Causes and Management of Nausea during Pregnancy

Nausea during pregnancy is considered as one of the most experienced as well as most complained about symptoms of pregnancy. While this symptom may be uncomfortable, the great thing is that this does not harm the baby. Moreover, this is often perceived as a sign of a healthy pregnancy.

For most women, morning sickness or nausea does not appear until about a month after conception. However, for others this pregnancy symptom may actually appear as early as two weeks after conception. While this may be called morning sickness, pregnancy related nausea can be a problem that occurs in the morning, noon or even at night.

Most pregnant women who experience nausea in the first trimester of their pregnancy will feel complete relief as they enter the second trimester of their pregnancy. For others, however, the feeling can last through the entire duration of the pregnancy. A few lucky ones, on the other hand, will not experience the symptom at all.

When Does Pregnancy- Related Nausea Start?

This pregnancy symptom typically starts at about week four to week nine of a pregnancy. However, there are some women who report that their symptom started way earlier at about week two of their pregnancy. This symptom usually peak between weeks seven to week 12 of a pregnancy period. This pregnancy symptom can occur in the morning. But, this can occur any time of the day or even at night. Morning sickness or nausea during pregnancy is also closely associated with food and smell aversions that many pregnant women experience.

If you are lucky, this symptom will subside as you enter the second trimester of your pregnancy. However, there are some cases wherein this lasts for the entire duration of the pregnancy and until the baby is born.

What Causes Morning Sickness?

The cause of this pregnancy symptom is not completely understood. However, experts believe that this is associated with the production of the pregnancy hormone HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is produced once the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. It is assumed that this pregnancy hormone and nausea are related as they peak around the same time.

Aside from this theory, there are also other theories about the cause of nausea during pregnancy. One theory states that nausea is caused by another hormone that increase during pregnancy. This hormone is known as estrogen. Another theory states that having a sensitive stomach can actually be made worse as the body adapts to the changes brought about by becoming pregnant. Lastly, stress or fatigue is thought to cause a physical reaction within the body, resulting to nausea and vomiting.

How to Ease Morning Sickness

There are several ways to ease the queasiness brought about by being pregnant. Here are some ways on how you can do this.

• Eat Foods that Appeal for Now. To avoid morning sickness, you should eat foods that appeal for now, even if it is the same type of food again and again. You should avoid eating foods that can trigger your symptom. You will most likely find healthy foods that you can actually keep down. You should also consider variations. There are a lot of food options available for you.
• Eat Early in the Morning. Since morning sickness does not wait for you to get up every morning, you should consider eating early. Nausea will most likely strike when you are hungry. An empty stomach can increase the acids, resulting to an increase in the queasiness feeling. A good way to relieve morning sickness is to stock up your bedside table with healthy snacks that you can eat early in the morning before you get up.
• Eat Small Frequent Feedings Throughout the Day. It is very important that you keep your blood sugar levels stable. Thus, it is important that you eat small frequent feedings throughout the day to maintain a stable blood sugar level. You should eat six to eight small meals instead of three large meals in a day. You should also make sure that you are eating healthy and well balanced meals.
• Steer Clear of Greasy and Fatty Foods. Greasy foods can aggravate queasiness. Thus, you should steer clear from it.
• Try Ginger and Other Ginger Infused Products. Ginger is considered a good remedy for queasiness when pregnant. This can reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. You can stock up on staples that come with ginger like ginger tea, ginger candies and ginger biscuits. You can even use ginger when you are cooking. Using, eating and smelling ginger can definitely help you with your morning sickness.
• Keep Yourself Hydrated All the Time. You should make sure that you keep yourself hydrated. If your nausea is accompanied by vomiting, you should make sure that you drink water as vomiting can leave you dehydrated.
• Avoid Your Food and Smell Aversions. If you are having food aversions, you should avoid them. Food aversions and nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are closely related.
• Take Your Prenatal Vitamins and Supplements. Since you have difficulty keeping your food down, chances are, your body is absorbing less vitamins. In this case, you should ask your health care provider for prenatal vitamins and supplements. Taking vitamins and supplements can ensure that you and your baby are taking the necessary vitamins that you need to keep you and your baby healthy.
• Don’t Forget Oral Care and Dental Hygiene. You should treat your mouth well, especially when your nausea is accompanied by vomiting. Poor oral hygiene can aggravate the symptom. You should consult your dentist regarding proper oral care during pregnancy.
• Ask Your Doctor for Pregnancy-Safe Medications. If your nausea is severe, you can consult your health care provider. Your doctor can prescribe medications that are safe to take while pregnant. With prescribed medications, you are guaranteed that you are taking medications that will not harm your baby. You should not take over the counter medications without instructions from your doctor. Moreover, you should not practice self medication.