Morning sickness is one of the most common and unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy. The nausea and vomiting can strike at any time, despite its name.
But you don’t have to suffer through it.
While every pregnancy is different, Dr. A Michael Coppa has found some tried-and-true strategies that can help you manage the symptoms of morning sickness.
Here, we want to share some solutions that work.
About 70% of women experience repeated bouts of nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite during the early portion of their pregnancy, or what we call morning sickness. Heartburn and hunger pangs are also frequent during this stage.
Symptoms often occur from a combination of physical and physiological changes that happen during the first trimester, such as:
Morning sickness typically starts around the ninth week of pregnancy but can begin as early as six weeks. In most cases, the symptoms slowly resolve by 13 weeks.
Morning sickness causes nausea followed by vomiting, but you may not always vomit. No matter the depth of your symptoms, there are things you can do to lessen the effects.
The following nine solutions work well:
Eating dry toast or a few crackers as soon as you wake up may stave off the early morning hunger-driven nausea. A small amount of food may settle the stomach, preventing the symptoms.
Being too hungry or too full may also trigger morning sickness during pregnancy. Breaking up your three large meals into six mini meals may help you avoid this problem and the nausea and vomiting that comes with it.
With your heightened sense of smell, you may find some smells make you feel sick to your stomach. Fatigue and heat are also common triggers of morning sickness. Knowing your triggers and avoiding them may ease sickness.
Dehydration may also exacerbate your morning sickness symptoms. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps you hydrated and reduces or eliminates early pregnancy symptoms.
We recommend avoiding caffeine as symptoms may worsen. Instead, try ginger tea or ginger ale to help with the nausea.
Try not to take your prenatal vitamins on an empty stomach. Some nutrients, like iron, can cause stomach upset. Taking your vitamins with a protein-rich snack, such as yogurt or a handful of nuts, may help prevent the queasiness.
Taking your vitamins before bed may also ease symptoms, allowing you to sleep through any intolerance.
Breathing in stale air may trigger your morning sickness or worsen your symptoms. Open a window or head outside for some fresh air to feel better.
When heading outside for fresh air, go for a walk. A little exercise helps with digestion, so you feel a little better.
The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is easy to digest and makes a good option if you’re having a hard time keeping regular food down. Other bland foods to try include broth, a plain baked potato, and gelatin.
At-home remedies may not work. If your morning sickness persists or interferes with your daily routine, you may need a supplement or medication to calm the stomach. We may also prescribe an antiemetic to prevent nausea.
If your morning sickness lasts hours or you’re vomiting several times a day, you need to come in right away. Severe morning sickness, a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum, requires immediate medical attention.
Some women experience lingering morning sickness throughout the second trimester and even into the third trimester. Effective relief is possible when your symptoms start.
Book an appointment online or call us today at the location nearest you. We have offices in Cranston, Smithfield, and Providence, Rhode Island.
