Growing a human being is a beautiful, miraculous experience. Yet as much of a blessing it is to carry a child, there are quite a few side effects of the process that are not super fun for the mother-to-be. One of the most dreaded aspects of pregnancy is morning sickness, and we are covering what it is, why it happens, what can be done to ease symptoms, and finally, when to seek help. Happy pregnancy, momma—you’ve got this!
What is Morning Sickness?
To call pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting “morning sickness” is quite misleading. Morning sickness can happen at any time of the day. And despite being thought of as a first trimester symptom, it can happen during any and even all stages of pregnancy. It can feel like just a little bit of queasiness in the morning or be all day unease accompanied by vomiting. It is also important to note that yes, every woman is unique, but so is each pregnancy any one woman has. A woman may experience little to no morning sickness with a pregnancy and significant morning sickness with a subsequent pregnancy—or vice versa.
Why Does Morning Sickness Happen?
When a pregnancy test shows up as positive, that is the result of increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is the hormone that helps the placenta develop; it also helps produce other necessary hormones for viable pregnancies. The influx of rising hCG, estrogen, and progesterone can cause nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness in the first trimester. These levels peak around the end of the first trimester, reach a plateau, and then gradually decrease. This is why some women only experience morning sickness relief in the second trimester.
Another cause of morning sickness, beyond the first trimester, would be an altered metabolism combined with lowered blood sugar levels. Pregnancy puts a woman’s body in overtime, all systems are working extra hard to create a new life. During the second trimester, a woman’s need for calories increases by about 300 per day to supplement the increased basal metabolic rate that pregnancy creates. The way glucose is processed and insulin sensitivity can cause a blood sugar drop, which can also cause nausea.
While pregnancy cravings are often talked about, aversions are less so. For many pregnant women, former favorite foods may suddenly become repulsive. Some pregnant women experience so many aversions that they find it difficult to settle on a meal to eat. Not eating while pregnant, or eating something that gives mom the ick both can lead to nausea.
What Can Be Done to Ease Symptoms?
Firstly, if excessive vomiting is occurring, replacing fluids is important. Stay hydrated as much as possible during those morning sickness eras, and all other stages of pregnancy, too. Chomping on ice or even enjoying some popsicles to keep fluids in is a favorable hydration method for many mommas-to-be.
While there isn’t much that can be done to regulate fluctuating hormones, there are a few small changes that may help relieve morning sickness. A natural remedy that may provide relief during bouts of morning sickness is ginger. There are ginger chews, gummies, and hard candies marketed specifically as morning sickness remedies. Sipping on ginger ale may also be helpful.
While acknowledging and avoiding food aversion triggers is helpful, so is finding safe foods that can be tolerated. Maintaining a bland diet during morning sickness heavy times can ease digestion, and some experts suggest giving the BRAT diet a try—bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. This can also ease heartburn, another pregnancy-related symptom many women experience.
A well-rounded diet is often thought of as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, grazing throughout the day is a great way for pregnant women to maintain their energy levels, avoid blood sugar drops, and keep morning sickness at bay. Incorporating healthy snacks like plain popcorn, yogurt, crackers with almond butter, pretzels with hummus, hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese, and avocado toast is a good way to keep the body going and the nausea away. Something small, yet nutritious as a snack may be what solves a morning-sickness-momma’s ailment.
When to Seek Help?
If you are considering asking your doctor about your morning sickness, do it! Afterall, they are experts and can offer suggestions based on your unique medical history. Not all morning sickness is “just” morning sickness. Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a case of severe morning sickness that results in weight loss, dehydration, and persistent nausea. Women with HG may need IV fluids.
The short of it is that morning sickness is a normal, but awful part of pregnancy. It is temporary, but when you are in the thick of it, that’s the last thing you want to hear. “You’ll forget about your morning sickness when you have your baby in your arms” doesn’t help a woman who has spent hours with her head in the toilet bowl. For now, stay hydrated, sip on ginger ale, eat healthy snacks in between meals, get rest, and don’t be afraid to consult with your OB. This morning sickness stuff may be miserable, but you are one tough mother.
