Although Morning sickness is a common pregnancy ‘side effect’, it does not make it any easier for the two thirds of pregnant women who will experience morning sickness to some extent. It most commonly occurs in the first trimester (usually between weeks four and twelve), however some women may have it for the entire duration of their pregnancy. It usually occurs in the morning, hence its name, however it can happen at any time of the day (Fraser & Copper, 2003). The symptoms of morning sickness include nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite and in some cases may lead to anxiety and depression. In most cases, morning sickness does not have any long term health effects for the mother or unborn child. However, for some women, morning sickness can make them extremely ill, requiring hospitalisation for weight loss and dehydration. This severe form of morning sickness is known as hyperemesis gravidarum (Fraser & Cooper, 2003). In this case, if left untreated, the baby can also suffer from lack of nutrients.
Tips on how to cope with morning sickness:
- eat small meals regularly
- sip plenty of fluids regularly
- add ginger to your food, drink ginger tea or take ginger tablets
- limit spicy and fatty foods, or anything that makes you feel nauseated
- avoid cooking and preparing foods; this can make you feel sick
- for those who regularly exercised pre-pregnancy, exercise can help
- try acupuncture or acupressure to relieve the nausea
MAMA Says: Acupuncture is the most effective non-medication therapy we recommend. Book in with our acupuncturist and try it for yourself!
For more information, visithttp://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/morning_sickness?open
Reference
- Fraser & Cooper (2003). Myles Textbook for Midwives, Ed.13.
