Morning sickness: symptoms and how to deal with it

With symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting, morning sickness can feel like a special kind of torture. What’s worse, it usually occurs in the first three months of pregnancy when you can’t openly whinge about it. We’ve got the lowdown on what you can expect and how to deal with this unfortunate side effect of pregnancy.

What causes morning sickness?

Morning sickness affects 70-85 per cent of pregnant women, but the cause of it is largely unknown. A combination of factors have been thought to play a role in this phenomenon:

• High levels of hormones, including oestrogen
• Fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly lowered blood pressure
• Altered metabolism of carbohydrates
• The enormous physical and chemical changes that pregnancy triggers.

What are the symptoms?

Morning sickness varies from woman to woman, but common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and, in some cases, depression or anxiety. Some slightly more unusual side effects can include a change in your sense of taste and smell. Foods you liked before might now taste horrible, or strange smells might become strangely alluring. Who knew?!

Despite its slightly misleading name, morning sickness can affect you at any time of the day or night and varies for different people. The symptoms can also vary from one pregnancy to another, so just because you suffered from morning sickness with one pregnancy doesn’t mean you will have the same experience with the next.

Yikes – how long does this last?

Most women experience morning sickness in the 4th week of pregnancy and their symptoms subside by the 12th or 14th week. However just as every baby is different, no one pregnancy is the same. 1 in 5 women report morning sickness lasting well into their second trimester and it’s not unheard of for some to experience sickness for the entire pregnancy.

How can I manage my symptoms?

There is no cure for morning sickness, but there are some things you can try to reduce and manage the symptoms.

• Eati some plain, dry crackers first thing in the morning and take small sips of a glass of water to relieve nausea before you get out of bed
• Opt for smaller, more regular meals rather than eating large, heavy meals and eating when you’re hungry rather than holding out for a set meal time
• Avoid fatty foods and coffee
• Sip dry ginger ale, ginger tea or lemonade
• Drinkg 6-8 glasses of water a day – sickness can cause dehydration which may make you feel worse
• Wear loose comfortable clothes
• Rest whenever possible
• Try acupuncture on your wrist to alleviate sickness.

It’s hard to deal with morning sickness, especially if you’re still at work or trying to keep your pregnancy on the down low in the early stages. Make sure you take breaks when you can and keep an eye on how you feel.

If your symptoms persist or feel unmanageable be sure to see your doctor.

Can morning sickness harm my baby?

While it’s certainly not fun, in most cases morning sickness is normal and nothing to worry about.

Should I see a doctor?

If you suffer from severe morning sickness that results in weight loss or dehydration, make sure to seek prompt medical advice.

About 1% of women suffer from a severe form of morning sickness known as ‘hyperemesis gravidarum’ (HG).  This can involve vomiting numerous times a day and it can lead to weight-loss and dehydration.

If you’re suffering from severe nausea and vomiting, don’t soldier on in silence. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment. Left untreated, HG can put a real strain on your organs and even stop your baby getting the nutrients it needs, so it’s best to ask for help.