Morning sickness is referred to the nauseating feeling experienced by pregnant women. This may start very early during pregnancy and so, nausea and vomiting is considered as an indication of conception. Almost half the women experience this condition during pregnancy and is usually normal. This may be called as morning sickness because some women feel dizzy and nauseous after waking up, but the sensation and nausea may last all day.
Some women may develop a strong dislike to particular tastes or smells, which may trigger nausea now and then. Others may have it regularly, lasting from morning to afternoon and for few women, this condition can be more severe, lasting throughout the day and even night time. In some women, the condition can get so worse that they may have to be hospitalised. With the help of medicinal intervention or home remedies, morning sickness can be controlled.
You may feel like you’re spending all your time in the washroom, but you don’t have to worry about its effects on the baby. In most cases, the development of fetus is not affected by this condition. However, you may not be able to eat properly because of the queasiness.
What causes morning sickness?
The exact reason for morning sickness maybe hard to point out, but it is often related to the increase in hormone levels and other changes your body undergoes during pregnancy. This affects your digestive system. Starting from early pregnancy, morning sickness may last till the beginning of second trimester, often peaking at around at 8-10 weeks. For few women, this condition may last for a longer time. Learn more about the causes of morning sickness here.
Remedies for morning sickness
This may be common during pregnancy, but doesn’t mean that you have to suffer. There are medications available, which your doctor may prescribe to you, if needed. You may also try home remedies to help with nausea instead of medicines.
Do not skip meals
Empty stomach can cause acidity and this can create nauseating sensation. It is better to eat adequate meals to avoid this condition. You may have small portions of meals throughout the day. This will give you the energy and also prevent nausea.
Eating soon after waking
Eating as soon as you wake up in the morning is known to be effective in preventing morning sickness. You may place a fruit, bread or cereal close to your bed, so that you can grab a quick bite before going about your work. This also helps with the dizzy feeling some women experience on waking.
Ginger
This is known to be very effective remedy in treating morning sickness and curing upset stomach. You may take it any form you like, be it freshly chopped, dried or chews. You may have ginger tea, ginger ale or any other concoction.
Smell something good
If you feel like puking at the slightest smell of certain foods, you may try smelling aromatic things like lemons, oranges, lemongrass, mint or essential oils. You may add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a tissue or cloth napkin and keep it near you.
Get some exercise
Nausea may be making you, nauseous of course, but physical activity is going to help reduce this feeling. Exercise is recommended during pregnancy for overall wellbeing. You should make time for regular exercise and it is advisable to talk to your doctor before taking up a new activity or what works for you.
Try sour foods
Some women find nibbling, sucking or sipping something sour or tangy helps relieve morning sickness. You may try lemon, lime, tamarind, sour candy or popsicles. Sipping lemon infused water may also work for you.
Keep in mind that others may swear by certain things, but it doesn’t mean it is going to work for you as well. You must only try what you really like and not have something you hate, because it will only make matters worse for you, instead of relieving.
