Facts on Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a condition of general nausea and sickness in women who are pregnant. Symptoms of morning sickness can affect a mother-to-be all day long.
Causes
There is no proven cause of morning sickness. Some believe that the nausea is due to hormonal imbalances, such as increased production of progesterone or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
Rest
Pregnant women affected by morning sickness should rest often throughout the day. Nausea can be aggravated by increased activity and motion. Taking your time to get out of the bed in the morning can also help prevent vomiting.
Diet
Settle your stomach by eating a small amount of food every two or three hours, starting the moment you wake up. This gives you necessary nutrition while keeping your stomach from getting excited. Avoid fats, spices, caffeine and nauseating smells. Crackers, ginger and yogurt are good bets.
Other Tips
Avoid smoking, which can diminish your appetite and affect your unborn child. Get a lot of fresh air. Don't brush your teeth immediately after eating; it can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Consistent vomiting and nausea during pregnancy can cause hyperemesis gravidarum. Excess vomiting from this condition causes malnutrition and dehydration. Hyperemesis gravidarum affects about 50,000 pregnant women worldwide.
Treatment
The greatest concern about excess vomiting is dehydration. Persistent morning sickness can be treated with anti-sickness tablets. Stronger dietary restrictions and prescription medications, such as antacids and antihistamines, are used to treat hyperemesis gravidarum. Make sure any medication you take is safe for pregnant women. Consult a doctor to find a proper treatment choice.
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