One of the very common terrible feeling during pregnancy is morning sickness. But it is also a healthy sign of pregnancy. It refers to the feeling of throwing up at all times of the day (despite being called morning sickness). About 50% to 80% of pregnant women experience these stomach-churning episodes. Some women may not actually throw up, feeling just off-color or poorly, while others may have to put up with the whole works – nausea, vomiting, heartburn, headaches and even disturbed sleep.
Thought to be caused by the pregnancy hormone hCG, morning sickness usually disappears around the end of the first trimester. It can affect your spirits but it needn’t stop you from enjoying your pregnancy. The following are strategies to survive morning sickness:
1.) Snack before you leave bed. Keep some plain crackers or biscuits by your bed and nibble on a few before you get up. A cup of peppermint tea may also help.
2.) Eat less but more frequently. Divide your meals into smaller portions and have them five times a day instead of three large meals. Keep some bananas, toast and crackers in your bag. These snacks can keep your blood sugar high and thus, prevent nausea.
3.) Ginger aid. Ginger has been traditionally used to quell morning sickness for centuries. Have a sip of ginger tea or ginger ale, or simply snack on ginger biscuits.
4.) Avoid fat, eat more carbs and protein. Greasy and spicy foods can make the urge to vomit worse, so stick to milder, lower-fat foods. Avoid tobacco and alcohol too. Foods high in carbohydrates like bread and potatoes will help soak up stomach acids. Protein-rich foods are more easily digested, so reach for some lean meat.
5.) Lemon/lime power. Sucking on a lemon or sniffing lime zest are good ways to curb nausea. Simply scratch the skin with your fingernails and sniff. These citrus saviors can also be handy when you are out and about – just pop them into your handbag!
6.) Avoid nauseating smells and sights. This could be anything from eggs and garlic to even your once-favorite dishes! Easier said that done of course. But with a little effort, it’s possible. For example, if you know that your morning commute is going to take you past hawker stalls or a fresh market, try to take a different route.
7.) Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of liquid as it helps replenish fluid lost through vomiting. Sometimes, sweet, fizzy drinks or sweet juices may help keep your food down – but don’t overdo it either as these have high sugar content.
8.) Speak to your doctor. Medication such as antacids or motion sickness pills may help too. But it’s of course much better to consult your doctor first and strictly follow dosage instructions.
9.) Take a break. Morning sickness can be suppressed, but the accompanying fatigue or dizziness may still wear you down. So take time off work if you need to. This is a good time to let loved ones pitch in with cooking, housework and other demanding daily tasks. Try not to take on more than you can handle to keep stress at bay.
10.) Acupuncture. There is one school of thought that believes pregnancy acupuncture specifically in the risk helps ease morning sickness. Do ensure, if trying this, that you consult a licensed and experienced therapist.
Watch out for…
Morning sickness can take a serious turn which make feel extremely sick all the time. See your doctor if you experience any of the following:
– Vomiting for 12 hours or more
– No improvement in vomiting over a few days
– Your mouth turns dry and you are producing no urine – symptoms of dehydration
– You have a fever
– There is blood in your vomit
These are symptoms of a severe but rare condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which leads to severe dehydration and kidney failure. If you exhibit these symptoms, you may require hospitalization.
Queasy no more
Morning sickness may seem like a total disadvantage of being pregnant, but in no time at all, it will pass. The weeks can fly when you are pregnant and soon, you will feel better than ever. Always check with your doctor if you are in doubt or if your nausea takes a turn for the worse. Rest assured that almost all pregnant women, even second and third time mothers, experience morning sickness, but this just makes seeing and holding your baby all the more worth it in the end.
