Reviewed by Dr. Theertha Shetty [Obstetrician and Gynaecologist]
This is one of the most common symptoms during the initial days of pregnancy, and it is completely normal to feel nausea during your pregnancy.
What is morning sickness?
The feelings of nausea do not happen only in the morning. Most women find they ease as the day goes on, but, for some women, they may continue all day.
Nausea during pregnancy is normally associated with an increase in estrogen levels, low blood sugar counts, and a greater susceptibility to some smells.
Another theory on what contributes to nausea in early pregnancy is related to the sense of smell. A woman’s sense of smell is more sensitive during pregnancy, and this could increase the feelings of nausea.
For most women, this subsides in the later stages of pregnancy and almost disappears as if it never happened, but some women continue to feel nausea throughout their pregnancy.
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in hormones, and this can bring out some side effects in the body, and nausea is the most common symptom during pregnancy.
Here are some tips to manage nausea 👇🏽
Ginger is said to ease nausea. You can try ginger tea or ginger water or anything else of your choice. Up to 1gram of ginger per day is considered safe.
Track your Nausea. Make a note of when and what triggers your nausea symptoms.
Choose your food carefully. Try to avoid oily foods and processed foods.
You can try Aromatherapy. Though not much research is done in this area, you can try some scents that can help you deal with morning sickness. you can even smell lemon if it makes you feel better.
Eat smaller meals. You might have heard this many times, but this works for some women during pregnancy coping with nausea.
Stay hydrated. If you are vomiting, then you do not want to dehydrate yourself. So drink enough water.
There are acupressure wristbands for nausea. You can try that after checking with your doctor. Acupressure wristbands apply light pressure to a spot located inside the wrist believed to be related to nausea and vomiting.
Your doctor may also prescribe you some supplements to take care of nausea if needed.
Consume easy-to-digest foods. Consume local seasonal fresh fruits.
Many people don't feel like eating when they feel nauseous. But, finding the foods that go down easiest (and stay down) can help with morning sickness.
It may sound strange, but adjusting your screens so they are easier to see may help with morning sickness.
Practicing yoga can also help in relieving morning sickness. (Do check with your doctor before you practice yoga and preferably under expert supervision)
Warning -
Extreme nausea and vomiting are not normal, and you have to contact your doctor.
Hope this information helps, and if you would like us to address a particular symptom. Let us know in the comments below 👇🏽
References
www.mayoclinic.org, www.nationwidechildrens.org, parents.com, whattoexpect.com, webmd.com
