How to deal with morning sickness.

Morning sickness is probably the most common gastrointestinal discomfort experienced during the first three months of pregnancy. The feeling of nausea and vomiting is associated with the increased levels of the pregnancy hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). Other associated causes of morning sickness are increased production of gastric acids during pregnancy, emotional factors, and increased sensitivity to odors.

There is a misconception of the term “morning sickness”. The episodes of nauseated feeling can actually happen any time of the day but is generally worst during the mornings. It may last through the day or may ease up a bit periodically. The onset of morning sickness may vary from person to person. For some it may start as early as the first four weeks of pregnancy. It may come and go during the entire course of pregnancy.

Mild morning sickness can be managed in a variety of ways. As a general rule, steer away from smells and foods that induce nausea. Another common practice is to eat crackers or dry toast 30 minutes before getting up from bed in the morning. Fatty and spicy foods should be avoided since they take longer to digest and tend to irritate the stomach. Eating small frequent meals throughout the day will ensure that your stomach is never empty; hence, reduce the probability of irritation. Sip fluid such as ginger ale to alleviate stomach queasiness. For working pregnant women, sucking on ginger or mint candies can be a good alternative to limit episodes of nausea and vomiting.

Though there is no scientific explanation, taking Vitamin B6 supplements seem to help ease morning sickness for some women. Wearing acupressure bands also helps provide relief from nausea for some women. This simple and inexpensive cotton wrist band works by pushing against the acupressure point associated with seasickness found under the wrist.

Before taking in any anti-nausea drugs, be sure to notify and check with your doctor or caregiver. Generally, self-medication is not encouraged because active ingredients of drugs can cross the placental barrier and may potentially harm the baby.

Excessive nausea and vomiting that persists beyond three months is called Hyperemesis gravidarum. This medical condition can result in dehydration and starvation. It is very detrimental to both mother and baby and requires immediate medical intervention. Replenishing fluids and electrolytes should be the priority for mothers with this condition. Complete bed rest with limited or no visitor is also an important aspect of treatment.

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Pregnancy Indicators (www.mmpregnancy.com)

As I discussed some of the early pregnancy signs and symptoms in my previous post. Now, I am going to tell you about a few more early pregnancy indicators.

Slight bleeding or cramping
For some women, a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus — about 10 to 14 days after fertilization. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in color than a normal period and doesn’t last as long. Some women also experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps.

Nausea/ Morning Sickness
This is one of the classic symptoms of pregnancy, which can occur at any time of the day. Pregnancy rises the levels of estrogen, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly, which ultimately causes nausea. Some women are also irritated by strong and heavy odors, such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke, that may cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy. Some women feel this sensation as soon as they get into the first week of pregnancy, while some do not get this feel at all till the end of pregnancy.

Food Aversions Or Cravings
One of the most common sign of pregnancy is aversion to certain foods. It is quite common, that the foods you previously enjoyed are no longer appetizing. My friend used to love pasta. If possible she could eat it all the day. But now she cannot withstand it at all, while she was expecting. Some women like to have unusual combinations of foods. My sister, during her pregnancy, used to eat warm peach pie topped with vanilla ice cream everyday at midnight. This may be due to the hormonal changes, especially in the first trimester, when hormone changes are the most dramatic. This problem may last for first trimester, and in some cases, it could last throughout pregnancy.

Heartburn/Constipation
This is another common early symptom of pregnancy. This may happen, as the uterus begins to enlarge and pushes against the stomach and other organs as it grows. Also, due to the raised level of hormones, the digestion process is slowed down and the bowel cannot absorb the required amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients as possible from foods. The slower emptying of the stomach, causes the
increased dissipation of stomach acid, that leads to a feeling of heartburn and constipation.

Mood swings
These are generally common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Because of the hormonal imbalance, you are always filled with mixed emotions, excitement and depression, joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. Seeing the tremendous change in behavior, your partner can be confused, and may not seem to be supportive. Discuss these mood swings with him, so that he can be very supportive and understandable, and tell him about these very normal signs of pregnancy. These symptoms gradually decrease in the second trimester .

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