Morning sickness got you down?

 

The majority of women experience morning sickness while in their first trimester or the first 3 months of pregnancy. This sickness doesn’t just have to be in the morning. The name, ‘Morning sickness,’ can be deceiving since this unpleasant feeling could be experienced any time of day or even in fact, all day long. This ‘sickness,’ peaks at 8-10 weeks, just when most people find out that they are pregnant. Although it is not known why pregnancy brings about this phenomenon, experts suggest hormones are thought to be involved. They also blame blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and metabolic fluctuations. Experts are not a hundred percent sure why exactly this occurs.

The good news is that it doesn’t usually last forever. In most cases, at least by the second trimester, morning sickness is but a memory. In very limited situations this sickness can occur for the whole nine months of pregnancy.  This queasy feeling is often associated with nausea and vomiting. Remaining well hydrated is very important. Rarely will there need to be a hospital visit for rehydration via IV and medications. There is an uncommon condition where a person can throw up more than four times in 24 hours. Also, nausea can last for hours, this is called hyperemesis gravidarum.  Cases of hyperemesis gravidarum are very limited.

When sick to your stomach, The Public Health Agency of Canada, suggests waiting thirty minutes after vomiting to brush teeth protects enamel. Rinse only policy will protect your teeth long term.

During pregnancy, it is important to continue to be monitored by family physician, midwife or/and OBGYN. Knowing how to manage symptoms and understanding when to seek help is important.

Here are some ideas to reduce nausea/ vomiting:

• Drinking fluids at a different time than eating meals
• Eating smaller meals more often
• Consume foods you feel like eating
• Avoid spicy, fatty or deep-fried foods
• Avoid strong odours
• Drinks with ginger
• Icy cold drinks
• Replenish fluids with water and avoid caffeine
• Relax – try to move when not feeling well
• Stress management

Seek medical advice if prolonged nausea and/or vomiting. Or if you have any of these symptoms:

• Dizziness/ Weakness
• Dryness of eyes or mouth
• Dark urine or passing little urine

Pregnancy is a normal occurrence for many people. Balancing your ever-changing body and taking care of yourself during this time is important. This is encouragement for you to take care of your needs at this time.

 

By: Julie, RN ~ Perinatal Support Manager

 

Resources:

Government of Canada – Canada.ca - Your Guide to A healthy Pregnancy

Cleveland Clinic - Clevelandclinic.org

My Health Alberta Network – myhealthalberta.ca