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Known as one of the early signs of pregnancy, morning sickness affects more than half of all pregnant women, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Most medical experts say morning sickness is linked to the increase of estrogen levels and hormonal changes in the first few months of a pregnancy. Doctors believe it's a healthy sign that baby and placenta are growing.
Morning sickness is a general feeling of nausea, similar to motion sickness, which may include vomiting and dizziness. It occurs mostly in the morning but also may happen throughout the day. Sometimes it can be set off by an offensive odor or smell.
Usually, it only lasts during the first trimester of the pregnancy or until the 16th week. For a small portion of women, it may last the entire pregnancy.
If a pregnant woman is experiencing extreme nausea, vomiting and unable to eat, she may have a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which includes severe morning-sickness symptoms and significant weight loss. It must be treated under the supervision of a qualified doctor; treatment may include a hospital stay, intravenous treatment and a prescription or over-the-counter drug.
"If I felt hot, I got nauseous," said Emily Mancini, a Westerville mother of two, Lindsey, 8, and Anthony, 1. "It got to the point where I would just have to leave work because it was so warm. I would just go home and lie in my bed in a cool, quiet room with the shades drawn."
Another helpful suggestion was to get plenty of rest, including daytime naps if you aren't sleeping well at night. Try to reduce your stress and activity levels, too.
"I allowed myself to nap in the late afternoon and focus on getting extra sleep on the weekends," said Tracy Rinehart, a Lewis Center mother of two, Madison, 5, and Ethan, 1. "The better rested I felt, the better my body handled the sickness. I also noticed the more stressed I was, the more sick I felt. I found myself having to say 'no' more often to activities and obligations in favor of rest," Rinehart said.
Mancini also remembers resting whenever possible, "With my first pregnancy, I could rest more in the morning before work and at night. With the second, once I got my daughter off to school, I could rest all day."
Staying hydrated is extremely important, but pregnant women should drink small amounts throughout the day, and don't drink while you eat. You can drink small amounts about half-an-hour before eating. Drinking natural teas with peppermint and ginger have been calming to some women's stomachs.
By the end of her second pregnancy, Mancini found relief by drinking ginger ale for her nausea and milk for her heartburn.
"Staying hydrated was the key because at my worst I was throwing up water and loosing weight. I cut out caffeine and any other diuretic," Rinehart said. She started drinking unflavored Pedialyte combined with her favorite drink-mix flavors such as grenadine and mango.
"Also, I found that slushes or smoothies were wonderful. Getting that crushed ice into my system was great for hydration. Small sips over a long period of time kept me hydrated," Rinehart said.
Another tip is to avoid strong smells from food or other sources. Ask someone else to cook for you. Use a fan, air purifier or deodorizing candles to alleviate cooking smells in the kitchen.
There are also some natural and alternative remedies available, including acupressure techniques such as the SEA bands.
The two elastic bands were designed to help people with motion sickness, but many pregnant women also have found it useful. Ginger is among several natural products that claim to help with nausea and can be found in capsules, tea and other forms. Some women have found that taking vitamin B6 along with the prenatal vitamin helps.
"Make taking care of you a priority. The job or dishes will still be there tomorrow. The rest and care you take with your body now are investments in the health of your new bundle of joy," Rinehart said. "Rest up and manage stress now because learning these skills while you're pregnant will help you successfully navigate opportunities motherhood provides."
Saltine crackers
Applesauce and apples
Baked potato
Citrus fruits
Banana
Smoothies
Slushes
Peppermint candy
Plain bagels
Dry toast
White rice
Jell-O
Popsicles
Pretzels
BabyCenter.com/refcap/254.html offers morning-sickness articles and forum.
Check out a morning-sickness medical-resource list at OBFocus.com/resources/morningsickness.htm.
Dads find some helpful hints at DadsToday.com/resources/articles/morningsickness.htm.
For a list of natural morning-sickness products, visit DoulaShop.com/products/morning-sickness-relief/index.html.
Beyond Morning Sickness: Battling Hyperemesis Gravidarum by Ashli Foshee McCall (BookSurge Publishing, 2007)
Body Mutiny: Surviving Nine Months of Extreme Morning Sickness by Jenna C. Schmitt (Acacia Publishing, 2006)
Managing Morning Sickness: A Survival Guide for Pregnant Women by Miriam Erick (Bull Publishing, 2004)
The Morning Sickness Companion by Elizabeth Kaledin (St. Martin Griffin, 2003)
