At a Glance
One sip at a time. Drinking plenty of fluids helps with nausea but little and often is best.
Morning sickness can start from week six and for the unlucky ones, it’s ‘morning noon and night sickness’
It’s a good idea to snack on carbs throughout the day. It helps with blood sugar levels
You’re not alone. 9 out of 10 women suffer from some form of morning sickness symptoms
Morning sickness causes
Newly pregnant? Congratulations. Here’s a paper bag. If you’re not exactly glowing in those first few weeks, you’re not alone. 9 out of 10 women will have at least a little nausea but thankfully most find morning sickness symptoms ease off by week 20 or so…ish.
Morning sickness causes are largely unknown. It is generally thought to be the result of a number of changes happening within your body. Here are just some:
- Oestrogen and HCG. Though other hormones play a part, your oestrogen and HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) levels rise quickly during the early stages of pregnancy
- Odours. You’ll notice you have an extremely strong sense of smell. Odour sensitivity could be making you sick.
Is it severe? When vomiting starts to impact your quality of life, or your urine is extremely dark please reach out to your GP for further advice. There could be a chance you have Hypermesis Gravidarum or HG. It’s a more serious version of morning sickness so its’s best to tell your doctor as it can affect you and your baby’s health if left untreated.
What helps with morning sickness?
- One sip at a time. It helps to stay hydrated. Get plenty of fluids down, little and often.
- Ginger… tea… snaps… beer (the non-alcoholic kind). Women all over the world swear by ginger as a natural remedy for nausea and there is some evidence to suggest it works.
- Carbs. Snack on carbs throughout the day. Crackers, bread rice and pasta, little and often can keep the dreaded nausea at bay.
- Cold foods. They might go down better than hot ones. The last thing you need is the waft of a steak and kidney pie when you feel sick.
- Talk. The relentless symptoms of morning sickness can get you down. Talk to your other half, a friend or even a stranger – there are forums full of sympathetic sufferers.
- Be complementary. Consider discussing alternative therapies to help treat your morning sickness with your GP. Do not begin a complementary therapy without sign off from your healthcare provider first.
- Sleep like a baby. A lack of sleep can also make symptoms worse so here’s a few tips for getting a good night’s rest.
