Morning sickness is common during the first trimester of pregnancy, though for some women it can occur at any time of day. For most, morning sickness is merely a nuisance, and subsides early in the second trimester. For some women, however, morning sickness is severe enough to cause weight loss.
Features of Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is the term for the nausea that many pregnant women experience during the early stages of pregnancy. Unlike its name, morning sickness can actually occur at any time of day. According to MedlinePlus, morning sickness usually begins sometime during the first month of pregnancy, and often lasts through the third or fourth month. It affects around half of all pregnant women. Fortunately for most women, morning sickness is over by the end of the first trimester.
Morning Sickness Triggers
There is no concrete cause for morning sickness; however, certain things may bring it on or make it worse. Hormonal changes, drops in blood sugar, stress and carrying multiple babies are all potential culprits. Some women may not get relief from morning sickness until it subsides in the second trimester, but there are a few things that may help keep it under control. These include using sea sickness bands, avoiding unventilated rooms and staying away from strong odors. Some women may also benefit from ginger, which is a natural anti-nausea remedy.
Eating With Morning Sickness
Women with mild morning sickness can avoid weight loss by changing their eating patterns during the first trimester. The American Pregnancy Association, or APA, advises pregnant women to avoid the following: getting too hungry, eating too much at a sitting and eating spicy or strong-smelling foods. In addition, high carbohydrate meals and bedtime snacks can help. The APA also advises women to drink their fluids at other times throughout the day instead of with their meals. Salty snacks before meals, such as crackers or potato chips, may also help settle a nauseated tummy.
When Morning Sickness Causes Vomiting
Morning sickness itself, while bothersome for the mother-to-be, does not actually harm the developing baby. However, women who have severe vomiting or who are unable to eat because of their morning sickness may be in danger of losing weight, which can be a problem for the baby. Weight loss of more than 2 pounds resulting from severe vomiting warrants a trip to the doctor. If anti-nausea remedies do not help, it might be time to seek some expert advice.
More Than Morning Sickness?
Some women may experience hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition associated with severe morning sickness. With hyperemesis gravidarum, nausea is severe enough to cause vomiting with weight loss, and may even lead to electrolyte imbalances. Women with hyperemesis gravidarum are at risk for dehydration, especially if they are unable to keep food or fluids down. Because this is risky for both mom and baby, some cases require a hospital stay with intravenous fluids. Others may be managed at home with medications and rest.
