Nausea and vomiting can be one of the first signs of pregnancy and usually begins around the 6th week of pregnancy. While it’s referred to as “morning sickness” it can occur at any time of the day. For most women, it seems to stop after the 12th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness is not harmful to you or your baby, but if you experience excessive vomiting and cannot manage to keep your food down, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum.
Hyperemesis gravidarum can be harmful to you and your baby if severe and left untreated due to the possible lack of nutrients and electrolyte imbalances. The most important thing is to inform your doctor when these symptoms appear and discuss possible treatment options.
Morning Sickness Facts
More than 50% of pregnant women experience morning sickness. Morning sickness refers to the nauseous feeling you may have during the first trimester of pregnancy, which is a result of the increased hormones in your body.
Morning sickness can be accompanied by vomiting. Many doctors think morning sickness is a good sign because it means the placenta is developing well. Have no fear, there are several ways to help give you morning sickness relief.
Here are some steps to and alleviate your symptoms:
Helpful Do’s and Don’ts to Ease Morning Sickness
Do:
- Eat small meals often.
- Take your prenatal vitamins with a light snack before you go to bed.
- Drink fluids 1/2 hour before or after a meal, but not with meals.
- Drink small amounts of fluids during the day to avoid dehydration.
- Eat soda crackers 15 minutes before getting up in the morning.
- Eat whatever you feel like eating, whenever you feel you can.
- Ask someone else to cook for you; open the windows, or turn on fans if the odor bothers you.
- Get plenty of rest and nap during the day.
- Avoid warm places; feeling hot adds to nausea.
- Sniff lemons or ginger, drink lemonade or eat watermelon to relieve nausea.
- Eat salty potato chips; they have been found to settle stomachs enough to eat a meal.
- Exercise
Don’ts:
- Do not lie down after eating.
- Do not skip meals.
- Do not let this condition go untreated.
- Do not cook or eat spicy food.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and sometimes electrolyte disturbance. Mild cases are treated with dietary measures, rest, and antacids.
More severe cases often require a stay in the hospital so the mother can receive fluid and nutrition through an intravenous line. DO NOT take any medications for this condition without consulting your doctor first.
You should contact your doctor:
- If you are experiencing excessive nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping any food down
- If vomiting is accompanied by pain or fever
- If nausea and vomiting persists well into the second trimester (after the 12th week)
