Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is very common and a natural part of begin pregnant. The degree of morning sickness will vary from woman to woman with most experiencing some nausea and about thirty percent actually throwing up. It often comes on right at the beginning of the pregnancy and then subsides around the fifteenth week, but some expectant mothers are afflicted their entire pregnancy. Additionally while it is called “morning” sickness it can hit you any time.

Recent studies have shown that women who experience some degree of morning sickness are less likely to miscarry than those who don’t. One such study was printed in The International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. There is a debate about whether or not estrogen levels have anything to do with the severity of morning sickness.

Hyperemsis gravidarum is the name given to morning sickness so extreme that you may need go to the hospital. Fortunately this condition only occurs in 0.5% of the population of pregnant women

One explanation for morning sickness is that your digestive system slows down so food stays in your stomach longer, causing heartburn and nausea. With the multitude of changes your body is going through this certainly isn’t surprising.

There is no cure for morning sickness and the usual medicines you would take for motion sickness or nausea (like Dramamine) shouldn’t be taken while pregnant. You can try non medicinal treatments like Sea Band bracelets. These are specially designed wrist bands that work by applying pressure to a pressure point in your wrist.

Eating or snacking throughout the day can also be helpful. Try sipping on soft drinks that are not overly carbonated like Ginger Ale or even give soft drinks that have gone flat a try.

Overall though you will just have to ride it out, and try to take comfort that it is a small sacrifice to pay for the wonderful bundle of joy you are carrying.