Navigating Morning Sickness: What You Need to Know
What is Morning Sickness?
Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting experienced by many pregnant women, typically during the first trimester. It’s said to affect 70-85 percent of women, so you’re not alone. In fact, its association with pregnancy was documented on papyrus dating as far back as 2000 bc! For some, it’s just a mild, queasy feeling, while for others, it can be more severe, impacting daily life.Why Does Morning Sickness Happen: Three Theories
While no one fully understands the exact cause of morning sickness, researchers believe it could be hormonal changes, increased sensitivity to smells, evolutionary biology, or a combination of all three theories. It’s an inconvenient side effect of a body working hard to create a safe environment for your growing baby.#1 Hormonal changes
The pregnancy hormone hCG peaks during the first trimester, which may correlate with the intensity of nausea, however variable results in the research suggest that the hCG hormone may not be the sole contributor to morning sickness.
More recently, a study has revealed a hormone produced by the placenta, a protein known as GDF15, is the cause of pregnancy nausea and vomiting. "The baby growing in the womb is producing a hormone at levels the mother is not used to. The more sensitive she is to this hormone, the sicker she will become." Professor Stephen O'Rahilly, University of Cambridge
#2 Sensitivity to smell
An enhanced sense of smell during pregnancy may trigger nausea in response to certain odours. This theory is supported by studies on women born with a condition called anosmia (no sense of smell) who had a lower rate of morning sickness than their non-anosmia counterparts.
#3 Evolutionary hypothesis
Some scientists believe morning sickness evolved as a protective mechanism, also termed ‘maternal and embryo protection hypothesis’, discouraging mothers from consuming potentially harmful foods during early fetal development, particularly pathogenic microorganisms in meat products and toxins in strong-tasting plants.
How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?
Most women start experiencing symptoms around the fifth or sixth week of pregnancy, and they often peak around week 8-12. The good news? Symptoms usually subside by the end of the first trimester (around weeks 12-14). However, some women continue to experience nausea into the second trimester or even throughout their entire pregnancy.
Effective Remedies for Morning Sickness
If you’re dealing with constant nausea, here are some tried-and-true remedies to help you cope:
Ginger: Sipping ginger tea or sucking on ginger candies can alleviate nausea for some women. Research suggests that ginger may reduce the severity of symptoms.
Small, frequent meals: Eating smaller portions more often can help prevent your stomach from being too empty or too full, both of which can trigger nausea.
Stay hydrated: Drinking fluids between meals (rather than with them) may help prevent vomiting. Ice-cold water or electrolyte-rich drinks can be soothing.
Vitamin B6: Some studies show that taking vitamin B6 supplements may reduce morning sickness. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
Acupressure wrist bands: These are designed to relieve nausea through gentle pressure on specific points on your wrists.
Rest and relaxation: Stress and fatigue can make nausea worse. Rest when you can and practice deep-breathing exercises to relax.
When to seek medical help: If you can’t keep any food or liquid down, you may have hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness that requires medical attention.
Natural Ways to Manage Morning Sickness
Beyond basic remedies, here are some natural and lifestyle changes that could make a difference:
Avoid strong smells: Cooking can be a major trigger, so ask for help with meal prep if possible.
Crackers first thing: Keep some dry crackers or toast by your bed and eat a small amount before getting up in the morning.
Get plenty of fresh air: Sometimes, a short walk outside or keeping your windows open can reduce nausea.
Stay upright after eating: Sitting up for about an hour after meals can help keep stomach acids where they belong.
The Impact of Morning Sickness on Daily Life
Morning sickness can interfere with your ability to work, take care of your family, and manage daily activities. Feeling constantly nauseous or worrying about when you might vomit can be both physically and emotionally draining. It’s essential to communicate openly with your partner, support system, or healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. Sometimes, even small acts of support, like help with chores or meal prep, can make a big difference.
All content and media on the Mother Natal website are created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
FAQs About Morning Sickness
- What are the first signs of morning sickness? Symptoms often start with a general feeling of nausea and a sensitivity to smells, followed by potential vomiting.
- Is morning sickness a good sign in pregnancy? While not pleasant, morning sickness can indicate that pregnancy hormones are at high levels, which is generally a positive sign.
- Can morning sickness harm my baby? Mild to moderate nausea and vomiting usually do not harm your baby. However, severe cases like hyperemesis gravidarum require medical intervention.
- What foods should I eat to reduce morning sickness? Bland foods like crackers, plain toast, bananas, and rice are often easier on the stomach. Ginger and peppermint can also help soothe nausea.
- Does morning sickness mean I’m having a girl or a boy? There is some anecdotal evidence that more severe morning sickness is linked to carrying a girl, but there’s no scientific consensus.
- When should I be concerned about morning sickness? If you can’t keep anything down for more than 24 hours, are losing weight, or feel dehydrated, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do prenatal vitamins make morning sickness worse? For some women, the iron in prenatal vitamins can aggravate nausea. Consider taking your vitamin at night, ensure it contains a gentle form of iron, or ask your doctor about an alternative.
- Can stress make morning sickness worse? Yes, stress can exacerbate nausea. Practising stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation may help.
- How can I prevent morning sickness from getting worse? Eat small meals, stay hydrated, and avoid triggers like strong smells or foods that make you feel unwell.
- Is there medication for severe morning sickness? Yes, your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication if your symptoms are severe. Always consult with your healthcare provider.
References
Paul W. Sherman, Samuel M. Flaxman. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in an evolutionary perspective. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Volume 186, Issue 5, Supplement 2, 2002, Pages S190-S197, ISSN 0002-9378. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937802800175
Crystal N. Broussard, Joel E. Richter. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, Volume 27, Issue 1, 1998, Pages 123-151. ISSN 0889-8553, Retrieved from. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889855305703502
Heinrichs, LeRoy. Linking olfaction with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, recurrent abortion, hyperemesis gravidarum, and migraine headache. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Volume 186, Issue 5, S215 - S219. Retrieved from https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(02)80021-7/abstract
Fejzo, M., Rocha, N., Cimino, I. et al. GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Nature 625, 760–767 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06921-9