Morning Sickness
Mild nausea and vomiting, or "morning sickness" is extremely common in the first trimester of pregnancy (generally from weeks two to 12), but doesn't necessarily occur in the morning. Morning sickness is the result of increased hormone levels and can be triggered by a heightened sense of smell at any time of day. Morning sickness is often the first sign that a woman might be pregnant.
Women who experience weight loss, nausea, and inability to keep food down beyond the first trimester, and those that find themselves vomiting four or more times per day should consult their doctor about a rare but serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. If you are diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, you may need to be admitted to the hospital, receive a fluid IV, and take antiemetics, which reduce nausea.
Some helpful ways to reduce and avoid the effects of morning sickness include:
- Eat small meals throughout the day, whenever hunger strikes
- Avoid high-fat, greasy, and spicy foods
- Before you get out of bed in the morning, eat some saltines, crackers, or toast
- Eat more carbohydrates (potatoes, pasta, white rice)
- Eat frozen treats (popsicles, etc.)
- Avoid odors that bother you
- Make sure you stay hydrated, especially electrolyte rich drinks (sports drinks)
- Peppermint tea, ginger ale, and lemon-lime soda may be great for preventing nausea
- Get plenty of fresh air
- Avoid warm places
- Don't lie down after eating
- Don't skip meals
