There is no cure-all for morning sickness, but there are some steps you can take to deal with this unwanted nausea.
With so many over-the-counter pregnancy tests available today, more women are discovering they are pregnant before they ever visit the doctor. There are many signs that may point to a pregnancy, and morning sickness is sometimes one of these signs. There is no cure-all for morning sickness, but there are some steps you can take to deal with this unwanted nausea.
While nobody knows for certain what causes morning sickness, it can typically be attributed to several factors. Once a woman becomes pregnant, her hormones, such as hcg and estrogen, increase at a fast pace in order to maintain the pregnancy. The increase of these hormones may play a role in the presence of morning sickness. Many pregnant women also notice that their senses are enhanced. They may be more sensitive to smells and tastes, and this could trigger nausea.
Doctors routinely prescribe prenatal vitamins for pregnant women. While these vitamins are important to the health of the mother and child, increased iron and other vitamin levels may also be the cause of morning sickness. You may find that taking your vitamins at night instead of in the morning will help control some of the nausea. Your doctor may take you off of your vitamins or prescribe a different vitamin for you to take.
As many pregnant women will tell you, morning sickness doesn’t just occur in the morning. There are some women who experience nausea that is so severe they have to be hospitalized to prevent dehydration. These are extreme cases, however. Still, many women experience morning sickness, and it can last from the beginning of pregnancy until the end of the third or fourth month, and sometimes longer.
Although morning sickness can occur any time during the day, it commonly occurs in the morning. This is probably because a woman has gone the longest period of time without eating. Nausea may occur simply because you are hungry. Of course if you are nauseous, you won’t feel like eating. While you shouldn’t eat a heavy meal, you should nibble on something bland, like crackers or dry cereal. If possible, try to eat something while you are still in bed. Once you have a little food in your stomach, it may be easier for you to get up and move around without feeling so sick.
It is better to eat several small meals throughout the day than two or three large meals. It is also a good idea to avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods. Instead, try to eat a balanced meal, and make sure you have plenty of protein in your diet. You can find protein in meats, fish, eggs, cheese, and nuts. Sometimes salty foods are digested easier, too. You may find that colder foods are easier to digest than warmer foods.
You may find that certain drinks help to settle your stomach. While you want to watch your caffeine intake, you can drink certain teas, like peppermint tea, to settle your stomach. Do not take any herbal supplements, though, without consulting your doctor.
If riding in the car increases your nausea, you may feel better if you are driving. Once your mind is preoccupied with handling your car and the road, you may find that the nausea has subsided or disappeared.
You should try not to become overheated. You should also try to take at least one nap during the day, and try to get plenty of rest at night. If certain cooking smells make you sick, you may want to avoid the kitchen if this food is being cooked. If all else fails, open a window so the air can circulate.
You should try to get some exercise every day, if possible. Some pregnant women find that stress only increases their discomfort. If this is the case, try to find ways to alleviate as much stress as possible. Take some time to relax. Practice meditation techniques. Read a magazine. Take a long bath, but your bath water should only be warm, not hot.
As your pregnancy continues, you should find that the nausea subsides. If it doesn’t, you will want to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Until then, try to keep in mind that you won’t always be pregnant, and once you hold your precious newborn in your arms, the thought of your morning sickness will be a faint memory.
By : Susie McGee
