Morning Sickness – What Causes It and How Can You Manage It?

Morning sickness is a typical part of pregnancy for most women. It can range from slight feeling of queasiness to persistent vomiting. Although it is normal to experience morning sickness, there are certain factors that can work together to cause it. Here, we explore the common causes of morning sickness and ways to reduce its impact.

Hormonal Changes

The sudden rise of hormones in early pregnancy, including hCG and estrogen, is one of the most common contributing factors to morning sickness. In most cases, these hormone levels will peak at around 8-10 weeks after conception. At this stage, nausea and vomiting can be much more severe. Other hormones, such as progesterone and relaxin, can also contribute to nausea and vomiting.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Since hormonal changes can impact your sense of smell and taste, it’s common during pregnancy to have fluctuating nutritional needs. This can increase the likelihood of nausea and vomiting while pregnancy progresses. For instance, if you don’t get enough iron or certain vitamins, it can lead to feelings of nausea and vomiting.

Dehydration

Dehydration is another factor that can worsen morning sickness. Pregnant women need to ensure they are taking in enough water throughout the day as dehydration can lead to an increase of hormones that can trigger moments of nausea and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Heartburn and indigestion can be common during pregnancy. This can make the symptoms of nausea and vomiting worse by causing an upset stomach.

Managing Morning Sickness

There are some steps that pregnant women can take to help manage morning sickness. It’s important to keep in mind that each person’s reaction to morning sickness can be different, so it’s important to tailor your approach to your individual experience:

• Eating small, frequent meals that are light on greasy and spicy foods.
• Avoiding strong smells that can make the nausea worse.
• Trying to purposefully manage stress levels, including your work environment.
• Taking breaks throughout the day to relax and rest
• Staying hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.
• Taking in some fresh air.

Conclusion

Morning sickness can be an unpleasant and even overwhelming experience for pregnant women. Although it is a normal part of pregnancy, understanding the causes and being aware of how to manage it can help reduce its impact. Stay tuned for more helpful advice in managing morning sickness as your pregnancy progresses.