With the Denver Bronco’s big win last night the Super Bowl is fresh on every ones mind. For many pregnant women, a different type of ‘Super Bowl’ is on their minds…
A big, giant, SUPER BOWL OF VOMIT.
Morning sickness is nausea in pregnancy, and typically occurrs in the first few months.
According to pregnancy.org, Morning sickness effects more than 50% of pregnant women and despite its name, the nausea can affect pregnant women at any time of day.
Morning sickness is one of the first pregnancy symptoms women notice as it most commonly begins around the 6 week mark. Morning sickness for most women stops around the 12th week of pregnancy. You might be thinking “6 weeks of morning sickness isn’t that bad…” and although morning sickness does not negatively effect the baby, it can leave you feeling very, ill, stressed and uncomfortable.
We have compiled a list of ways to combat morning sickness!
These quick tips will help you combat morning sickness and relieve some of your symptoms.
Get a grip on morning sickness with proper nourishment.
Nourishment is defined as the food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition. Let’s start with hydration. Pregnancy.org recommends drinking fluids 1/2 hour before meals and avoid drinking with meals. This will help you feel full but not too full! Also, be sure to drink small amounts of fluid through out the day to avoid dehydration which can lead to more nausea and vomiting.
Now, on to solids, which can be very intimidating during the period of morning sickness. Eat whatever you feel like eating, whenever you feel like eating. If your body is up for the ‘challenge’ it’s best to take advantage! It is also recommended that you eat multiple small meals a day as opposed to 3 large meals. Again, try your best to avoid feeling too full.
When it comes to morning sickness, many women complain of being extra sensitive to smell. Having someone else cook your meals for you, so you aren’t exposed to smells like meat, raw foods and overall aromas that come from the kitchen can really be helpful.
Ease morning sickness symptoms by regulating your temperature.
Avoid heat! Heat is a huge contributor to nausea. Regulate the temperature in your environment. This will be easy to do! Grab some small fans to place throughout your home. Bed Bath and Beyond sells great little fans that are perfect for the bedside table, a windowsill or other smaller surface in your home.
Combat morning sickness by smelling fresh scents!
As we have already discussed, morning sickness can cause major sensitivity to smells. Author of Managing Morning Sickness: A Survival Guide for Pregnant Women, Miriam Erick states “Estrogen is the hormone that’s responsible for the sense of smell, and if you’re a high estrogen hormone person — like when you’re pregnant — you have the radar nose of pregnancy. Ugly smells, smells you can’t get away from, and potent smells will make you nauseous.”
When stepping outside for some fresh air isn’t enough, try sniffing something with a fresh scent. Citrus fruits like lemon, oranges and grapefruits can be great for this. Ingesting juices made with these fruits can also do the trick.
Severe morning sickness is classified as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Symptoms of HG include severe nausea and feeling faint or dizzy while standing. Patients with HG report persistent vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. This condition can require hospitalization and treatment with IV fluids and anti-nausea medications. If you are experiencing these symptoms we suggest you contact your care provider.
We understand morning sickness sucks but by following these few little tips hopefully your 6 week relationship with the toilet bowl will be a little easier!
