Article By Pip Jones
As any woman who's suffered will tell you (and at least half do), the nausea experienced during pregnancy is unpleasant to say the least. For many, it is worst first thing, hence its popular name of morning sickness. But morning, noon or night, it can floor you.
What causes it?
Nausea is horrid at the best of times, but when you're pregnant, and probably feeling tired anyway (especially during those first 12 weeks or so), it can be very difficult to cope with.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) is thought to be caused by the rush of pregnancy hormones (human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and oestrogen), which start coursing through your body from the moment you conceive and, quite often, it can be the first clue you are pregnant.
Although it can be one of the hardest symptoms to endure, it's suspected that the sickness is actually a good thing, because it signifies your body is producing enough of the right hormones to sustain your pregnancy. In fact, there's some evidence to suggest those who suffer worse with it are less likely to have a miscarriage. That said, women who never experience sickness are still very likely to complete a healthy pregnancy.
For many women, the sickness is worst in the early stages. You might start experiencing the symptoms at around five or six weeks, and they might continue until your 15th or 16th week (of course everyone is different). Some women will have to suffer well into their second trimester, while a small number of (very unfortunate!) mums-to-be have to endure it until they reach full term and deliver their baby.
Often those who suffer worst of all with pregnancy sickness are the absolute supermums who are carrying twins or more – and this is because their hormone levels are higher than they would have been with a single foetus.
There is a rare condition (it affects around 3% of mums) called hyperemesis gravidarum(HG), which is a very severe form of pregnancy sickness. Sufferers vomit throughout the day, many times, and are unable to keep down food, drinks or sometimes even their own saliva.
Most women cope with their pregnancy sickness and it presents no risk for either mum or baby, but if you suspect you have HG, or if you have very severe symptoms, you need to see your GP as soon as possible, because it could quickly become a problem if your body is not getting the chance to absorb nutrients or fluids.
What can I do?
Ah! Well, lots of people have their theories about the best way to treat pregnancy or morning sickness. Have you already been told to keep a packet of ginger biscuits by your bed? But the fact is, what works for one mum will not necessarily work for another. On the upside, there are plenty of things to try.
If your sickness usually occurs in the morning, it actually can help to have some sort of dry snack (whatever that might be) close by. You'll have crumbs in the bed, but nibbling on something before you actually get yourself upright might stave off the urge to vomit. Always keep some water nearby as well.
When you feel sick, the last thing you might feel like doing is making yourself something to eat, so try eating little and often (at least every couple of hours, and always just before bed), to keep the coffers topped up.
Many women find if they go too long without eating, the sickness kicks in, so avoid missing meals wherever possible, and snack away lady!
It's thought that with pregnancy comes a heightened sense of smell – you may suddenly find you can't stomach certain odours and they bring on bouts of nausea or vomiting. If this is the case, avoid those scents at all costs, and ask friends and family to abstain from whatever it is that's upsetting your tummy when you are with them.
You might well find that you only want to eat certain types of food. If all you desire is bread and marmite, or cold mashed potatoes, then go for it.
Of course, we all want to eat angelically when we're growing a baby inside us, but during pregnancy sickness, anything you keep down is better than nothing at all. Bear in mind, though, that high-fat meals can put added pressure on your digestive system.
There might be certain times during the day when you feel fine, so use those periods to get all the salad, veg and grains in. If you're worried you're not eating healthily, or maintaining a balanced diet because the thought of anything not sausage-shaped makes you want to hurl, take a pregnancy multivitamin, which should also contain the all-important folic acid. This stage, in all hope, will not last too long, and you can make up for the 'bad food choices' later.
Being pregnant is exhausting, and fatigue is likely to make your sickness worse, so do rest whenever you can. And if your sickness is making normal tasks (shopping, going to work, looking after everyone else in the house!) too hard, then ask for help.
Your employer should understand (and might appreciate not having to empty a waste paper bin full of sick) and your partner and family are more likely to be helpful if you explain honestly how awful you're feeling. There's no shame in admitting you won't be able to manage as you normally would until this stage has passed.
There are various natural remedies for pregnancy sickness. You might try drinking ginger or mint tea. Some people swear by acupressure, or aromatherapy with citrus oils. If you try anything along these lines, always go to a registered practitioner and be sure to tell them you are pregnant if your bump is not yet making it obvious.
Finally, drink lots of water, fruit teas and juices. Dehydration is more likely to occur if you're being sick during the day, and it's not good for you or baby. You might well find you'll get a headache if you haven't had enough fluids, so keep a bottle of something refreshing to hand at all times.
Should I see a doctor?
There should be no point during your pregnancy when you feel you can't visit your GP if you are feeling worried, uncomfortable or unwell – and pregnancy sickness is no exception, even if it is common.
If you have tried various methods and remedies and your sickness is not helped by any of them, visit your doctor because they might be able to prescribe you some anti-sickness medicine (known as an antiemetic).
If your sickness is severe and you are not managing to keep down fluids, let alone food, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible as you might be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), which could pose a risk for you and little one.
If you are pregnant and feeling sick, but you also have a fever and or/abdominal pains, call your GP because you might have a tummy bug which could lead to dehydration.
Original article taken from Parentdish.co.uk
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