Morning sickness

Definition

Morning sickness refers to the feeling of nausea, often accompanied with vomiting, that is one of the common symptoms experienced by pregnant women, typically in the first trimester. Despite its name, it can occur at any time during the day or night. It is believed to be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

1. Morning sickness usually starts around 6 weeks of pregnancy and is often worst between 9 and 13 weeks. Despite the name, morning sickness can cause discomfort at any time of the day.
2. The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, but it’s likely linked to the rapid changes in the body’s hormone levels during early pregnancy. It doesn’t harm the baby and generally clears up by week 16-20 of pregnancy.
3. Although it can be unpleasant, mild morning sickness is generally not harmful. However, severe morning sickness, called hyperemesis gravidarum, can be serious and may require hospital treatment.

Importance

The term “morning sickness” is critical in the realm of motherhood as it is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

Typically occurring in the first trimester, morning sickness is characterized by nausea and vomiting, and despite its name, it can happen at any time of the day.

It is brought about by hormonal changes in a woman’s body as it adapts to nurture the developing baby.

The term is also important as it helps medical professionals and expectant mothers communicate effectively about these common pregnancy symptoms and manage them.

The term shapes the discourse around pregnancy, health, and motherhood, as well as informs research into remedies and interventions for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Explanation

Morning sickness is typically one of the first signs of pregnancy for many women and a common symptom experienced in the first trimester. While the term “morning sickness” suggests the discomfort is limited to the morning, it can occur at any time during the day.

It’s characterized by nausea and vomiting, which is thought to be caused by a sharp increase in certain hormones during pregnancy such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen. Although morning sickness can make a woman feel miserable, it serves a crucial part in healthy fetal development.

Some researchers believe that it has an evolutionary purpose, protecting the embryo during the most vulnerable stage of its development. Certain foods and smells, particularly those associated with toxins and pathogens (like meat and fish), are more likely to trigger nausea or vomiting, preventing the mother from ingesting potentially harmful substances.

Additionally, studies have shown that mild to moderate morning sickness is associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage, further suggesting that it might play a protective role during pregnancy.

Examples of Morning sickness

Kate Middleton: The Duchess of Cambridge suffered from extreme morning sickness, known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum, during her pregnancies. This was so severe that she needed additional medical treatment and announced her pregnancies early to the public, due to her noticeable absence from public engagements.

Kim Kardashian: The celebrity endured morning sickness during her pregnancies, openly discussing her experience with it on her television show and social media platforms. She shared how the nausea and discomfort often extended beyond just the morning hours.

Ordinary Working Woman: A woman working a 9-5 office job could experience morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy. She would likely have to juggle the demands of her job whilst managing symptoms like nausea and vomiting in the morning or sometimes even throughout the day. It may lead to her taking time off work or modifying her schedule to cope.

Morning Sickness FAQs

What is morning sickness?

Morning sickness refers to the nausea and vomiting experienced by many women during pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day or night.

When does morning sickness start?

Morning sickness usually starts around the 6th week of pregnancy. It tends to get worse over the next month or two. Most women feel better by the 14th to 16th week of pregnancy.

Are there any ways to reduce morning sickness?

Eating small, frequent meals instead of three large meals a day, eating protein-rich foods, and staying hydrated can help. Some women also find that ginger products, acupuncture or acupressure, like pressure bands used for seasickness, can also be helpful.

Should I be worried about my morning sickness?

Morning sickness is usually not harmful to you or your baby. However, if you lose weight or become dehydrated because of morning sickness, you should contact your healthcare provider.

When should I contact a doctor about my morning sickness?

You should get in touch with your healthcare provider if you can’t keep down any food or fluids, if you feel lightheaded or faint when standing up, or if your heart is racing. These could be signs of severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which may need medical treatment.

Related Motherhood Terms

• Gestational Period
• Prenatal Vitamins
• First Trimester
• Pregnancy Hormones
• Pregnancy Diet

Sources for More Information

• Mayo Clinic: A comprehensive source for health information, including a detailed section on pregnancy and morning sickness.
• WebMD: A trusted source of medical information which also covers various aspects of pregnancy such as morning sickness.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): A professional association for obstetricians and gynecologists with up-to-date medical information, including topics related to pregnancy.
• UK National Health Service (NHS): Offers a wide range of health information, including an extensive section on pregnancy and related conditions such as morning sickness.