.
The good news is that, for many women, it starts to slow down as the pregnancy enters the second trimester. Around the 14th or 16th week, most women begin to feel relief from the incessant waves of nausea.
However, it is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique and some women may continue to experience mild morning sickness or occasional episodes throughout their pregnancy.
When does morning sickness occur?
It's worth noting that "morning" sickness can be a bit of a misnomer, as it's not just limited to the morning hours. You may feel nauseous and tired throughout the day. The exact pattern and timing may vary from person to person.
While this timeline provides a general framework, it's important to note that every woman's experience with morning sickness can vary.
If you have concerns about the timing or severity of your symptoms, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support.
Symptoms of morning sickness
Morning sickness is known as the most obvious sign of pregnancy. It is described as a general feeling of malaise or discomfort that leaves a pregnant woman with little energy to get through the day.
The following are common symptoms experienced by pregnant women:
- Nausea (feeling dizzy)
- vomiting
- Ragging (dry stretching without removing anything)
- excessive salivation
hyperemesis gravidarum
As mentioned above, the discomfort may make you feel uncomfortable, but it usually lessens and goes away as you approach the second trimester.
However, some women experience severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum, causing nausea and vomiting at least four times a day, leading to dehydration and weight loss during pregnancy.
See your doctor if you are constantly vomiting during the day, losing weight from the mouth, feeling dehydrated and unable to continue your daily activities.
Does morning sickness affect everyone?
While it is common for most pregnant women to experience morning sickness, there are some lucky moms-to-be who do not experience it during pregnancy. As a general rule, it affects about 80 percent of pregnant women in the first trimester.
When does morning sickness go away?
In most cases, the feeling of nausea subsides by the end of the first trimester, when there is a normal drop in the pregnancy hormone hCG.
However, nausea can come and go during pregnancy. all you need is something like a certain smell that you find unpleasant at first.
Exactly what causes nausea tends to vary greatly from person to person.
There are also an unlucky few who experience this feeling of nausea during pregnancy.
Treatments for morning sickness
As mentioned, there isn't really a specific treatment that will make morning sickness go away for good.
However, there are a few things you can do to make this unwanted pregnancy symptom more manageable.
Here are some proven remedies you can try:
- Eat something plain and dry when you wake up - gingerbread cookies or crackers are perfect. Then, if you can, rest for 20 to 30 minutes before getting out of bed.
- During the rest of the day, try to eat small but frequent meals throughout the day, a few bites are better than none. Have quick snacks like dry crackers, dried fruit, and a bag of almonds or yogurt.
- Foods high in protein or carbohydrates can help combat this queasy feeling, so try combining them by eating a hard-boiled egg on toast.
- Drink plenty of fluids: water, juice, milk, fruit juices - whatever you can digest. Ginger beer, ginger tea or even ginger candies are worth a try as they can settle your stomach and stop nausea.
- Don't hesitate to extend your sleep when you feel like you can't get out of bed. All the vomiting will make you feel tired and it's okay to rest when you need it.
- Avoid strong smells and odors that can cause nausea.
- Take prenatal vitamins at night if they upset your stomach when you take them in the morning.
- Acupuncture or acupuncture can help reduce nausea.
- Be sure to relax and de-stress from your day.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
- Talking to other mums-to-be who have had the same problem can be very helpful.
- Talk to your doctor about medications that can help with morning sickness if other treatments aren't effective.
When to call the doctor
Consult your gynecologist about seeking medical treatment for morning sickness if:
- the feeling of nausea continues until the fourth month of pregnancy.
- you are not gaining enough weight or losing more than two kilograms (one kilogram) a week.
- your vomit is brown or has blood in it.
- vomits more than three times a day and has trouble keeping food or liquids down.
- your heart beats faster than normal.
- are you always tired or confused
- watch for signs of dehydration: dark urine or less frequent urination.
In conclusion, morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom experienced by many women. Although it can be unpleasant, it is usually not harmful to the mother or the baby.
Most women find that their symptoms improve by mid-pregnancy. However, if morning sickness is severe or persists after the first trimester, it is important to see a healthcare provider. With the right management techniques and support, women can overcome this notorious pregnancy symptom and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
READ ALSO:Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression: A guide to understanding and managing the condition
isarticlefirst published onSpectator father.