Pregnancy isn’t all fun and games. Even the hopes and dreams of having a child can be overshadowed by serious bouts of morning sickness that make food poisoning seem pleasant. At least food poisoning is short-lived, whereas for many pregnant mothers, morning sickness can last three months or even longer! In fact, some women experience nausea throughout pregnancy, making it difficult to eat, work, or enjoy the miracle that is pregnancy.
For many women, morning sickness is the first sign of pregnancy. Even before they miss their period, they suffer the annoying effects of food intolerance, where even the smell of certain foods can be intolerable. While it’s called “morning sickness,” it doesn’t always occur in the morning. Many women experience it in the morning, afternoon, or even in the evening before bedtime. The most common remedy prescribed by folk wisdom and doctors alike is to keep saltines and some soda on hand for sipping.
Causes and Solutions for Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is caused by hormonal imbalances that occur naturally with pregnancy. Many doctors believe that morning sickness is a good sign of a healthy pregnancy, indicating that your HCG levels are increasing rapidly. However, if you don’t experience morning sickness, there’s no need to worry—every woman is different. Along with this, your estrogen and progesterone levels are soaring to all-time highs, which can make it normal to feel a bit nauseated. These hormones also cause some of the cravings early in pregnancy.
Believe it or not, progesterone has a dramatic effect on your digestive system. As it rises early in pregnancy, your entire body isn’t accustomed to it. It can cause issues like diarrhea, sleepiness, morning sickness, and sensitivity to smells. Suddenly, your favorite perfume or the smell of burritos may have you running for the bathroom—where you may or may not vomit.
For some women, morning sickness can be problematic. If you’re vomiting too frequently, it can deplete both you and your baby of essential nutrients vital for prenatal health. Doctors can prescribe medications for nausea and vomiting if this occurs. Many women also experience morning sickness in the form of stomach upset, heartburn, or acid reflux. This is caused by progesterone relaxing the digestive tract. Chances are, you will experience a queasy stomach or intermittent periods of diarrhea throughout your pregnancy if your sensitivity is high. It is advisable to avoid greasy foods, excessive dairy products, and other heavily spiced foods (not necessarily hot) throughout your pregnancy. Acid reflux can have a lasting, damaging effect on the lining of the esophagus and can cause you to feel nauseous throughout your pregnancy. Most medications for acid reflux or indigestion are safe to take while pregnant, but you should always check with your doctor first.
There are other tips that will help you recover from morning sickness as well. It is recommended to eat 6–8 small meals per day rather than three large meals. This makes it easier for your digestive system to process the food and reduces the chances of making you feel sick. Try to avoid drinking very cold or hot beverages, as they tend to make morning sickness worse. If your morning sickness is truly in the morning, try eating a few bites of toast or crackers upon waking. If you wake up during the night to use the bathroom, take a nibble on these staples as well. The key is not letting your stomach empty completely, as that can make you feel even more nauseous.
Another culprit in morning sickness can be the prenatal vitamins you’re taking. Many women experience stomach upset or nausea after taking their vitamins in the morning. However, since they think they’re “supposed” to feel sick anyway, they don’t make the connection. Prenatal vitamins can cause nausea. There’s no rule that says you have to take them in the morning. You may find that taking the vitamins at night with a small meal alleviates your morning sickness. If this doesn’t work and you’re certain it’s the vitamins making you ill, see if your doctor can recommend a different brand that’s easier on your stomach.
For first-time moms, who may have dreamed of craving ice cream and pickles, morning sickness can ruin the idea of pregnancy. It definitely feels miserable. Some women find they’re late for work every morning or that riding in a car doesn’t sit well with them. The good news is that it shouldn’t last too long! In fact, most women find that morning sickness starts to disappear around the 10th week of pregnancy. As long as your sickness is not accompanied by excessive vomiting or diarrhea, there’s no need to worry about your developing baby’s health. The placenta and fetus will get all the nutrients they need before you do! This might mean getting creative with finding foods that sit well with you. Often, fresh vegetables and fruits are best for expectant mothers early on.
Once you bid adieu to morning sickness, you will hardly remember its implications. It may return in the last trimester, especially as you near your due date, but not to the same extent as in the beginning of pregnancy. While you may experience it during this pregnancy, you may never have bouts with it again in subsequent pregnancies. When all is said and done, morning sickness won’t leave much of a lasting impression on you. If you’re careful about eating healthy foods, keeping yourself on a schedule to avoid an empty stomach, and avoiding trigger foods or smells, you will likely be able to indulge in your pickles and ice cream within just a few weeks.
