Morning Sickness in Pregnancy & Remedies

Approximately 70% of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. Although the name suggests otherwise, nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness can occur at any time of day. Dietary and lifestyle changes can alleviate morning sickness until it subsides.

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It's a normal condition for women during the first trimester of pregnancy (the first three months). Even though it's called "morning" sickness, it can occur at any time of the day. There are many at-home remedies for morning sickness, such as diet and lifestyle modifications. Some obstetricians prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) medications for nausea. Symptoms usually get better by the second trimester (starting at 14 weeks).

What are the symptoms of morning sickness?

Morning sickness usually includes feeling nauseous, vomiting, and losing your appetite. Many women say it feels like:

Heartburn or acid reflux
Motion sickness (like being on a boat or in a car)
A feeling of something stuck in the throat
Strong hunger pangs

What causes morning sickness?

Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes morning sickness, but it likely happens due to physical and hormonal changes in your body. Possible reasons include:

Low blood sugar levels
A rise in pregnancy hormones like HCG and estrogen
Changes in blood pressure
Slower metabolism during pregnancy

Certain things can make morning sickness worse, such as:

Feeling stressed or anxious
Being very tired
Specific smells or foods
Motion sickness
Hot or humid weather

Helpful Remedies for Morning Sickness

Looking for ways to ease morning sickness? While not every remedy works for everyone, there are many things you can try to feel better.

In the Morning:

Give yourself extra time to get out of bed. If you usually wake up at 6:00 a.m., try setting your alarm for 5:00 a.m.
Keep some dry snacks like crackers or cereal near your bed so you can eat a little as soon as you wake up.
Get up slowly and gently to start your day.

During the Day:

Have small meals often instead of three large ones to avoid feeling too full or too hungry.
The hormone progesterone slows digestion, so keeping your stomach balanced helps.
Try drinking fluids about 30 minutes before or after meals, not during.
Stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Rest whenever you can, especially if you need to wake up early. But avoid lying down right after eating, as that might make nausea worse.
Stay away from foods or smells that trigger your nausea.
Also, avoid warm or stuffy places, as heat can make you feel more sick.

In the Evening:

Choose light meals for dinner. Skip spicy or greasy foods and go for bland meals with little smell.
You may want to avoid cooking during the first trimester if it worsens your nausea.
Most importantly, try to go to bed early. Getting enough sleep helps you feel better in the morning.

When To Call Your Doctor?

Don't wait until the vomiting gets worse to contact your doctor. Getting help early for morning sickness can stop it from becoming more serious. Vomiting a lot isn't a normal part of pregnancy and needs medical attention.

Call your doctor right away if you:

Feel sick all day and can't eat or drink anything.
Vomit three or more times in a day.
Notice blood or a brown color in your vomit.
Are losing weight.
Feel very tired, confused, or weak.
Feel dizzy or faint.
Have a fast heartbeat.
Are peeing very little or not at all.
Have pain or a fever.

Conclusion

Morning sickness can make pregnancy feel unpleasant and uncomfortable. Feeling nauseous and uneasy is very common, especially in the first trimester. The good news is that for most women, these symptoms improve by the second trimester. Making small changes in your daily routine and eating habits can help ease the discomfort. Be sure to tell your obstetrician if you're vomiting several times a day, not able to eat, or losing weight. They'll check to make sure you're getting the nutrition you need.