How To Deal With “Morning Sickness”

First of all, whoever came up with the phrase “Morning Sickness” was full of… well, ya know!

The reality is: Nausea hits in the morning, on the drive to work, when you go to cook dinner and even when you’re brushing your teeth! It hits randomly and sometimes doesn’t ever go away.

So you have to find ways to combat it, just so you’re not bed-ridden for 3 months or in some cases 9-10 months!

But first, it’s really important to make sure nothing more serious is going on. Because trying to put a band-aid on a UTI or thinking you’re a “wimp” when you’re actually going through Hyperemesis Gravidarum wouldn’t be helpful!

What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

This is a severe form of morning sickness.

It’s characterized by intense nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss, often requiring medical intervention such as IV fluids and anti-nausea medications. It can significantly impact the health and well-being of both the pregnant person and the developing fetus.

How do you tell you the difference?

Morning Sickness:

• Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting.
• Generally occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Symptoms may be relieved with dietary changes, rest, or over-the-counter remedies.
• Rarely leads to severe dehydration or weight loss.
• Does not typically require medical intervention.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

• Severe nausea and vomiting.
• Can occur throughout pregnancy, but often peaks in the first trimester.
• Symptoms are not relieved by typical remedies and may persist throughout the day.
• Can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and significant weight loss.
• Requires medical treatment, including IV fluids and medications, to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Call Your Provider If You:

• have dark urine or have not peed in more than 8 hours
• are unable to keep food or fluids down for 24 hours
• feel weak, dizzy or faint when standing up
• have tummy pain
• have a high temperature
• vomit blood
• lose weight

What Causes Morning Sickness?

It’s thought to be caused by a combination of hormonal changes and other factors.

Specifically, it is believed that the rapidly rising levels of hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen, play a significant role. These hormonal changes can affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea and vomiting.

Additionally, factors such as heightened sense of smell, sensitivity to certain foods or odors, and psychological factors like stress or anxiety may also contribute to morning sickness.

However, the exact cause is not fully understood and can vary from person to person.

If men got pregnant, it’d probably be studied more!

But thankfully the woman that have come before you, have tried it all and there are some things that have been shown to help!

Holistic methods to combat morning sickness:

• Ginger: Consuming ginger in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger ale, or ginger supplements, can help reduce nausea.
• Acupressure: Applying pressure to the P6 (Neiguan) point on the inner wrist using pressure point wristbands or your thumb can alleviate nausea.
• Hydration: Sipping on water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich drinks throughout the day can help maintain hydration and reduce nausea.
• Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small, balanced meals every few hours can prevent an empty stomach and stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin B6: Taking vitamin B6 supplements or consuming B6-rich foods like bananas, nuts, and seeds can help ease nausea. Preggie Pop Drops are a great option!
• Aromatherapy: Inhaling the scent of lemon, peppermint, or lavender essential oils may help reduce nausea.
• Rest and Relaxation: Ensuring adequate rest and incorporating stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, or gentle exercise can improve overall well-being and reduce morning sickness.
• Avoid Triggers: Identifying and avoiding foods, smells, or environments that trigger nausea can help manage symptoms.
• Cold Foods: Eating cold or room-temperature foods, which often have less odor than hot foods, can be easier to tolerate.

How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?

Morning sickness typically lasts through the first trimester of pregnancy, usually beginning around the 6th week and subsiding by the 12th to 14th week. However, the duration can vary:

• Most Common: Ends by the start of the second trimester (around 12 to 14 weeks).
• Extended Duration: Some individuals may experience symptoms until around 20 weeks.
• Rare Cases: A small number of pregnant individuals might experience nausea and vomiting throughout their entire pregnancy.

Each pregnancy is unique though, so the duration of morning sickness can differ from person to person.

Just hang in there! I know this sucks…

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