Morning sickness is the term for the nausea and vomiting that often occurs during the early months of pregnancy, so named because many women experience it in the morning. However, morning sickness can occur at any time of day. While some foods may trigger morning sickness, others may help ease the symptoms. In addition, avoiding an empty stomach can also help reduce pregnancy-related nausea.
What Causes Morning Sickness?
While there is no exact known cause of morning sickness, it is influenced by pregnancy hormones. Sometimes morning sickness may be triggered by smells or tastes, and other times it may be caused by what and how you eat. The American Pregnancy Association reports that a too-full or too-empty stomach can trigger episodes of nausea. The pregnancy hormone progesterone actually changes the way food is digested, making it pass through the stomach and intestines more slowly than usual, which may be part of the cause of pregnancy-related nausea.
Changing Eating Patterns
Some women can deal with morning sickness simply by changing their eating patterns. Avoiding overeating can prevent episodes caused by a too-full stomach. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help. MayoClinic.com advises pregnant women who are prone to morning sickness to snack often as well, to avoid long stretches without food. In addition, choose foods higher in carbohydrates, as they require little effort for digestion.
Changing Food Preparation
Bland foods may be less likely to trigger morning sickness than those that are heavily spiced. Some pregnant women also may prefer colder foods and unseasoned vegetables. Keep prepped vegetables in the fridge for snacks and eat cold sandwiches; however, deli meats may need to be heated to avoid illnesses, such as listeria. In addition, avoid fatty or greasy foods, which can be potential nausea triggers.
Particular Foods for Morning Sickness
While pregnant women may react differently to different foods, some foods are known to ease nausea for many. The American Pregnancy Association recommends lemons and lemon flavoring, as well as salty snacks, such as crackers or pretzels. In addition, gelatin snacks, flavored popsicles, and foods flavored with ginger or peppermint may ease symptoms of morning sickness. Hard candies, such as lollipops, also may also help women control their pregnancy nausea.
When Diet Changes Don't Help
MayoClinic.com estimates that between 50 and 90 percent of pregnant women experience morning sickness at one time; however, for some women, symptoms can be severe enough to cause weight loss and dehydration. This can occur regardless of changes to the diet or meal schedule. If you have tried everything and the morning sickness has not subsided, talk to your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you vomit blood, feel weak or dizzy, or cannot keep enough liquids down to maintain adequate hydration.
