Did You know There Are Ways To Stop Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy, typically in the first two trimesters. Despite its name, morning sickness can happen at any time of the day or night. Stress, lack of sleep, and certain foods are known to make symptoms worse. If you’re pregnant and dealing with this issue, we have some tips that can help!

What exactly is morning sickness?

Before we dive into the tips, you should know what morning sickness is. The cause of this issue is not fully understood, but it could be a result of low blood pressure or hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or estrogen. Morning sickness typically starts at six weeks of pregnancy and will often go away after the third month, though some women have it throughout. Most women experience mild (though uncomfortable) symptoms of nausea and/or vomiting.

If you have morning sickness of any severity, you should speak with your doctor. However, it shouldn’t be a major concern unless it is intense or constant. Severe morning sickness is called hyperemesis gravidarum and it can result in hospitalization. Here are some symptoms associated with hyperemesis gravidarum and other conditions that you should call your doctor about immediately.

  • You have a weight loss of two or more pounds
  • Your morning sickness goes past the third month of pregnancy
  • You vomit more than three times per day or cannot hold any foods or liquids down
  • You have bad stomach aches
  • There is brown or red coloration in your vomit (this can indicate blood)
  • You feel tired or confused
  • You have trouble producing urine
  • Your heartbeat is faster than usual
  • Risk factors for having morning sickness

Although the exact cause is unknown, there are some risk factors that occur more commonly in women that do get this condition. These include a history of morning sickness, twin pregnancy, motion sickness, a history of migraines, thyroid disorder, or if morning sickness runs in the family. Your doctor can give you more information before you become pregnant if you are concerned.

Ways to stop or reduce morning sickness symptoms

You can prevent this issue from happening as well as stop or reduce the symptoms after they have already appeared. Always be sure to talk with your doctor to ensure that your sickness is normal and not a health condition. Also, be sure to run any tips you want to try by your physician to ensure they are right for you.

Easy Fixes:

  1. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, you can take a prenatal vitamin with food BEFORE you actually get pregnant. Ideally, it is best to start a prenatal vitamin about 2-3 months before getting pregnant.
  2. Keep some healthy snacks near your bed, like crackers. You can eat these when you wake up to settle your stomach.
  3. Speaking of snacks, it can be beneficial to eat small, healthy snacks between meals. Sometimes an empty stomach can cause nausea.
  4. Eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day if you are able.
  5. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  6. Avoid smells that upset your stomach or overwhelm you.
  7. Try ginger ale, teas, or peppermint candies when you feel sick.
  8. Sleep more if you feel unrested.
  9. Try taking your prenatal vitamin at night instead of in the morning.

Alternative treatments

Acupuncture: This treatment consists of a trained professional inserting small needles into specific areas of your body. Ask your healthcare provider if this is safe for you and to help you find an acupuncturist that specializes in treating pregnant women.

Acupressure: This treatment involves putting pressure on specific areas called pressure points to help stop nausea.

Medications

If the above options do not help you get rid of morning sickness, you can ask your doctor about medications. Here are the most common options that are safe for both mothers and babies.

Vitamin B6 and Doxylamine: These can be taken together or separately and purchased over the counter. Doxylamine can be found in some sleep medications (ask your doctor if these are safe) or you can get a prescription for a combined medication.

Antiemetic drugs: These are often used when Vitamin B6 and Doxylamine do not work. Your doctor can prescribe these if needed.

Do you need help with your morning sickness?

Whether you are a first-time mom or already know what to expect when expecting, the team at WHA is here to help you have a safe and happy pregnancy! We are there for you every step of the way. Give us a call at (806) 355-6330 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our Services.

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