What is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy experienced by about 70% of pregnant women and is characterized by nausea and vomiting. Despite its name, morning sickness can arise at any time of the day or night. It usually occurs as soon as the first nine weeks of pregnancy and goes away by 14 weeks, though it may persist longer. For some, it can last throughout the pregnancy. 

Morning sickness symptoms include:

  • An upset stomach (nausea)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn or reflux
  • Motion sickness
  • Hunger pains
  • Feeling like something is stuck in your throat

The cause of morning sickness is not fully known but is believed to be linked to the rapid increase in hormones and estrogen during early pregnancy, blood pressure fluctuations, changes in metabolism, or lower blood sugar. Stress, being overtired, heat or warm weather, and certain foods can aggravate the problem. It is often brought on by smelling certain odors or eating specific foods. 

Although morning sickness is not harmful to your baby, it can be distressing. Finding coping strategies and relief can help.

Balancing Everyday Life and Nausea

Unforeseen bouts of nausea and vomiting can disrupt your routine, making it challenging to work, manage household chores, or take care of your other children. There are strategies you can implement to help you cope with symptoms. 

  • Avoid nausea triggers: Steer clear of smells and foods that trigger your nausea.
  • Eat frequent snacks/meals: Consume five or six small meals a day to ensure your stomach is never empty, with the ultimate goal of finding foods you can eat and keep down. Keep crackers and other bland snacks on hand at all times. Eating these before getting out of bed to avoid moving on an empty stomach will help ease nausea. Also, be sure to add protein to your meals and chew your food well to make digestion easier.
  • Stay hydrated: Your body needs more water during pregnancy. Keep water nearby and sip throughout the day, not just when you are thirsty, aiming for 8 to 12 cups a day. Drink earlier in the day rather than near bedtime to cut down on bathroom trips that interrupt sleep.
  • Get plenty of sleep: Nausea increases with fatigue, since your body uses its energy reserve to keep you going and calm when you’re tired and stressed. Heading to bed at the first sign of sleepiness, turning off electric devices 20 minutes before lights out, and lowering the temperature in your room to around 65 degrees are all ways to aid in getting restful sleep.
  • Exercise: Light exercise like walking or weight training (with small hand weights) helps to release endorphins that counteract fatigue and nausea. 

Seeking support from family, friends, and coworkers can also provide relief, allowing flexibility and understanding in your personal and professional environments. 

Self-Care Options

Even with the tips listed above, morning sickness is inevitable for some. There are options to help you feel better such as:

  • Ginger: Ginger’s anti-nausea properties can be consumed in the form of ginger ale, tea, candies, and by adding fresh ginger in meals.
  • Peppermint: Peppermint tea and candies can soothe your stomach. 
  • Lemon: The scent of lemon can help ease morning sickness, along with adding lemon slices to your water, sipping lemon tea, or simply smelling a lemon.
  • Prenatal and B6 Vitamins: Prenatal and Vitamin B6 supplements can reduce nausea in some women. 
  • Aromatherapy: Essential oils such as lavender, lemon, and peppermint can ease symptoms. Use a diffuser or inhale the scent from the bottle.

Emotional and Mental Health Challenges

Dealing with morning sickness often extends beyond physical discomfort to emotional and mental health challenges as well. The persistent nausea and vomiting can lead you to feel isolated, frustrated, and anxious, especially if it’s disrupting your daily life. 

You may also be experiencing mood swings and feelings of sadness and fear, as you grapple with the changes of pregnancy. 

Try practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, to ease these feelings. Additionally, there are online forums and support groups as well as prenatal classes and local groups that you can tap. You are not alone—many women find relief through shared experiences and advice. 

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek professional help when symptoms become severe or are affecting your health.  Contact your CT Coastal OB/GYN if you are:

  • Unable to keep food or fluids down for 24 hours.
  • Dehydrated (producing little urine or have dark-colored urine, dizziness, and/or a dry mouth).
  • Losing weight due to excessive nausea and vomiting.
  • Experiencing severe fatigue (affecting your ability to function).
  • Finding blood in your vomit.
  • Having feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts.
  • Experiencing extreme persistent nausea and vomiting, which may be hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness.

Reach out to us and we’ll discuss your options and create a treatment program. CT Coastal can help you navigate this temporary phase more comfortably and focus on the excitement of welcoming your child!