TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Randall
Hello, I’m Dr. Randall. Let’s talk for a moment about morning sickness. Morning sickness is the term used to describe the nausea and vomiting that are associated with the hormonal changes in your body. Surprisingly, it can happen at any time during your pregnancy, and at any time during the day. You may also develop low blood sugar as a result of the baby’s nutritional demands. This decrease in blood sugar level can cause nausea in some women. Morning sickness is often worse when your stomach is empty or when you’re dehydrated, so here are some tips that might help you feel better:
- Nibble some plain crackers, dry toast, or dry cereals before getting out of bed in the morning and when you’re feeling queasy
- Eat six to eight small meals throughout the day instead of three larger meals
- Try eating protein snacks
- Avoid greasy or spicy foods
- Avoid odors or foods that set off nausea
- Drink liquids between meals, not with meals
- Sip ginger ale, water, weak tea, or mild fruit juices
- Try diluting a sports drink with half water and sip on this liquid throughout the day
- Avoid dehydration by drinking water and nutritious smoothies
- Chew gum or suck on hard candy or ice chips
- Sit and put your head down between your legs
- Get plenty of rest
- Try using a motion sickness wrist band to help reduce nausea
Some women find that prenatal vitamins can make the nausea worse. If this is your experience, be sure to let your healthcare team know.
There are also some alternative therapies like the use of ginger, acupressure, or acupuncture that can help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. Check with your healthcare team for more information about these therapies.
In most cases, morning sickness will lessen after the first trimester, although some women experience nausea throughout their pregnancy. This is generally not a cause for concern, although be sure to contact your healthcare provider if you:
- Cannot keep any liquids or food down
- Have nausea that does not go away
- Have lost more than three to five pounds since becoming pregnant
- Have vomiting that is tinged with blood
- Have flu-like symptoms or fever, or
- Feel faint