This condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum. Nobody really knows the exact reason why pregnant women have morning sickness. The most commonly thought reason is the natural increase in hormones, especially human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG. Women who are having twins or multiples have much higher levels of hCG than women who carry one baby, and they are more prone to nausea and vomiting.
The high estrogen levels in pregnancy may also play a role. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, morning sickness results from a sudden increase in hormone levels released during pregnancy. Nausea may continue until the body adjusts to these new levels. Among women who experience morning sickness, symptoms peak precisely when organ development is most susceptible to chemical disruption, between the first month and up to the 16th week of pregnancy.
The nausea and vomiting that happen in severe morning sickness are so extreme that they can harm the mother and the baby. Not being able to keep down food makes it hard for the mom to meet her nutritional needs. So she might lose weight. And a loss of fluids, combined with the loss of stomach acid from vomiting, can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Treatments used for morning sickness, such as eating dry crackers in the morning or a bland diet, may be recommended for women with extreme morning sickness. But these might not help with severe symptoms. Some women might get medicine to stop the vomiting, either by mouth or through an IV. The doctor might recommend eating foods with ginger or taking vitamin B6 supplements to help ease nausea.
It can also help to:. If a woman feels anxious or depressed about her condition, talking to a therapist or counselor might help her cope with her feelings. It may help to avoid cooking or preparing foods. Drink as much as you can manage. Sometimes sips of flat lemonade, diluted fruit juice, cordial, weak tea, ginger tea, clear soup or beef extract drinks are helpful. If none of these are bearable, try sucking on ice cubes.
Vitamin B6 supplements can be useful, but doses above mg per day can actually be harmful. Consider acupressure or acupuncture on the wrist. Moving around may aggravate morning sickness. Rest whenever possible. Seeing your doctor about morning sickness Always seek medical advice if your morning sickness is severe, if you have lost a lot of weight quickly, or if you feel depressed or anxious.
Where to get help Your doctor Maternal and child health nurse Things to remember Around half to two-thirds of all pregnant women will experience morning sickness. Possible causes include high levels of hormones, blood pressure fluctuations and changes in carbohydrate metabolism. Severe morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum, may require hospitalisation.
Symptoms of morning sickness may be relieved by eating a few dry crackers before you get up in the morning, avoiding foods and smells that make you nauseous, drinking plenty of fluids and choosing high-carbohydrate and high-protein foods. More information here. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No.
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When it peaks Symptoms Complications Prevention Additional nutrition tips Morning sickness is common during pregnancy. When does morning sickness peak? What does morning sickness feel like? Are there any complications from morning sickness?
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