Morning sickness is marked by nausea and occasional vomiting. It may also cause discomfort during the later hours of the day. These symptoms usually present themselves in expectant moms during the first four months. It’s actually one of the signs of pregnancy.
What causes morning sickness?
Though there isn’t a single cause of morning sickness, the increased hormone levels experienced in the first weeks of pregnancy are the most common cause. Another cause is low blood sugar. Some factors that might make it worse include:
• Frequent travelling
• Having triplets or twins
• Emotional stress
• Excessive fatigue
It is common for the first pregnancy to be accompanied by severe morning sickness, but mild symptoms in future pregnancies.
Complications that may result from morning sickness
In very rare cases, the symptoms may become very severe and lead to weight loss. This condition may harm the baby if not treated. If you experience conditions such as fever, dizziness, frequent headaches, weight loss of more than 3 pounds, abdominal pains and severe nausea in the second trimester, seek a doctor immediately. Some patients may require to be hospitalized to be hydrated using Intravenous fluids.
How to cure morning sickness
Based on the symptoms that your doctor hears from you, they will take some tests just to ensure that the baby is well. They may then prescribe medication or supplements to reduce the nausea and to help you hold the fluids and food that you take. These are the common prescriptions:
• Antacids: that absorb acid in the stomach to prevent reflux
• Phenothiazine: cool down severe vomiting and nausea
• Metoclopramide: this is to help food along from the stomach to the intestines which stops vomiting
Alternative remedies
Some types of remedies may reduce the effects of morning sickness. They should be tried only after consulting with a doctor:
• Acupuncture
• Saltine crackers
• Vitamin B-6 supplements
• Hypnosis
• Prenatal vitamins
• Most ginger products
How to prevent morning sickness
The following tips may help you overcome or reduce the effects of nausea:
• Avoiding smoking
• Drinking lots of fluids
• Taking vitamins
• Taking naps
• Keeping away from spicy foods
• Taking small meals
• Ventilating spaces to remove nauseous scents
• Avoiding fatty foods
In the event that all of these measures fail to work or the morning sickness doesn’t reduce after the first three months of pregnancy, it’s time to call a doctor. All forms of remedies for morning sickness should not be self-prescribed.