Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom that affects about 80% of pregnant women. It usually occurs during the first trimester and can range from mild nausea to severe vomiting. Although it's called "morning" sickness, it can happen at any time of the day. If you're struggling with morning sickness, don't worry – there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms. In this article, we'll provide you with a morning sickness survival guide that can help you manage your symptoms and feel better.
What Is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea and vomiting that can occur during pregnancy. It's caused by hormonal changes in your body, particularly an increase in estrogen levels. Although it's called morning sickness, it can happen at any time of the day or night.
Tips to Alleviate Morning Sickness
- Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of having three large meals a day, try to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. This will help keep your stomach full and prevent nausea.
- Avoid triggers: Certain foods and smells can trigger morning sickness. Try to avoid spicy or greasy foods, and strong-smelling perfumes or cleaning products.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water and ginger tea. Dehydration can make morning sickness worse.
- Get plenty of rest: Fatigue can worsen morning sickness symptoms, so try to get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Try acupressure: Some women find that acupressure can help alleviate morning sickness symptoms. There are specific pressure points on your body that can help reduce nausea.
Home Remedies for Morning Sickness
- Ginger: Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea and vomiting. You can try drinking ginger tea, eating ginger snaps or sucking on ginger candies.
- Peppermint: Peppermint tea or peppermint oil can help reduce nausea.
- Lemon: The scent of lemon can help alleviate nausea. You can try smelling lemon essential oil or sucking on lemon drops.
- B6 supplements: Vitamin B6 supplements have been shown to help reduce nausea in some women.
When to See a Doctor
If your morning sickness is severe and you're unable to keep any food or fluids down, it's important to see a doctor. Severe morning sickness can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help alleviate your symptoms.
Coping with Morning Sickness
Morning sickness can be frustrating, but remember that it's a normal part of pregnancy. Be kind to yourself and don't push yourself too hard. If you need to take a break, do so. It's important to listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Conclusion
Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom that can be difficult to deal with. However, there are things you can do to alleviate your symptoms, such as eating small, frequent meals, avoiding triggers, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. If your morning sickness is severe, it's important to see a doctor.
