None — Morning Sickness
Pregnancy is typically a time of joy and anticipation. But, for some women, the first two to three months may not be a lot of fun. Researchers estimate up to 85 percent of pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting. Though the name implies that symptoms only occur in the morning, 80 percent of affected women have symptoms throughout the day.
The exact cause of morning sickness isn't known. However, Catherine Lynch, M.D., OB/GYN with the University of South Florida in Tampa, says the symptoms are probably related to the rapidly increasing levels of hormones associated with pregnancy (like human chorionic gonadotropin and estrogen). In most women, the signs typically first appear between the 4th and 6th weeks of pregnancy, peak by about 12 weeks and end around 14 weeks.
The range of morning sickness symptoms varies. Some women have limited, mild nausea, while others become quite ill. Researchers estimate 35 percent of pregnant women lose time from work due to nausea. Up to three percent of pregnant women have severe nausea and vomiting, leading to significant loss of fluids and weight. This condition, called hyperemesis gravidarum, can lead to serious nutritional and metabolic problems for the mom and baby and often requires hospitalization. In 1855, English author, Charlotte Bronte, died from hyperemesis gravidarum when she was four months pregnant.
Dealing with Morning Sickness
Lynch says morning sickness is often triggered by hunger and the body's need for fuel. Thus, eating some crackers before getting out of bed may reduce symptoms. Frequent small meals are often tolerated better than three large meals. Lynch also suggests having a ready supply of healthy snacks, like peanut butter crackers, cheese and yogurt, to keep the body fueled between meals or when mealtime is delayed. The body also requires a significant amount of fluid to build blood volume during pregnancy. So women should drink plenty of fluids.
Certain foods and smells can trigger morning sickness in some women. Lynch suggests cutting back on foods and drinks that increase stomach acidity, like spicy foods, tomato sauce, coffee and orange juice. If the smell or taste of prenatal vitamins triggers nausea, the vitamin may be taken at night rather than in the morning. A physician may also be able to switch brands or provide coated vitamins. Some women get relief from nausea with ginger or acupressure wrist bands.
Pregnant women with severe, unrelenting nausea and vomiting should seek advice from a physician. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also recommends seeing a doctor if the woman is producing only a small amount of urine, the urine is dark in color, or if the woman feels dizzy after standing up, her heart is racing or pounding or she is vomiting blood.
If you have any specific concerns about morning sickness during pregnancy, speak with your obstetrician or family health care provider. For general information:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists American Pregnancy Association