Does Morning Sickness Only Happen in the Morning?
Despite the name, you may experience morning sickness at any time of the day or night. However, many women do experience their worst nausea symptoms early in the morning, probably because their stomachs are empty.
What Does It Feel Like?
Some women have nausea and vomiting, while others experience only queasiness. None of these is pleasant. For some women, vomiting actually makes them feel better, while others find no relief after vomiting.
How to Ease Symptoms
There are many things you can try in order to help alleviate this annoying pregnancy symptom, though the effectiveness of each of these techniques varies from person to person. First, avoid eating offending foods that seem to trigger nausea. For many pregnant people, this means avoiding high-fat or spicy foods (though, again, every woman’s experience is unique). You’ll likely know which foods to avoid as you may feel too nauseated even by the smell of such foods to want them anyway. It’s like a form of self-protection!.You may find that these triggers fade with time, only to be replaced by other foods that cause discomfort. There are also certain food items women swear by as a means of easing their nausea. Some suggest suckers or hard candy, particularly the more sour flavors, such as lemon. Others find that ginger (in the form of tea, candies, or supplements) can help. Sometimes, it helps to nibble on bland foods such as saltines, bread, or pretzels throughout the duration of morning sickness symptoms. If you still can’t find relief, your doctor or midwife may be able to prescribe medicine that can help. There are also a number of non-medicinal aids that don’t require prescriptions.
Is Morning Sickness Dangerous?
Morning sickness can cause dehydration if you are unable to eat or drink, or if you cannot keep food or water down due to vomiting. When this happens, it is called hyperemesis gravidarum (extreme vomiting that causes dehydration and weight loss). Your doctor may suggest IV hydration or tube feedings to solve this problem. Medications are also occasionally used, particularly in severe cases. For some women, the only thing worse than morning sickness is no morning sickness at all, as this can lead to the concern that there is something wrong with the pregnancy. Usually, this is not the case; morning sickness can come and go without much logic, even in a healthy, viable pregnancy. Either way, if you’re worried about morning sickness or lack of it, or if you are suffering, talk to your doctor or midwife. Your provider is there to help.
