Morning Sickness
Morning sickness or a nauseated feeling occurring any time of the day in the first few months of a pregnancy is experienced by more than 50% of all pregnant women. For many women this is the first sign of pregnancy. Fortunately for those who experience morning sickness, the most severe symptoms usually fade by the 12th week of the pregnancy. The following is information about how to combat these symptoms and when to call your physician.
Studies show that morning sickness which typically includes not only nausea but fatigue, malaise, and a generalized flu like feeling occurs in many pregnant women not just in the morning but throughout the day. While the pregnant woman may feel uncomfortable, these symptoms can be reassuring. Morning sickness is the sign of a healthy pregnancy, since the hormones supporting the pregnancy are responsible for the symptoms.
Occasionally the symptoms of morning sickness worsen to a point that repeated vomiting occurs. This leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even acidosis, an increase of acid in the blood and urine, which can harm both the mother and the baby. To prevent dehydration from occurring the physician caring for the mother can prescribe a safe, anti-emetic medication likely to stop the vomiting, allowing the woman to stay hydrated and nourished.
Certain aspects of a pregnancy can make morning sickness worse. Women who are pregnant with twins or triplets are more likely to be nauseated, because their hormone levels are even higher than those in a pregnancy with one baby. A condition called gestational trophoblastic disease or a molar pregnancy also results in very high hormone levels. Earlier diagnosis of this condition lessens the chance of complications for the mother. These are all reasons to seek the care of a physician as soon as a woman discovers she is pregnant.
Fortunately most morning sickness is mild and limited to early pregnancy; however this knowledge is not much consolation when you are the one suffering day after day. There are some remedies which can help. Eat small amounts of food frequently. If you are nauseated dry foods such as toast or soda crackers seem to work best. Remember; don't eat a lot, just enough to control the nausea. Then eat something more nutritious.
Foods high in protein or complex carbohydrates such as whole grains are digested more slowly, staying in the system and preventing nausea longer. Don't skip meals. The nausea will return and be worse. While it may not be helpful to drink water while you are eating, remember to sip on water all day. This will prevent dehydration.
In addition to watching their diets and eating-styles, women who are more active have been found to do better with symptoms of morning sickness. Getting out of the house and even enjoying moderate exercise has been shown to be helpful in reducing the nausea and fatigue. Throughout these potentially difficult few months, it?s good to remember that morning sickness is typically short lived and usually associated with a healthy pregnancy.
