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DEFINITION
Morning sickness is a general term used to define bouts of nausea and vomiting which most frequently occur in the early morning hours in pregnant women. It is thought that as many as 90-percent of all expectant mothers experience some form of mild morning sickness during pregnancy.
SYMPTOMS
Mild to severe nausea.
Possible vomiting.
Mild headache.
Queasy stomach.
Lightheadedness.
Lack of energy.
Morning sickness is most often experienced during the first 12-15 weeks of pregnancy. Though it is most apparent immediately after waking, morning sickness can and usually is experienced at any time of the day.
CAUSES
In order to allow for normal growth of the fetus during pregnancy, major hormone changes take place in a woman's body. Progesterone and other hormones often cause involuntary muscles to relax, which in turn, slows movement of food through the stomach and intestines. Blood sugar is also lower in early pregnancy months, which contributes to stomach upsets.
PREVENTION
Preventing morning sickness may or may not be possible. Just as each woman's body responds differently to pregnancy, so it is that each woman responds differently after applying preventative measures. Most doctors recommend a trial and error procedure, which may help to define what will work for you.
WARNINGS
Severe morning sickness can lead to Hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition characterized by severe vomiting and electrolyte disturbance. This condition is life threatening, and harmful to both mother and child. Any prolonged vomiting should be reported to your family physician at once. Severe cases of morning sickness can be treated with pregnancy-friendly anti-emetic drugs.
TREATMENTS
SODA CRACKERS are an age old remedy to treating the plaguing nausea of morning sickness. Crackers help to absorb excess stomach acid and settle queasy tummies.
VITAMIN B-6 has shown tremendous promise in recent years in curbing the effects of morning sickness. Daily injections can be given in the doctor's office to those suffering particularly bothersome symptoms. Many doctors now also prescribe low dosages of Vitamin B-6, which can be taken with food at home.
AVOID all medications while pregnant, including anti-emetics and antacids. Any plans to begin taking such medications should be discussed first with your family physician.
ALTERNATIVE MEASURES
GINGER has proven itself to be a safe, effective treatment for morning sickness. Freshly ground ginger can be added to your favorite dishes or to hot water to make a soothing tea. Ginger is also available in capsule form. Ginger should be taken in 500mg. dosages, three times daily.
SMALL snacks, eaten every few hours, will help to regulate blood sugar levels. Many women place small, quick energy snacks next to their bed at night, and consume them immediately upon rising in the morning.
HIGH PROTEIN foods, eaten every hour, also aids in providing an energy boost to your body and a quick sugar boost. Peanut butter, apple slices, celery, nuts or cheese and crackers should be eaten once every hour to keep nausea at bay.
AVOID large meals, which often cause nausea or heartburn.
AVOID high fat foods or those high in salt.
KEEP fresh air circulating in your living environment. Odors from food and smoking are one of the biggest contributors to morning sickness.
ACCUPRESSURE bracelets, worn on each wrist, help to calm the vomiting center of the brain and reduce suffering. Bracelets can be worn continuously during the first 4-months of pregnancy.
LYING down in a dark room with a cool cloth over the forehead is sometimes enough treatment.
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