Morning sickness is a form of nausea that occurs during pregnancy primarily in the morning. This is somewhat of a misconception because it can occur any time of day. Morning sickness is most common in the first trimester but some women experience morning sickness throughout their entire pregnancy. Approximately 50 to 90 percent of women experience morning sickness, state experts at the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms may start as mild and increase slightly in severity however for most women, morning sickness does go away after the eighth week of their first trimester.
Nausea
The primary symptom of morning sickness is nausea. It can be triggered by foods or various smells. Some women find that their gag reflex is more sensitive in pregnancy and may feel nauseous even after brushing their teeth. The nausea can occur with or without vomiting. For some women, they just find it difficult to keep foods or even water down. If you do experience nausea with vomiting, it is important to try and replenish any lost fluids to avoid dehydration. If you ever notice any blood when vomiting, notify your doctor immediately.
Dizziness
In some cases, nausea, particularly with vomiting, may cause dizziness or a presence of instability. A woman may also feel an increased heart rate or a sense of faintness. If the feel of fainting arises, it is important to sit or lie down right away to avoid falling and sustaining a serious injury. Staying hydrated and resting regularly may help to reduce the occurrence of dizziness.
Changes in Urination
It is typical in pregnancy to have an increase in urination. As a baby grows, it begins to press on the bladder, causing a woman to urinate more frequently. However, in more severe cases of morning sickness, there is a decrease in the frequency of urination or a reduction in the amount of urine. If urine is dark in color, it is important to notify a doctor.
Headaches
Headaches can occur with morning sickness and are likely a result of nausea especially with vomiting. If a woman experiences morning sickness regularly, the symptoms she have may be putting light stress on her body, causing the headaches. She should check with her doctor to see which medication or treatment is most appropriate for any recurring headaches associated with morning sickness.
