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When you hear that you’re pregnant, what’s the one thing that instantly comes to mind? No, we aren’t talking about the baby. We’re talking about the sweet treat called morning sickness (Please note the sarcasm). It’s one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy and is definitely unpleasant. You might be familiar with it or have the first-hand experience with it, but we are here to tell you all about morning sickness — what it is, when it does start, when does it end, and how do you deal with it?
You’ve probably heard and even practiced various remedies to tackle the annoying symptoms, some of which have been successful and some have not. But we are here to tell you everything you need to know. Scroll below to find out:
When Does It Start?
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Everyone has heard about morning sickness — a common companion of pregnancy. It usually starts at the beginning of your pregnancy term and lasts during the first trimester. However, in some cases, it could last throughout the pregnancy. Although it is called morning sickness, nausea and vomiting can occur anytime during the day or night (1).
A pregnant woman who suffers from severe morning sickness may often feel tired and constantly nauseous. It’s not usually serious, but it can be incredibly unpleasant. In some cases, the condition is so severe that it requires hospitalization and treatment with IV fluids. When the nausea and vomiting are so severe that it causes dangerous levels of dehydration, it is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. HG may also result in a loss in over five percent of pre-pregnancy body weight (2).
What Are The Main Causes Of Morning Sickness?
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It’s a well-accepted fact that morning sickness is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. But what really causes it? While hormonal changes are the most commonly known causes, here are a few other factors that play a role (3):
- Estrogen levels
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
- Progesterone levels
- Hypoglycemia
- Increased sense of smell
How Can You Treat Morning Sickness?
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Unless your morning sickness is severe, you can try a few home remedies to help you get through the uncomfortable and nauseated feeling every day. Your doctor or midwife might help you with these few suggestions (4):
- Rest as much as you can.
- Avoid foods and smells that might trigger your nausea.
- Have some dry toast or plain biscuit before you get out of bed.
- Try to eat cold foods instead of hot ones. The smell of hot meals might make you feel sick.
- Eat foods or consume drinks that contain ginger.
- Stay hydrated. Sipping on water throughout the day might really be helpful.
- Try acupressure.
- Eat small and frequent meals rich in carbohydrates and low in fats.
When Should You See A Doctor?
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Typically, morning sickness lasts for about 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, women can experience the symptoms throughout the whole pregnancy term. Most of the time, it’s not a cause for concern. However, if your symptoms seem severe and the morning sickness does not subside after the second trimester, consult a doctor immediately. Here are some other signs you may see that you should keep your doctor informed about your morning sickness (5):
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Passing small amounts of dark-colored urine
- Dizziness when you stand up
- Cannot keep liquids down
- Racing heart
Although the exact cause of morning sickness is unknown and usually not a cause of worry, you should not neglect your symptoms. Keep your doctor in the loop and ensure that they are aware of every symptom as they could provide you with medical intervention if necessary. Most importantly, remember that this too shall pass! You might be super uncomfortable right now, but in nine months, you’ll have an angel in your arms who’ll make every difficult step worth it. Did you suffer from severe morning sickness? How did you deal with it? Let us know in the comments below!
