Introduction
Morning sickness is something many women experience during pregnancy. It can leave them feeling discouraged and miserable the first few months. Although morning sickness generally alleviates after the first trimester, some women will continue to experience it for several months more. Others may be sick their entire pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are some expectant moms who have morning sickness at all times of the day and night. The myth that morning sickness only occurs during the morning is not true. This natural part of pregnancy can occur at any given time.
History
Morning sickness has many unsavory symptoms. It begins with a queasy feeling that often sends pregnant women running straight for the bathroom. Women may also feel dizzy or lightheaded. They may or may not vomit as well. The causes of morning sickness may be contributed to hormones. Pregnancy hormones can increase as the fetus develops. However, the main cause or contributor to the sickness is unknown by doctors. Doctors generally do not use any medical treatments for morning sickness unless it is severe and affects the unborn baby. Treating morning sickness with ginger ale and crackers is often used and recommended by doctors. Mothers may also try eating many smaller meals throughout the day rather than three regular meals. Drinking plenty of water to keep the body hydrated is essential. It can ease the feeling of nausea by keeping stomach acid under control. Eating fruit may help keep the body hydrated and healthy well into the night. An empty stomach tends to make morning sickness worse.
Features
If the morning sickness brings on serious bouts of vomiting, mothers should contact their physician. Vomiting too much can dehydrate her body and affect the growing fetus. Other symptoms to report immediately include severe headaches, fainting and vomiting blood. Passing small amounts of urine, severe constipation and racing heart rates should also be reported right away. These symptoms can be side effects of a serious condition. Doctors may prescribe an antiemetic to reduce the nausea and vomiting. Severe cases may need the introduction of intravenous fluids into the body.
Tips and comments
Tip #1: Take prenatal vitamins during pregnancy as recommended by the doctor. Also, women who expect to become pregnant in the near future may want to take prenatal vitamins before they get pregnant. Vitamins may help keep morning sickness to a minimum once they do become pregnant.
Tip #2: Get rest. Pregnant women need more sleep than women who are not with child. Developing fetuses can place a great deal of stress on their mothers' body. Women should rest when they become overtired.
Tip #3: Avoid spicy foods. They can aggravate the acids in the stomach and cause severe heartburn as well as nausea.
Tip #4: Get fresh air every day. Fresh air can ease stress and make pregnant women feel better. If that is not possible, open up windows to let clean air inside.
Tip #5: Stay away from things that trigger morning sickness. Try to figure out when the sickness occurs most and make every effort to avoid those things.
