|
Congratulations, you're pregnant! This time promises to be a happy and exciting adventure for all involved. However, about one half of all expectant moms will expirence the phenomonem of morning sickness.
Morning sickness can strike at anytime during the day, but is more likely to hit in the morning when blood sugar levels are low. Some expirence just the nausea, others have a more severe case with vomiting and loss of appetite. In most pregnacies, morning sickness ceases by the time the 2nd trimaster rolls around.
No one is completely sure what causes morning sickness, but there are several theories. The one that seems to make the most sence would be the hormonal theory. When a woman becomes pregnant, she has an increase of the hCG level in her blood stream. This coupled with stretching uterine muscles and a decreased digestive system can cause nausea and in some cases vomiting.
Symptoms of morning sickness include:
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
loss of appetite
There are several things a woman can do to help ease these annoying symptoms. First and formost, make sure you are getting plenty of rest. In the morning, before you lift your head from the pillow, eat a few crackers and let them settle. This will help raise your blood sugar level and make you feel less nausous. During the day, eat frequent meals. Try for meals high in proteins and carbohydrates. Avoid greasy foods at all costs. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water or liquids a day. Staying hydrated is so important especially if you are not keeping any foods down. Clear liqids are the best choices.
Drink slowly throughout the day. Stay away from alcohol and caffinated drinks. Don't brush your teeth right after a meal. Toothpaste can make you nauseated. Instead wait a few hours. Your sense of smell will be greatly increased during your pregnancy making the smell of some foods nauseating. Stay away from these foods. Get plenty of fresh air and don't smoke or get around people who do.
Patience is key. Morning sickness is a small price to pay for the bundle of joy you will soon have and will be easier to handle with the tips listed above.
| 
