Most pregnant women experience nausea or vomiting during the first trimester. According to Dr. Philip Owen, an obstetrician and gynecologist consultant at North Glasgow University, some women may experience nausea during the morning, and it may last until the afternoon. In some cases, nausea occurs at night, and less in the morning. The degree and frequency of morning sickness in pregnant women can differ. Hence, one cannot specifically tell what the duration of nausea and vomiting during the course of the pregnancy will be.
What Triggers Morning Sickness?
According to Dr. Owen, morning sickness might have other contributing factors. Nausea could be due to hormonal changes in pregnant women, and more so, an imbalance in their levels of blood sugar.
Some researchers believe there are other possible causes of nausea in pregnant women. Samuel Flaxen and a team of evolutionary biologists at the University of Colorado enumerated several factors that trigger morning sickness. Among the possible causes of nausea and vomiting, the following are included:
- Strong scents such as the smell of alcohol, cigarette smoke, certain foods, and cleaning products.
- The sight, taste, and smell of some meats and vegetables or other various foods.
- A great variation in diet that is inclusive of various foods that regularly trigger nausea.
Flaxman has also presented a theory that morning sickness can actually protect the embryo during crucial stages of development. At week 6 and week 18 of pregnancy, the embryo undergoes organ development. It is during these weeks that the embryo is prone to chemical disruption. Coincidentally, the symptoms of morning sickness are more frequent during those weeks of pregnancy.
Thus, some researchers assume that nausea and vomiting may protect the embryo from anything that the mother ingests that is harmful, suggesting that vomiting may be the way the body eliminates food that contains chemicals that are not good for the developing embryo. Therefore, few researchers believe that morning sickness accompanies a healthy pregnancy.
This theory on the link between healthy pregnancies and morning sickness is up for debate for many though. Flaxman questioned this theory and presented the fact that although many women suffer from nausea, not all of them carry a child to full term.
How Can You Avoid Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is not deemed a serious condition, particularly if you do not throw up large amounts. However, if heavy vomiting is experienced, especially if frequently, then dehydration or loss of fluids could be the problem. This condition can be alarming, especially since it can lead to electrolyte imbalance and severe weakness. According to Dr. Owen, severe bouts of morning sickness can also lead to Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a condition in which the body can no longer maintain the proper levels of liquid. Such a medical condition could require hospitalization and medication, and could cause problems with the developing embryo. If you are a pregnant woman and are experience morning sickness, there are things you can do to help keep nausea at a minimum:
- Eat light snacks before getting out of bed. Saltine crackers can help ease the feeling of nausea.
- Avoid eating spicy or fatty foods.
- You should also avoid foods that have strong smells as these can trigger nausea.
- Never smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol.
This is something that should be adhered to the entirety of the pregnancy and even into the lactation period.
Drink plenty of fluids such as water, milk, and fresh fruit juice on a daily basis. Ten to twelve glasses a day will help keep you hydrated, especially if you have been vomiting frequently. Get plenty of rest and avoid swift, sudden movements that can often lead to dizziness or vomiting.
Although there is nothing that can be done to completely avoid morning sickness during pregnancy, following the suggestions of your physician and making healthy choices can ease the chance of regular nausea. If your condition becomes worse or more frequent, medical attention should be sought immediately in order to avoid potentially serious problems that could be fatal to the baby or the mother.