How Can I Cope with Morning Sickness? | NHS
Understanding Morning Sickness
Morning sickness, or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, is a common experience among pregnant women. Typically, it occurs in the first trimester but can persist beyond this period for some women. While it's usually not harmful to the baby, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily routine.
Dietary Adjustments for Morning Sickness
Making certain adjustments to your diet can help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness:
- Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small but frequent meals can help keep your stomach from becoming either too full or too empty, both of which can exacerbate nausea.
- Avoiding Trigger Foods: Spicy, greasy, and highly aromatic foods can often trigger nausea. Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods instead.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking fluids, especially between meals rather than during them, can help manage nausea. Sipping ginger tea or sucking on ice chips may also be beneficial.
Lifestyle Changes for Relief
Certain lifestyle changes and habits can counteract morning sickness:
- Get Plenty of Rest: Fatigue can aggravate nausea, so be sure to get adequate sleep and take naps if necessary.
- Fresh Air: Sometimes, simply getting some fresh air can help reduce nausea. Try taking short walks outside or keeping windows open for good ventilation.
- Avoid Strong Odours: Strong smells can trigger nausea, so try to avoid areas with strong cooking smells, smoke, or other intense scents.
Medical Treatments and Remedies
If lifestyle and dietary changes aren’t sufficient, consulting with your healthcare provider may be necessary:
- Vitamin B6 Supplements: Some studies show that Vitamin B6 can help reduce nausea. Consult your GP before starting any new supplements.
- Antiemetic Medications: In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antiemetic medications to help control vomiting and nausea.
- Acupressure Wristbands: Some women find relief using acupressure wristbands, which are designed to apply pressure on points associated with nausea reduction.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It's essential to know when to seek medical advice for morning sickness:
- If you are unable to keep any food or liquids down
- If you experience severe weight loss
- If you feel dehydrated or faint
- If you have dark urine or don’t urinate for more than 8 hours
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your GP or midwife immediately. Severe cases of morning sickness might require medical supervision and can sometimes be a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs prompt treatment.
For more information, visit the NHS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is morning sickness?
Morning sickness is a common symptom of pregnancy that involves nausea and vomiting, usually occurring in the first trimester. Despite the name, it can occur at any time of the day.
What causes morning sickness?
Morning sickness is thought to be caused by hormonal changes in pregnancy, particularly the increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen.
How long does morning sickness typically last?
For most women, morning sickness usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy and lessens by the 12th to 14th week. However, it can last longer for some women.
What can I eat to help with morning sickness?
Try eating small, frequent meals that are high in carbohydrate and low in fat. Dry foods like crackers or toast can be helpful, as well as ginger-containing foods.
Are there any drinks that can help ease morning sickness?
Staying hydrated is important. Sipping on ginger tea, peppermint tea, or cold fizzy drinks like sparkling water can help reduce nausea.
Should I avoid any foods or drinks when experiencing morning sickness?
Yes, try to avoid strong-smelling or spicy foods, and fatty or greasy meals, as they can often make nausea worse.
Are there any lifestyle changes that can help with morning sickness?
Getting plenty of rest, avoiding triggers like strong smells or stress, and eating small, regular meals can all help manage morning sickness.
Can morning sickness harm my baby?
Mild to moderate morning sickness is not harmful to your baby, as long as you are managing to keep some food and fluids down.
When should I consult a doctor about morning sickness?
You should consult a doctor if you can't keep any food or fluids down, or if you are losing weight. This could be a sign of severe morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum).
Are there any medications that can help with morning sickness?
If lifestyle and dietary changes don't help, your GP may prescribe anti-nausea medication that is safe to use during pregnancy.
Can acupressure help with morning sickness?
Some people find relief from nausea through acupressure wristbands, which apply pressure to a point on the inner wrist.
Is it normal to lose weight during early pregnancy due to morning sickness?
A small amount of weight loss can be normal in the first trimester due to morning sickness. However, significant weight loss should be reported to your healthcare provider.
What role does fresh air play in managing morning sickness?
Getting plenty of fresh air by opening windows or taking short walks outside can help reduce nausea.
How can I manage morning sickness when I have to go to work?
Eat small, frequent meals, keep snacks like crackers at hand, and take short breaks if needed. Discuss any severe symptoms with your employer, as you may need adjustments.
Is morning sickness different for every pregnancy?
Yes, the severity and duration of morning sickness can vary greatly between different pregnancies and different women.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Using pressure points to relieve nausea
- NHS - Acupressure and Nausea The NHS page explains what acupressure is, including how it can be used to relieve symptoms such as nausea.
- Cancer Research UK - Nausea and Vomiting Cancer Research UK's page on managing nausea and vomiting offers various remedies including the use of pressure points.
- Mind - Complementary and Alternative Therapies Mind provides a comprehensive guide to complementary and alternative therapies including acupressure, which can help relieve nausea.
- Breast Cancer Now - Managing Nausea Breast Cancer Now offers advice on managing nausea and vomiting, including using pressure points as a technique.
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