How To Cope With Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting are the symptoms of morning sickness most expectant mothers face during the first trimester of pregnancy. Nausea can be mild or severe, occasional or continuous, sometimes disabling accompanied by vomiting bouts. Morning sickness gets its name as most pregnant women tend to suffer from it during the mornings especially on waking. But sometimes, these symptoms can occur at other times of day or night as well.

Morning sickness usually is noticed in the month following the first missed periods and is taken to be an indicator of pregnancy. Hormone levels during this period would have risen to significant levels. Pregnant women carrying twins or more babies, tend to have a more pronounced level of hormones, and hence have severe symptoms of morning sickness.

The duration of morning sickness is not defined although most women find that it stops by 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Some women can experience these symptoms for longer periods.

Since morning sickness symptoms of nausea and vomiting usually occurs during the first trimester when the foetus is in the first stage of development, it is advisable to treat yourself at home rather than opt for prescription medicines as the baby is vulnerable to developing birth defects. If the vomiting becomes severe and you begin to notice excess weight loss, or become dehydrated, you are advised to consult a doctor immediately. Prescription medicines under supervision are necessary in such cases.

Safe and Proven Methods To Combat Morning Sickness

First of all, it is important to bear in mind that there is no permanent cure for the symptoms of morning sickness. The following are effective in curbing your nausea and vomiting to some extent.

Ginger tea can give you significant relief after a few days. Grating fresh ginger into the hot water set for tea in the morning is looked forward to by most expectant mothers. Other options to take in ginger include, as a powder in a capsule, or in syrup or crystallized form.

Vitamins B6 & B12 taken regularly on doctors advice reduces nausea and vomiting.

Antihistamines prescribed by your doctor may bring some relief. Sometimes they are prescribed along with Vitamin B6.

Acupressure brings relief in some women. Apply pressure on the inner side of your arm, in line with your middle finger and one-sixth of the way between your wrist and elbow. (Watch video alongside.)

Avoid smells and sights that trigger nausea.

Avoid foods that make you sick. Citrus juices, coffee, milk are known to make nausea worse.

Eating Habits need to be altered. 

An empty stomach makes nausea worse. Eat little at small intervals throughout the day, instead of three large meals. Have a small snack such as crackers before you get out of bed, allow it to digest before rising and then do it slowly. Your protein intake should increase,cutting out the fats. It is important to stay hydrated with fluids such as water, soups, and fresh fruit juices. Iron supplements can be avoided during the first trimester as these cause nausea and are not required.

Getting adequate sleep is important at this stage. Stress and fatigue make one experience morning sickness even more.

The joy of expecting a baby can be compounded by the symptoms of morning sickness, but it is important to thank God and be utterly grateful for the gift of life that is growing within you and will be a part of you for a full term of nine months before seeing the light of day. Savour every moment and enjoy motherhood. Give your baby a head start with love, nutrition and peace !

Listen to soulful music and derive Peace ! God bless you and your baby !