posted 26th March 2024
Morning sickness, medically known as nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, is a common condition experienced by many pregnant women; typically occurring during the first trimester. It is characterized by feelings of nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, usually in the morning but can occur at any time of the day. While the exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of oestrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are believed to play a significant role. Additionally, factors such as a heightened sense of smell, stress, fatigue, and certain dietary triggers may contribute to its onset. Though morning sickness can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it usually subsides by the second trimester.
Managing morning sickness involves several approaches.
• Regularly consuming plain, high-carbohydrate foods such as rice or crackers in small portions can alleviate symptoms.
• Staying hydrated by sipping water frequently and starting the day with dry toast or a plain biscuit before getting out of bed can also help.
• Avoiding triggers like strong smells, whether from food or personal products, can reduce nausea.
• Prioritizing rest to combat pregnancy-related fatigue is crucial. Exploring alternative therapies like acupressure wristbands or ginger-based remedies, such as ginger tea, may provide relief.
By implementing these strategies, individuals can better manage morning sickness and navigate this phase of pregnancy more comfortably.
It's important to note that not all pregnant women experience morning sickness. Approximately three out of 10 pregnant women do not undergo this symptom, and this absence isn't uncommon or worrisome. Similarly, aversions to certain foods or smells may not manifest in everyone. If morning sickness is absent, it could indicate that the body is adept at handling the rapid increase in hormone levels, including human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen, typical of the first trimester.
Morning sickness, or its absence, is not indicative of pregnancy health or the likelihood of miscarriage. The exact cause of morning sickness isn't completely understood, but it's believed to be associated with elevated levels of hCG early in pregnancy, before the placenta's full development. As pregnancy progresses and the placenta assumes its role in supporting pregnancy, hCG levels decline, often resulting in relief from morning sickness symptoms for most individuals.