What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a condition that occurs early in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is characterized by nausea and vomiting. Even though the technical term for this condition is morning sickness, it can occur at any time during the day or night. It is estimated that anywhere from 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women are afflicted with morning sickness.
What causes morning sickness?
Doctors have not been able to identify the exact cause of morning sickness. However, they do believe that the hormonal changes that women undergo early in pregnancy contribute to this condition. Additionally, morning sickness may also be aggravated by the smell and taste of certain foods.
What can women do for morning sickness?
The good news is that morning sickness is rarely serious enough to warrant the need for medical attention. However, this condition can become bothersome and interfere with a woman’s daily activities. There are a number of things that women can do to alleviate this condition naturally. Below are some of those things:
Change up your diet-Again, morning sickness can be triggered or worsened by certain foods. Foods that are greasy and fatty are some of the major culprits behind this condition. It is best to choose foods that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat. Those types of foods are easier to digest. Saltines, bagels, protein bars and baked potatoes are examples of foods that soothe the stomach. Women may also want to consider writing down everything that they eat. This will allow them to identify some of the other foods that can trigger morning sickness.
Eat more often- An empty stomach is another one of the things that can contribute morning sickness. That is why it is best for women to eat five or six small meals instead of three large ones.
Drink plenty of fluids- Women should make sure that they drink plenty of fluids because the frequent episodes of vomiting can lead to dehydration. Water and ginger ale are examples of beverages that can alleviate morning sickness and keep a woman hydrated.
Get outside- Sometimes, a little fresh air is all that is needed to provide relief. When a woman starts to feel queasy, she should immediately step outside for a few minutes.
Can morning sickness be prevented?
Because the causes of morning sickness are not fully understood, there is nothing that can be done to prevent it. However, there has been evidence to suggest that women who take prenatal vitamins before they become pregnant are less likely to develop morning sickness. For that reason, women who are thinking about conceiving should talk to their doctor about taking prenatal vitamins.