Morning sickness is the term many women use to describe the nausea and vomiting associated with some pregnancies. The American Pregnancy Association explains that more than 50 percent of all pregnant women experience morning sickness. While nobody is sure exactly what triggers the nausea and vomiting, increasing hormones play a role, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Time Frame
Morning sickness occurs most often between the sixth and 12th week of pregnancy but there is no exact time that morning sickness will end, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Some women continue to experience nausea and vomiting throughout their entire pregnancy. Although this nausea and vomiting is referred to as morning sickness, the name can be deceiving as these symptoms can occur at any time of day or night.
Effects
Mild nausea and vomiting will not harm a mother or baby's health, according to the National Institutes of Health. It does not mean that there is something wrong with the baby or the pregnancy. The National Institutes of Health explains that women who are expecting multiples may experience extreme nausea and vomiting throughout the pregnancy.
Complications
It is possible for excessive vomiting to lead to complications such as dehydration. Women should alert their physicians if they notice they have lost more than two pounds, they vomit bright red or black blood, they are vomiting more than four times a day or if they have not been able to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours. This may be signs of a more serious condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition in which pregnant women experience extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting that can lead to weight loss and dehydration. While many women experience some nausea and vomiting, hyperemesis gravidarum often leads to weight loss, severe dehydration, lightheadedness and fainting. Physicians may prescribe vitamin B6 injections in early pregnancy to help control nausea, according to the National Institutes of Health. In some cases, women may need to be admitted to the hospital and given fluids intravenously. If the nausea and vomiting becomes severe enough to affect pregnancy, physicians may prescribe medications.
Treatments
While there is no cure for morning sickness, there are things that women can do to help ease their discomfort. The American Pregnancy Association suggests eating small frequent meals, drinking fluids a half hour before or after meals, drinking small amounts of fluids and eating soda crackers in the morning. Getting plenty of rest and avoiding unpleasant smells can help also as well as not lying down after eating.
