How to manage and cope with Morning Sickness

Morning Sickness commonly afflicts many pregnant women, actually about 50% of all pregnant women suffer from this condition between the sixth and twelfth weeks of their pregnancy . However, it rarely lasts more than the first 13 weeks of the pregnancy.

Although it is well known as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day and involve several degrees of nausea and vomiting.

There are many causes to this, one of which include hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Severe continuous nausea and vomiting that occur after the twelfth week occurs in about 1% of all pregnancies and can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, acidosis and massive weight loss. It is known as hypermesis gravidarum. This does not last beyond the twentieth week of pregnancy however. If hypermesis gravidarum were allowed to persist, the fetus will be in danger thus intravenous/parenteral feeding is usually warranted in these cases until nausea and vomiting subside. The use of the safer antacid such as Rennie can be useful in these cases along with plenty of rest and maintaining adequate hydration.

Other possible causes of abnormal vomiting that persist after the twelve weeks include pancreatitis, disease of the bile duct, drug toxicity, hypoglycemia, thyroid problems, inflammatory bowel disease and a molar pregnancy which involves an abnormal mass rather than a fetus growing within the uterus.

• Eat smaller and more frequent meals to keep the blood sugar levels stable and so that it helps to keep some food in the stomach at all times
• Snack on Whole grain crackers and keep crackers and whole wheat toast beside your bed and eat some upon waking up from bed
• Do not go without food or drink as it is important to nourish yourself especially now that you are eating and drinking for two or more people
• Avoid sitting or getting out of bed too quickly. Take it easy
• Snack on cheese

Some of the most often used herbs in nausea and vomiting including morning sickness include the good old ginger which can be taken either in capsule form or as a tea. Other useful herbs include peppermint, dandelion, red raspberry leaf and catnip.

N.B. Raspberry leaf tea however is ideally to be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy to be on the safe side

Supplements that can remedy this affliction include Vitamin B6(50mg taken two to three times daily) with or without magnesium (400mg daily which is taken first thing in the morning) and L-methionine (1000mg daily) . Blackmores Morning Sickness Formula is also a good combination of supplements that can assist with morning sickness.

Homepathic remedies invlude nux vomica.

Using essential oils like peppermint may also help.

There are also prescribed medication known as metoclopramide that the doctor can prescribe for you.

Remember, the support of your partner , family and friends can provide a major impact on the quality of your pregnancy, your health and the health of your baby in the long run so these are vitally important too.

• It it important to beep well hydrated. Try adding apple cider vinegar and honey to either cool or warm water and drink this instead of water if drinking water proves to be hard. Drinking decaffeinated cola or flat Sprite have been recommended by some people. Sucking ice cubes made from water or fruit juice is also quite effective. The colder the drink is, the easier it is to drink.
• Keeping physically active with simple activities like walking or yoga or swimming helps
• Try to minimize exposure to computer monitors and mobile phones especially if these trigger your morning sickness
• Avoid greasy and spicy foods and caffeine
• Ensure you get good quality sleep. Take naps throughout the day where needed to recuperate and rest.
• Enjoy your pregnancy and do things that relax you like listening to music for instance
• Take an antacid (best without aluminium) such as Rennie tablets to help with gastric reflux that may be the cause of your nausea
• Smell fresh scents to refresh yourself (lemon extract or rosemary)
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing

Hope these tips will help you through your morning sickness.Most of all, I hope you will all enjoy your pregnancy and that you may have a healthy and happy baby and family!