Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is often referred to as “morning sickness”. This is a misnomer however, as it often does not only occur in the morning. The chances of getting it are higher on an empty stomach, and most people don’ t eat at night, since they are busy sleeping. This may explain why it has earned itself that name.
Nausea and vomiting is a common experience for many moms-to-be. If you don’ t experience it, don’ t worry. not everyone does.
Despite the name, it can strike any time of day or night and usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy, lasting until around 12–16 weeks (though for some, it may longer). As frustrating as it often is, it’s a natural part of pregnancy and happens to about 70%–80% of pregnant women!
What else is it called?
Pregnancy Pukes – A way to refer to those queasy moments.
Baby’s First Prank – Since it often feels like the baby is already causing a little mischief!
The Rollercoaster – Reflecting the ups and downs of unpredictable nausea.
The Bump and Grumble – A twist on the baby bump, combined with that unsettled stomach.
Mama’s Tummy Tango – A fun way to describe the dance going on in your stomach (does not feel fun when one is experiencing it)
Queasy Peasy – For that uneasy feeling
The Belly Boogie – Capturing that unmistakable wave of nausea that can hit anytime.
Little One’s Warm-Up Act – Because the baby’s arrival is coming, and this is just the “warm-up” round!
The Preggo Wobble – Reflecting how nausea can make you feel off-balance.
The Tiny Tornado – Because it can feel like a whirlwind of nausea out of nowhere.
Why Does Morning Sickness Happen?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), is also known to many as the pregnancy hormone. This is what many pregnancy tests use to indicate you are pregnant. The increase in this hCG level, especially in the first trimester, can cause nausea and vomiting. These levels rise rapidly in early pregnancy, peaking at 8-11 weeks. This often corresponds to a peak of the “morning sickness” symptoms. This would also explain why many more women who have twins (or more than one baby growing), or a molar pregnancy (see FAQs for what this is), often experience more nausea and vomiting. They generally have higher hCG levels. Things like stress, fatigue, and even certain smells can make it worse. However, morning sickness may actually be a sign that the body is adapting well to pregnancy!
Progesterone is another hormone involved in the pregnancy. It is not thought to be directly responsible for nausea, but it can contribute to changes that worsen it. How? Progesterone causes smooth muscles to relax (really helpful, so your uterus is not cramping up a storm as baby grows and stretches it). In this way, it also helps relax your stomach and intestines, which can slow down digestion, and increase bloating and reflux. This can all make nausea worse.
Estrogen is another really important hormone involved in pregnancy. It is believed to play a role in Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy. Estrogen levels rise steadily during pregnancy, and high levels of this hormone can cause a woman to be more sensitive to other hormonal changes, including changes in hCG and progesterone. Also, high estrogen levels can increase a woman’ s sensitivity to smells and tastes, which may trigger nausea and vomiting more easily.
Super important to know: It’s Normal to Feel This Way – You’re Not Alone!
As much as it might feel unpleasant, morning sickness is a normal (and very common!) part of pregnancy. It often signals a healthy pregnancy, as the hormones necessary for maintaining it can trigger nausea. Remember, you’re definitely not alone, and there’s no need to feel guilty about needing extra rest or patience during this time.
Tips for Managing Nausea and Vomiting
- Snack Often: Eating smaller, frequent snacks like crackers can help keep nausea at bay. Try to keep something light in your stomach! The stomach acid should have something to work on.
- Ginger Magic: Ginger tea or candies can help soothe your stomach and calm the nausea.
- Stay Hydrated: Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated; dehydration can make nausea worse. Even though water is preferred, any fluid like juice, tea, is better than none at all.
- Vitamin B6: Many doctors recommend taking a small dose of vitamin B6, with or without Unisom, as studies show it may help reduce nausea.
- Fresh Air and Rest: Avoid stuffy environments and get plenty of fresh air. Taking things easy and resting when you need to, can make a big difference. You may find that you struggle more on days when you are hectic and stressed.
- Speak to Your Provider: If nausea and vomiting are severe, reach out to your healthcare provider for extra support and advice. There are other options to help you feel better. Medications like Zofran, Phenergan, a Scopolamine patch, can be used. Since medications come with risks, benefits and potential side effects, one always tries to manage the symptoms without these medications, before resorting to them if needed.
Nausea and vomiting may be so severe in some women, that they wind up being diagnosed with changes in their electrolytes and other blood values. These women need IV hydration and medication, with the goal of getting them to feel better, and continue nurturing a healthy pregnancy. This is called Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
With these tips and a little patience, managing morning sickness is possible, and better days are likely just around the corner! Remember, this is your body’ s way of reacting to a healthy growing pregnancy, and medication may improve things, but may not eliminate it completely. Time is often the best help.
For more recipes, useful tips, educational material on this topic, you can check out my cookbook on Amazon titled: NAUSEA NO MORE: COMFORTING BITES FOR MOMS-TO-BE: Easy Recipes to Soothe Morning Sickness and Nourish your Pregnancy.
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