Nausea

If you haven't heard of morning sickness, then it's likely that you haven't been pregnant or around or near someone who has.Although not a disease, this condition commonly affects many women.  Morning sickness is best described as nausea or the feeling of being ill in the stomach and is caused by pregnancy. Fifty per cent or more of women who are pregnant may be affected.

Occurrences of vomiting and nausea are generally best described by the term morning sickness.  It is most likely to happen in the early morning hours in pregnant women, hence the name.

There are two pieces of good news associated with morning sickness.  The first is that you can't get sick whilst sleeping!  The second is that it is frequently a sign that your pregnancy is progressing normally, despite the fact that it can strike at any time.

Perhaps the most comforting fact about morning sickness is that it doesn't last forever.

Morning Sickness Causes

There are a number of theories relating to the cause of morning sickness.  Generally, however, the exact cause is unknown.  Having said that, the prevailing theory today is that morning sickness is related to a pregnancy hormone, gonadotropin.

Morning sickness is most prevalent in the first three to four months of pregnancy. Usually starting in the second month, some of the first signs can be vomiting and nausea.

Although common, symptoms surprisingly will only affect a small number of pregnant women (less than 10%), who have symptoms that continue beyond week 18 of pregnancy.

Morning Sickness Symptoms

The symptoms of morning sickness may vary widely with women experiencing a range of effects.The nausea and vomiting often go hand in hand.  Other signs include extreme tiredness or feeling sleepy, craving for certain foods, frequent urination, back pain and constipation.

Some expectant mothers may feel that their morning sickness is serious.You will pleased to know that there are usually no negative consequences upon either mother or baby.

In fact, recent research has revealed that morning sickness is actually helpful for the unborn baby.  It is now generally agreed that morning sickness can be a positive sign because it means the placenta is in a healthy state of growth

Numerous studies have shown that a lower risk of miscarriage may be associated with morning sickness.

The term given to severe morning sickness is Hyperemesis gravidarum. This happens with chronic vomiting which can cause weight loss and significant loss of fluids.  The statistics are low.  About one in 1,000 pregnant women are affected by this form of morning sickness.

Women expecting multiple births may experience more severe symptoms of morning sickness.

Food & Morning Sickness

Morning sickness symptoms can be managed to some degree. Nausea tends to be at its worse on an empty stomach, so it is best to eat frequent, small meals.

As a suggestion meals could include cold, simple foods including plain vegetables and fruits.

Many studies have shown that ginger can ease the symptoms. Ginger can be consumed in the forms of hot and cold ginger drinks, or on toast with jam or in biscuits and cakes or other baked goods.

Lemons can help alleviate symptoms if eaten, sucked or used as a type of aromatherapy. It is worth remembering to drink liquids in between meals as opposed to an accompaniment to meals.