Morning Sickness

Some women suffer from nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy, and though it can happen anytime during the day or night, it is known as “morning sickness.” It can begin anytime after becoming pregnant, but usually occurs among the 6th week of pregnancy, and ends around the 13th week. Most of the time neither the fetus, nor the mother, is seriously affected. Most women, at some point during their day, enough to feel hungry again, and are able to keep food down.

Since not a lot of research has been done on morning sickness, and it is considered a normal symptom of pregnancy, the exact cause of morning sickness is not known, but it is thought to be a part of the production of HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin, the hormone produced during pregnancy) and the fetus constantly drawing on the mother’s nutritional supplies.

Morning sickness should concern you if you notice you've lost weight. Normally, you will continue to gain weight during pregnancy, even if you are not keeping down everything you eat. If you feel dehydrated or are not producing urine, or if you can’t keep anything at all down, over a period of four to six hours, you should consult a physician.

At its most severe, morning sickness degenerates into a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, which can disturb the essential electrolyte balance in your body, cause pulse irregularities, and, in its severest form, can lead to damage of the kidneys and liver. It also endangers your unborn child.

Your body naturally stores ketones to break down fat in the body, and when you diet, or are unable to eat, the body produces more ketones to break down fat stores to keep the body functioning, but excess ketones can cause brain damage in the fetus.

Home Remedies For Morning Sickness:

Diet And Attitude:

Try keeping a positive attitude, maintain an adequate fluid intake, and keep rooms well ventilated, because hypersensitivity to smells can trigger morning sickness. Keep something on your beside table, and eat before you get up. Raw almonds contain vitamin E, protein, and a little fat, or even saltines, or salty potato chips (whatever appeals to you) about 15 minutes before you get up. Eat small meals approximately every two hours. Try not to drink during the meal, but drink about half an hour before and after meals, and very often during the day, to prevent dehydration. Sports drinks formulated to balance electrolytes are a good choice, as are natural fruit drinks. Eat whenever you feel you can, even if it is not at meal time.

Rest:

Do not lie down right after you eat. Try eating cold food instead of hot food. Get plenty of rest and nap during the day, if you can. Morning sickness tends to worsen if you are tired.

Natural Teas:

Natural teas are good choices, hot or cold. Some of the best natural cures for morning sickness are raspberry leaf, chamomile (or chamomile and peppermint) or lemon balm tea, are good choices, as is ginger ale, to control morning sickness. Avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and all drugs, but if you crave pasta, eat it. It is your body’s way of getting something it needs.