PARENTHOOD.IE

Morning sickness is always thought to be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. You may have expected morning sickness during your pregnancy, what you probably didn't know that it is not always confined to the morning. For many women it should simply be called all-day sickness.

Between 60-80% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness. It is usually experienced between week four and six of your pregnancy, and will last to week 12-14 for most women. A few will suffer or morning sickness throughout their pregnancy and even fewer will have to be hospitalized due to the extreme nausea.

The morning sickness or NVP (nausea and vomiting in pregnancy) does not always kill hunger, many women will admit to being ravenous but nauseous. Some women will become nauseous with certain smells but also the very thought of certain foods.

For most women the morning sickness can be similar to sea sickness. Your mouth may fill up with saliva; you may not always vomit but feel your stomach heaving into your throat.

The theories of nausea

There are different theories on what causes morning sickness, but nothing is conclusive. Some connect it to the steep surges of the GCH hormone that happen during the first trimester and plane out as time goes on. Other hormones, such as estrogene, that also are at high production during this time cause enhanced sense of smell which for many makes the over sensitive to strong smells.

A study done by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, show that 60% of women that have suffered of morning sickness during their first pregnancy, will also suffer during future pregnancies.

Try to rest as much as you can. Take rests frequently if you can, sit down, ask for help. At least try to rest during the weekends. There can also be causes for morning sickness related to stress.

Figure out which times of the day you feel at your best and try to make sure you eat at those times.

Don't worry about your baby

You might be throwing up every day, but your baby is fine and you don't need to worry. As long as you are healthy, although feeling worn out, your baby will be fine. If your morning sickness is excessive, contact your GP. Although your baby might be doing well, you might be getting weaker, which will make the pregnancy hard for you.

Your body will supply the nutrients your baby needs at this stage, either through storage or by breaking down body tissue. At twelve weeks and embryo weighs about 40 grams (1.5 ounces) and does not need much nutrition to develop normally.

If you suffer mainly in the morning

• Take your time getting out of bed. Try eating a few crackers or dry toast while still in bed and wait a few minutes.
• Wait with the liquids. Particularly warm liquids might start off your nausea.
• Have a good breakfast later in the morning; a sort of brunch would be ideal.
• If you have been given iron supplements, ask your GP if you could take it before bed.

If you suffer in the evenings

• Make sure to eat well in the early part of the day. In the evening you can eat a lighter meal.
• Avoid places with strong smells, such as food, perfume or smoke.

For all sufferers

• Eat little and often.
• Don't let yourself get very hungry or tired.
• Avoid large food portions, rich, fried or spicy food.
• Drink plenty of liquids, small sips at the time. Calming herbal teas are good.
• Try foods made of spelt. A mild grain that is often recommended to people with sensitive bowels.
• Eat things you enjoy.
• Eat cold meals; they have milder smells than hot foods.

Other treatments

Your GP will most likely not recommend any treatment beyond diet for your morning sickness. In severe cases you could receive a short term treatment of anti-sickness medicine or antihistamines.

There are no studies that support alternative treatments to morning sickness you can try acupressure travel bands, ginger and ginger biscuits. Vitamin B6 supplements may be helpful, but there is no research of how much is safe to take when pregnant.