Tips for Overcoming Sickness

Though morning sickness may or may not be an aspect of your pregnancy, approximately half of all women who are pregnant experience morning sickness. The term “morning sickness” is actually a misnomer. Feelings of nausea, heartburn and even vomiting can strike at any time during the day. What causes morning sickness? There are many theories. Some believe that the changing hormone levels in a woman’s body result in nausea and a general sense of malaise. There are other researchers that have suggested that morning sickness is a protective mechanism that prevents the mother from ingesting potential harmful items such as teratogens or abortifacients.

For most women morning sickness disappears shortly after the first trimester, or at about 13 weeks.

Coping With Morning Sickness
If you have morning sickness, fortunately there are many things you can do to cope. Here are some time tested remedies that help relieve some of the symptoms of morning sickness:

• Eat several small meals per day instead of three large ones.
• Have some crackers and soda or water by the bed and try eating a few before you rise in the morning. An empty stomach often results in more nausea.
• Drink lots of fluids. Some women find carbonated water flavored with lemon to be quite soothing.
• Try some ginger or ginger ale, which is well known for alleviating nausea.
• Eat foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates.
• Avoid fatty or spicy foods, which are more likely to cause nausea.
• Get plenty of rest and take prenatal vitamins. If your vitamins make you nauseous, try taking them with meals.
• Avoid strong odors or smells that can induce nausea.
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating.

When morning sickness becomes serious….

Morning sickness can be more than an annoyance. Hyperemisis is a serious medical condition that occurs in some women and requires a visit to your physician. To learn more about morning sickness and hyperemisis, please visit Women’s Health Care Topics – your one-stop source for the best and latest information on pregnancy and women’s health.