Morning sickness – Symptoms and Cures

Introduction – The stork is paying you a visit

Every woman dreams of becoming pregnant. Motherhood is such a tremendous experience. However, women do have their suffering during the initial periods of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one such thing to contend with in the early stages of the first trimester. We shall look at the symptoms of this condition and discuss some cures as well.

Morning Sickness – The characteristics

Morning sickness is characterized by nausea and vomiting. You can experience this condition at any time during the day, but the name ‘Morning sickness’ has stuck. Usually, this is the first sign that you are expecting a child.

Morning Sickness – The Causes

Morning sickness does not have one cause as such. Various factors contribute towards pregnant women experiencing this condition.

• Increased hormone levels, especially during the initial weeks of pregnancy can cause this problem.
• A reduction in the blood sugar levels is another reason you experience morning sickness.
• Sometimes, even having multiple children like twins or triplets can also cause bouts of excessive nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue and stress are also some of the common causes of this condition.
• If you are a frequent traveller, be ready to experience this condition.

 

Morning sickness – Symptoms

The principal symptom of morning sickness is a feeling of nausea and occasional vomiting. You might also experience weight loss leading to a condition known as ‘Hyperemesis Gravidarum’. This condition can cause an imbalance in the electrolyte position and you start losing weight unintentionally. If you do not treat this problem in the initial stages, it can go on to harm your child as well.
Usually, this condition disappears after the completion of the first trimester. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following additional symptoms.

• Loose motions the moment you finish having your food
• Abnormal weight loss of 2 pounds or more
• Fever with frequent headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Feeling light-headed or dizzy
• Enhances speed of heartbeats
• Vomit blood
• Dark coloured urine
• Continuation of severe nausea in the second trimester

Morning Sickness – Treatment

Consulting your doctor is the best way to combat morning sickness. Do not try out the OTC medicines before consulting your doctor.
Usually, doctors prescribe the following medications.

• Antihistamines – This combats motion sickness and nausea
• Phenothiazine – You need this medication to control severe nausea accompanied by vomiting.
• Metoclopramide – Helps in digesting food properly and also help in reducing the feeling of nausea and vomiting
• Antacids – Prevent acid reflex by absorbing gastric acids.

You have some alternative medicines as well. However, it is better to seek the advice of your doctor before having them.

• Vitamin B-6 supplements to prevent nausea
• Prenatal vitamins also help in controlling morning sickness
• Products containing ginger such as ginger ale or ginger tea
• Saltine crackers to reduce acidity in the stomach
• Alternative fields of medicine like acupuncture and hypnosis

Morning Sickness – Preventions

The following steps can help you in preventing this condition.

• Drinking plenty of water before and after your meals
• Take adequate rest to prevent fatigue
• Proper ventilation to let the fresh air in
• Avoid spicy and fatty foods
• Instead of a large meal, divide it into three or four small meals
• Avoid smoking cigarettes

Final words:

Morning sickness can drain your strength a lot. It tends to affect the unborn child as well. Hence, it is better to take the following medications and combat the effects of morning sickness.